3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519

Tip Plasty With Cartilage

Tip plasty

photo of woman after tip plasty cartilage procedure

What is Nasal Tip Plasty?

A tip rhinoplasty, or nasal tip plasty, is a procedure to address the tip of the nose, focusing strictly on the lower two-thirds of the nose. By and large, it gets requested by individuals who are seeking more definition, with some patients interested in the opposite effect.

The nasal tip is a part of the nose, and it gives much character. The reason to perform a nasal tip plasty is to change the shape of the nasal tip. Commonly, a person who wants to do tip plasty has a tip that is wide, boxy, bulbous, or narrow, especially with the Asian type.

Other procedures may be paired with a nasal tip, such as addressing the nose's width, height, and length. It can also be done to improve breathing (e.g. septoplasty, turbinate reduction, spreader grafts).

Who is a Candidate for Nasal Tip Plasty?

The great thing about nasal tip plasty surgery is that it is open to a wide range of people. Overall, anyone who has an interest in enhancing the appearance of the tip of their nose can jump at the opportunity. This is a safe, straightforward procedure that is not impeded my medical co-morbidities. It is carried out in an outpatient setting, and it can even be done in the office.

A limitation of the tip plasty is that it does not thin out the skin around the tip of the nose. Therefore, individuals who have very thick skin will not achieve good definition results with this method and may be offered other techniques to create better outcomes.

Advantages of Nasal Tip Plasty

woman touching her nose after tip plasty
  • The surgery doesn't break the nasal bone, unlike traditional rhinoplasty surgery
  • It gives you a flat nasal tip
  • It could make breathing better
  • It can correct the shape of the nose

Consultation for Tip Rhinoplasty Procedure

The first and most important step to getting a nasal tip plasty is consultation. Our experienced plastic surgeon will start with a physical checkup to ensure that you are suitable for the procedure. They will examine your nasal structure and take a better look at your nose tip to decide on whether alar reduction or cartilage surgery will be best for you. Photos will be taken.

During your consultation, it is vital that you vocalise your expectations and goals to help our surgeon get the most out of this treatment. It is also essential to stay realistic about the desired results, as this will improve your satisfaction rate. Now, if for some reason you are not eligible for the procedures, our surgeon will recommend full rhinoplasty.

The Tip Plasty Surgical Procedure

This nose surgery is executed with local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia based on the specific techniques being used. It can go two different routes: decrease the size of the nostrils so that the nose is flatter or dissect the cartilage to add more definition, change the angle of the nose and shape the nostrils.

With respect to the latter option, a patient with a short nose can get their septal cartilage repositioned to make the nose more sculpted. A small incision has to be made internally; hence the scar is not noticeable. Excess soft tissue will be removed.

In some cases, the surgeon ties the alar cartilage in a technique called alar reduction, which gives you a pointier and less bulbous tip. And finally, some people may benefit from an implant that should go right into the nasal tip. By adding this step, the nose will become flattered.

During the tip rhinoplasty procedure, excess skin may have to be removed or tied. Depending on the method, the recovery time will be shorter or more extended, bearing in mind that wound healing is individual.

Just like with complete rhinoplasty surgery, there are two approaches to tip plasty: open and closed.

Open Rhinoplasty

The open rhinoplasty technique provides better visualisation to the surgeon and allows for direct exposure of the anatomic structures. It has a couple of incisions, both internal and external.

open rhinoplasty

Closed Rhinoplasty

closed rhinoplasty

As far as the closed technique goes, it offers a shorter operative time, no external scar, and less swelling of the tip. It is performed with internal incisions that remain hidden in the soft tissue on the inside.

Our plastic surgeon will assess the structure of your nose and the profile of your face before he can decide if a closed or open technique is suitable for you. Most patients undergo closed rhinoplasty surgery with us. For more information, contact us for a consultation today.

Recovery Process after Nose Tip Rhinoplasty

Nose surgery offers a rapid recovery. After it's over, the treatment area will swell and bruise. There may also be pain and discomfort but these are easily managed with pain medication. Instructions will be in place for wearing a nasal splint, the purpose of which is to keep everything together until the tissue heals.

If you are looking at the "when can I return to work?" perspective, the downtime is 7-14 days. It's the time it takes for you to have that normal-appearing nose. And while you will be able to tell the difference right away, for those final results to materialise, it may take anywhere from a few months to a year until you can observe that true definition you are after.

During the recovery period of your tip rhinoplasty, you should avoid any vigorous exercise and abide by the surgeon's instructions. They will advise you to:

  • Use a Q-tip dipped with sterile water to first gently clean the sutures around the nasal tip for a week until your follow-up appointment date.
  • Dry clean with Q-tip.
  • Avoid any pressure on the nose. This also includes no eyeglasses and no sunglasses until cleared by your surgeon.
  • Sleep with your head elevated 20-30 degrees to avoid accidentally turning over on your nose and undoing all the work that the facial plastic surgeon put into this job.
  • Not be concerned with some discharge. A slight amount of bleeding and/or oozing is normal during the first 2-3 days.
  • NOT blow your nose. If you sneeze, open your mouth to divert the airflow away from the nose. Also, don't touch your nasal tip.
  • Begin taking the medication as directed.
  • Call us or email us in the meantime if you have any additional questions or concerns.

A follow-up appointment will be appointed by the doctor after the nose surgery, and mostly within 5 days.

Nasal Tip Plasty Cost

The cost of nasal tip plasty surgery is not the same everywhere. The factors that go into the final bill include the type of technique that is going to be employed, your surgeon's fee and experience, as well as the anaesthesia used. If the patient has had previous nasal treatment, this will play some role as well.

In the absence of medical issues, nose surgery is largely performed to refine one's appearance, which is why it doesn't get reimbursement coverage. Most people subject themselves to nasal tip plasty out of cosmetic concerns; and in that situation, the financial burden is placed onto the patient.

But if the tip of the nose has to be modified to enhance nasal functioning, some insurance providers may consider the procedure to be medically necessary and pay for it.

FAQ about Nose Surgery

If you are interested in the nose tip plasty procedure, the first step is to contact our plastic surgeon and schedule a consultation. He will take it from there by examining you and evaluating your nasal tip.

Make your inquiry now






    Shens Clinic

    Shens Clinic, 3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, 
    #09-08, Singapore 239519
    Shens Clinic, 3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519

    Monday – Friday: 09:00am – 06:00pm
    Saturday: 09:00am – 02:00pm
    Sun and PH: Closed

    (Strictly by appointment only)

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