Tip Plasty and Tip Graft

Tip Plasty and Tip Graft may be performed to reduce a large, square, or bulbous nasal tip, to treat an upturned or sagging nasal tip, or just to change the appearance of the nasal tip.

The surgery includes realignment of the alar cartilage by resection and suture, fibroareolar and subcutaneous tissue, tip graft and columellar strut. The nasal tip is positioned high and elegant, methods such as cartilage suture, cartilage grafting and blocking the nasal septum.

Duration of the procedure:

The procedure usually takes around 1 hour depending on the surgical treatment and the extent of reshaping required.

Post operative care:

You will feel some pain and discomfort at the nose area during the first days after surgery but can be alleviated by medications prescribed. Expect some bruising and swelling during first few days and will usually subside in about 1 week.

Recovery period:

The typical recovery would be around 3 weeks. Sutures are removed within 10 days after the procedure.

 

Possible risks and complications:

These are complication free. However, all grafts have potential for asymmetry and migration. Although this may seem like a simple operation because it involves such a small area, a tip plasty may be one of the most challenging aspects of nose surgery. Disruption of the cartilage that supports the tip of the nose can cause the tip to collapse, rotate or lose projection; therefore tip plasty should be performed by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Anesthesia use:

This procedure is generally under local or general anesthesia.

Hospital admission:

The patient can be discharge from the hospital on the same day of the surgery.

Preparation before surgery:

• Assessment of the medical history (any allergies, serious medical condition and all medications taken both prescribed and non-prescribed), physical examination, and laboratory tests will be performed during consultation.
• Smoking must be avoided for about 3-4 weeks prior to surgery, as nicotine interferes with circulation and will greatly affect healing process.
• You will likely to be asked to stop drinking alcohol, a week before the surgery and throughout your recovery period.
• Avoid taking any medications such as hormones, anticoagulants, anabolic steroids and supplements at least 4-6 weeks to prevent complicating medical factors prior to surgery. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.