Tip Plasty for a Bulbous Nose – Nasal Tip Contouring in Sydney by Dr Kernohan
What is Tip Rhinoplasty?
Tip plasty is a type of rhinoplasty (nose surgery) that specifically focuses on reshaping and altering the nasal tip. Unlike a full rhinoplasty, which involves altering the entire structure of the nose, tip plasty is limited to changes in the lower third of the nose.
It can increase your nasal function by repairing an existing defect. Tip Plasty involves modification of the cartilage tip with the help of excision, dissection, repositioning, and augmentation to achieve the desired results.
If you are primarily concerned about the tip of your nose then tip-plasty may be an option for you instead of a Full Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty.
Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney. Find out more about tip rhinoplasty surgery and what to expect before and after the surgery. Learn what the treatment involves, including the recovery time, what potential benefits it brings and what risks are involved.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan Rhinoplasty Guide
Am I a good candidate for Tip Rhinoplasty?
You may be a candidate for Tip Rhinoplasty if you:
- Have a bulbous nasal tip
- Have a long nasal tip that needs shortening
- Wish to lengthen your short nasal tip
- Have a low nose tip
- Wish to alter the appearance of a hooked nose tip
- Wish to make alterations to your nasal tip projections
- Have a flat/ blunt nasal tip
- Have a narrow nasal tip
- Are dealing with a collapsed nasal tip post-traditional rhinoplasty
- Are in a physically and mentally healthy state
- Have realistic expectations from the treatment
- Do not smoke or can quit it for the specified time duration.
Book a consultation with Dr Kernohan to find out if you meet the criteria to undergo a tip rhinoplasty.
Benefits of Tip Rhinoplasty
The potential benefits of Tip Rhinoplasty are not limited to purely aesthetics one. It has plenty of medical benefits as it can help nasal functioning by making breathing easier for you. The surgery can be performed with septoplasty which treats a deviated or crooked nasal septum. As a result, you can ease breathing and reduced snoring.
Tip plasty may also alter, Nasal tip, tip projection, tip width, asymmetry and facial balance.
Tip Rhinoplasty Procedure
Tip Rhinoplasty can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to perform. It isn’t as complicated as the traditional Rhinoplasty. The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the techniques used. Dr Kernohan will advise you on the best option for you depending on the individual nose characteristics.
Tip Rhinoplasty can be either performed using an open or closed technique depending on requirements. To give you a brief overview, the closed technique involves making an incision on the inside of the nostrils and has no external, visible scarring. This technique reduces the operation time.
In an open technique, Dr Kernohan will make a small incision on the skin in between the two nostrils which can lead to scarring.
It can be performed using any of the three classic methods listed below:
1. Cartilage Tie Plasty
Your surgeon will tie the alar cartilage to reduce the width of the alar cartilage.
2. Cartilage Implant
With this technique, Dr Kernohan will add an implant to the nasal tip. It will add structure to your nose.
3. Cartilage Reposition
This technique may be suitable for those who have a short, upward-turned nose or who wish to alter their nose tip after a traditional Rhinoplasty. Dr Kernohan will reposition the septal cartilage to change the definition of your nose.
Similarly, an Alar Reduction is performed on the skin that covers the top of your nose that involves using one of the two methods mentioned below:
- Removal Method – In case of removal, the excess alar skin is removed in order to alter the appearance of flared nostrils which leads to the increased height of the nasal tip.
- The incisions are generally made on the outside and lower sides of nostrils in order to reduce scarring
- Tie Method – This method brings about the same results as the removal method but the recovery is not as extensive.
- The incisions will be made on the inside of each nostril. Then, the skin between both nostrils is tied to reduce the width of the nasal alar.
Recovery from Tip Rhinoplasty Procedure
During the recovery, you might experience slight bruising, discomfort, and pain that can be treated with common analgesics. Dr Kernohan will prescribe painkillers to help relieve pain. Dr Kernohan might ask you to wear a nasal splint for at least a week after surgery. It protects the bony and cartilaginous structures.
It is recommended to stay away from strenuous physical activities especially for the first two to three weeks after the surgery. Avoid wearing glasses for at least five to six weeks post-tip rhinoplasty to optimise healing.
Avoid picking or blowing your nose during the recovery period. Taking the right precautions will aid in healing.
You will need to quit smoking before and after surgery as it can worsen lead to infections, brusing and wound breakdown. Stay clear of alcohol during this time until you stop taking the pain medication. Make sure to take all your meds on time and always attend your follow up appointments.
Risks and Complications of Tip Rhinoplasty
This is a surgical procedure which means it carries potential risks and complications. Dr Kernohan will inform you about the risks and complications in detail and steps to take to reduce them during the consultation.
Some of the risks include infection, temporary nasal numbness, bleeding, bruising, delayed wound healing, and the risk for secondary rhinoplasty.
For more details about the risks and complications of surgery, check out Dr Kernohan’s risks of surgery page.
Results of Tip Rhinoplasty
You can see the results of tip rhinoplasty once the swelling goes down. This can typically take 6 to 8 weeks.
Tip Rhinoplasty Cost Sydney – How much is a Mini Nose Job in Sydney?
Tip Rhinoplasty Prices in Sydney are around $8,000 to $25,000. The price can vary based on the experience and qualifications of the surgeon, the surgical facility, and location, but also your personal characteristics and the complexity of the procedure that needs to be performed.
Visit Dr Kernohan’s pricing page for more information about fees.
Contact Dr Kernohan’s team or call 1300 39 38 99 for a cost estimate or to schedule an appointment.
Funding Tip Rhinoplasty Surgery
If the nose tip surgery procedure is performed for health reasons like a breathing issue, you may be elligble for Medicare to cover for some of the costs. Your Health Insurance company may also contribute if you have the right level of health cover. Find out more about using a Medicare item number.
If you need to pay for the tip rhinoplasty surgery yourself, we have payment plans available.
How to find the Right Tip Rhinoplasty Surgeon Sydney
Start by making a list of experienced, qualified specialist plastic surgeons or ENT (Ear, Nose and throat) surgeons. Always ask other medical professionals you trust and look at before & after photos of past patients.
Tip Rhinoplasty FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get about Tip Rhinoplasty:
