The nasal tip is formed by two arched cartilages with one common leg, resembling a three-legged stool. The upper legs extend above the nostrils, while the lower common leg spans the columella (the fleshy part between the nostrils). Nasal tips vary widely in their width, height, curvature, and overall shape. With a refined nasal tip, these cartilages have a strong bend in the arched region and the tripod legs are straight and strong.
A Guide To Tip Rhinoplasty
Anand Patel • May 26, 2020
Tip rhinoplasty is a minor form of rhinoplasty that only involves corrections to the lower 1/3 of the nose. The nasal tip is formed by cartilages that are relatively mobile compared to the rest of the nose, and these are modified with a tip rhinoplasty. The procedure may be performed through an external incision between the nostrils or entirely from the inside of the nose. If cartilage grafts from the septum are not required, this procedure can readily be performed int the office under local anesthesia.
If you're considering making changes to the tip of your nose without alterations to the bridge, tip rhinoplasty may be the right procedure for you.
Anatomy Of The Nasal Tip
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What Modifications Can Be Made To The Nasal Tip?
The position and definition of the nasal tip can be improved by sculpting the underlying nasal cartilage and soft tissue in a variety of ways depending on the desired result.
- To correct an upturned nose, the nasal tip will be pushed downward by using cartilage grafts that extend the septum and tip complex to a lower position. A cartilage graft secured on the nasal tip may also lower the apparent position of the tip and add more projection.
- A droopy, or downturned, nose can be tilted upward with a variety of methods. One we commonly use is to shorten the upper legs of the tip cartilages to tip them upward. If the columella also hangs downward, it can be tucked up into the nose.
- With a bulbous tip, the cartilages are often too wide and convex, creating a ballooning effect which pushes out on the nasal skin. During surgery, the width of the nasal tip cartilage is trimmed. This reduces the tip size and convexity. Next, the arch of each tip cartilage is tightened into a sharper bend, and the two arches are bound together. This also lessens tip width and convexity.
- To smooth a bumpy nose, the nasal tip cartilage is shaped to make them more symmetric and smooth. Sometimes cartilage grafts from the nasal septum are used to splint cartilage that is curved or bumpy. Suture techniques are also used to make the cartilages more symmetric.
- An overprojected nasal tip can be pushed closer to the face with a variety of methods. One we commonly use is to shorten the upper and lower legs of the tip cartilages to bring them back. An improperly placed nasal tip graft may be re-positioned or removed, and any over-reduction of the bridge may be corrected with a rib cartilage graft.
- An underprojected tip can be projected farther from the face in a variety of ways. One common method we use is to place a cartilage nasal tip graft that projects farther than the tip cartilages.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
A minor tip rhinoplasty can take as little as an hour.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Required?
There is an option to have the procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Since the operation is less invasive, recovery for tip rhinoplasty is generally shorter than full rhinoplasty.
Interested In Tip Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Anand Patel
has helped many patients improve their nose shape with tip rhinoplasty. If you are interested in rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation using our online form or call us at (262) 701-7040.
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