Tip plasty – Rhinoplasty for bulbous nose

There is one feature on our face that just don’t look good when its too big, too round and too wide – our nose tip. When your nose tip is round and wide – hello bulbous nose – it lacks shape and definition.

In fact, a broad and flat nose tip can make your face appear flat or long, and even make your nose look wider. And on the other hand, a nose tip that is too sharp and pointy, can make you look unfriendly and not trustworthy.

Yes, balance is the key. And because your nose tip is actually the focal point of your face, it is necessary to achieve an overall balance and symmetry with your facial proportions. But if you have a bulbous nose tip, fret not, because you can correct it with tip plasty!

What is tip plasty?

Some people may have a bulbous nose – a fat nose with a flat nasal tip, or just a fat nasal tip. While some have a high nose bridge but because of their flat nose tip, their nose seems somewhat big, fat and stout.

Tip plasty is a specific type of rhinoplasty procedure that aims to enhance your nose tip. This procedure creates or adjusts the elevation of your nose tip by raising your tip to a proportionate angle between your nose and lips, making it pointier.

By giving your nose a more defined tip, your nose will not only look smaller, but also gives your face more volume and a more dimensional look. Here are some benefits you can get from undergoing tip plasty:

• Improves the appearance of your nose
• Improves breathing
• Fix nose tip that is too short or droopy or too pointy
• Correct “piggy nose” tip (upturned tip that it shows too much nostrils)
• Fix any deformities of the nose tip 

With the ideal nose tip projection and proportion, your nose will not only fit in with other features of your face, but also enhance those features.

What is the golden ratio for Korean noses?

The golden ratio varies among individuals because everyone is born with different nose shapes, features and face shape. The key to a beautiful nose is finding the balance between your eyes, nose and face shape.

Here is a rough guide for finding the optimal ratio for your nose:

Optimal nose ratio for women:

• Ideal ratio between the forehead-eyebrows, eyebrows-nose, and nose-chin is 1:1:1.
• Optimal ratio between the length of eyes and width of nose is 1:1:1.
• Inner corner of eyes and corner of nose should be vertically aligned.
• Outer corner of eyes and corner of nose should be diagonally aligned.
• Ideal angle for the “sunken” area at the top of nose (nasofrontal angle) is 120°~140°.
• Optimal angle between the nose and upper lip (nasolabial angle) is 95°-110°.
• Having a supratip break (subtle indentation just above nose tip) is considered attractive for a woman’s nose.
• Slightly curved nose bridges makes women look more feminine.

Optimal nose ratio for men:

• Ideal ratio between the forehead-eyebrows, eyebrows-nose, and nose-chin is 1:1:1.
• Optimal ratio between the length of eyes and width of nose is 1:1:1.
• Inner corner of eyes should be vertically aligned with corner of nose.
• Outer corner of eyes should be diagonally aligned with corner of nose.
• Ideal angle for the “sunken” area at the top of nose (nasofrontal angle) is 140°~150°.
• Optimal angle between the nose and upper lip (nasolabial angle) is 90°-105°.
• Straight nose bridges makes men look more masculine.

How is tip plasty done?

There are two ways to make a higher and pointier nose tip:

1. Cartilage reshaping and removal
2. Autologous cartilage implant

For those who are worried about the results, you can also try out non-surgical alternatives to tip plasty before deciding whether to do the surgery or not. Most people reshape their cartilage as well as use a cartilage implant to achieve their desired nose tip. And sometimes, alar reduction surgery is also recommended, especially when you have overly wide nostrils with thick alar skin, because tip plasty does not make your nostrils smaller.

1. Cartilage reshaping and removal

This method involves the tying of your alar cartilages which will make your nose tip look sharper and nose look smaller. Sometimes, excess cartilage is removed. It is suitable for those who just needs to make their existing nose tip a little sharper than it is.

In most cases, especially Asian noses, cartilage reshaping is often not enough. Hence this method is usually combined with the use of cartilage implants, in order to achieve the desired results.

2. Autologous cartilage implant

When tying your alar cartilages together is not enough, the use of an autologous cartilage implant is necessary for a higher nose tip. Especially for those with very flat nose tips. The materials of nose tip implant used include:

• Ear cartilage: Best and most commonly used as it gives your nose tip a natural shape.
• Septal cartilage: Only used if you have excess septal cartilage in your nose.
• Rib cartilage: Used when there is no more ear cartilage or septal cartilage left for use.

What are the methods used for tip plasty?

There are 2 types of methods used for tip plasty rhinoplasty – the open method and closed method.

The open rhinoplasty approach is most preferred because it enables the surgeon to have full visibility of your nasal structures which allows for greater precision in reshaping your nose. In short, more accurate results.

1. Open rhinoplasty

The open approach involves a cut across your columella (the narrow strip of skin separating your nostrils). This method allows the surgeon full access to your nose, and enables for major or complex reshaping. Hence, a high chance of achieving your desired results.

2. Closed rhinoplasty

The closed approach involves incisions inside your nose, so there’s no obvious scarring. However, this method limits the surgeon’s access of your nose. Hence, major or complex reshaping is not possible. It is suitable only if minor work is required.

How long does the surgery take?

A tip plasty in Korea usually lasts 1~2 hrs and is performed under local anesthesia so you will not feel any pain.

When can I see results?

As the procedure doesn’t involve much change to the existing bone structure, there will only be a little swelling and bruising. While accurate results are visible after 1 month, final results are seen after 1 year. In addition, you have to wear an external splint (placed on the nose) for about 7 days to support the shape of your nose tip.

Do take note that the success of your flat nose surgery not only lies in the hands of your surgeon but also how you well you recover after surgery. So learn how to properly care for yourself during the recovery period by reading our article on nose surgery aftercare and post-op instructions.

Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.

How long should I stay in Korea?

Tip plasty in Korea is not considered a major surgery so hospitalization is not required. But stay until your stitches are removed. And go shopping in the meantime!

Stitch removal

Stitches are usually removed 7 days after surgery.

Cautions on stitch removal

If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, your wound might reopen, causing an infection. And if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation.

Sometimes due to time constraints, you might consider having your stitches removed at the local hospitals in your home country. Although that is possible (but not recommended), it depends on how well you have been healing and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.

Alternatives to tip plasty

The other alternatives to tip plasty are nose fillers and nose threading. However, such procedures are not permanent and effects are not dramatic. Fillers and threading results typically lasts from 6~12 months.

In addition, if you have an existing nose implant, it is not recommended to inject nose fillers nor nose threads. And if you are planning to get rhinoplasty, make sure that fillers and threads are completely removed at least 2 weeks before your surgery.

What other surgery complements tip plasty?

Sometimes, getting a nose job alone might not be sufficient to achieve the looks that you want!

1. Alar reduction surgery

Alarplasty is recommended if you have wide nostrils and/or thick alar skin. However, this procedure is irreversible so do it only when necessary.

2. Eye plastic surgery

Very often, eye plastic surgery is combined with rhinoplasty to further enhance your appearances.

3. Philtrum reduction surgery

If you have a long philtrum, you might need a philtrum reduction surgery. But do note that philtrum reduction surgery should be done 6 months after your nose job.

4. Lip surgery

Well, a smile goes a long way. You may not be born with the perfect lips, but lip surgery can help you achieve that perfectly shaped pout.

5. Facial Contouring surgery

Having a face shape that complements your eyes and nose will further enhance your beauty. But if you don’t have that perfect v-shaped face, facial contouring surgery will help you achieve it.

Conclusion

If you are satisfied with the height of your nose bridge but have a flat or bulbous nose, tip plasty is for you. It is a subtle way to enhance the look of your existing nose.

Sometimes, a simple tip plasty procedure to sharpen your nose tip can also make your nose appear smaller, and bringing a more defined look to your facial features. You will be amazed at just how a simple lift can strikingly enhance your appearance!