The nose is one of the most prominent facial features, and as such, it’s one of the most common reasons people seek facial plastic surgery. Rhinoplasty (commonly referred to as a nose job) is a form of plastic surgery where the nose is reshaped and/or resized. One of the most requested types of rhinoplasty is called “tip rhinoplasty” and it focuses only on fixing the tip of the nose.
"I get asked all the time about tip rhinoplasty,” said Palm Beach facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jean-Paul Azzi. “Patients love this procedure. Just one subtle change can really bring balance to the face.”
Who is an ideal candidate for tip rhinoplasty?
“There is a specific type of patient who is a candidate for this procedure,” said Dr. Azzi. “Usually, it’s someone who comes to me unhappy with their nose, primarily because they feel the tip is bulbous, boxy, or unrefined.
To be a good candidate, the patient must feel okay with the bridge of their nose. Typically, if someone has a hump on the bridge, a full rhinoplasty is needed to correct the upper portion of the nose as well as the tip.”
What are the treatment options?
Modern rhinoplasty techniques allow the tip to be reconfigured and refined without compromising the nasal structure.
The procedure itself usually takes less than 1 hour to perform. It involves a small incision at the base of the nose to access the cartilages of the tip. These are then "refined" to match the bridge and take away from the bulbosity. “There is no appearance of a pointy tip or an 'operated' appearance. It's very natural,” said Dr. Azzi.
Is anesthesia required?
“Another advantage of tip rhinoplasty is that I perform it under local anesthesia while the patient remains awake - unlike a full rhinoplasty which requires general anesthesia,” said Dr. Azzi. “This makes the recovery extremely easy and quick. Some patients go back to work right after the procedure.”
What’s recovery like?
The biggest advantage of tip rhinoplasty is that the rest of the nose remains untouched so the healing time is shorter and easier.
There are no nasal packs and minimal to no pain during or after the procedure. Patients should rest with their head in an elevated position and should limit intense physical activity for a few weeks. Sutures come out in less than one week. Patients can expect mild swelling of the tip at first, but it will resolve quickly.
Dr. Azzi’s advice:
Rhinoplasty is one of the most intricate and complicated cosmetic procedures, and the most difficult subunit of the nose is the tip.
Dr. Azzi’s advice: "If you’re considering tip rhinoplasty or rhinoplasty of any kind, make sure to seek out a board-certified rhinoplasty expert. You only have one face. Trust it to a specialist.”
If you believe you’re a candidate for tip rhinoplasty or rhinoplasty of any kind, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jean-Paul Azzi at one of his offices in Jupiter or Palm City, Florida.
Please call us at (561) 429-5403 or click here to contact us.
We serve patients in the following South Florida areas and beyond: Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Tequesta, Hobe Sound, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Vero Beach. Live somewhere else? Click here.
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