What is tip plasty?
The shape of the nasal tip comes from two pairs of soft, curved cartilages and the skin that covers them. When those cartilages are wide, weak or set far apart, the tip looks round or flat; when their support is weak, it droops. Tip plasty reshapes and supports these cartilages without altering the bridge above.
If your tip is very round and thick-skinned, our bulbous nose correction page goes into more depth. When the nostrils are also wide, tip plasty is often combined with alar reduction.
Who is tip plasty for?
- A round or wide tip on a bridge you are happy with.
- A flat or low tip that lacks projection in profile.
- A slightly drooping tip that you would like lifted a little.
- Asymmetric tip cartilages that make the tip look uneven.
- A wish for less downtime than a full rhinoplasty.
If the bridge also needs work, a full rhinoplasty will give a more balanced result.
Tip plasty vs full rhinoplasty vs filler
| Tip plasty | Full rhinoplasty | Tip filler | |
| Area changed | Tip only | Bridge, tip, base | Tip projection only |
| Narrows a wide tip | Yes | Yes | No — can widen it |
| Anaesthesia | Local + sedation | General / deep sedation | Topical |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 7–14 days | 1–2 days |
| Longevity | Permanent | Permanent | 6–12 months |
How tip plasty is performed
Before & after
Before
After
Other categories are in our before & after gallery.
How long does tip plasty take to heal?
| Day 1–3 | Tip swollen and firm; minimal bruising because the bones are not moved. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches out; taping may continue for a few days. |
| Week 2 | Most people are back at work. |
| Month 3–12 | Tip definition steadily sharpens as swelling resolves. |
“The tip is small, but it decides whether a nose looks soft or sharp, natural or done.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorRisks, honestly
Possible risks include persistent tip swelling, slight asymmetry, visible graft edges in thin skin, temporary numbness and a small chance of revision. Over-rotation — lifting the tip too far so the nostrils show — is avoidable with careful planning, and is something we deliberately guard against.
Frequently asked questions
Is tip plasty enough on its own?
If your bridge already suits you, yes. If the bridge is low or humped, Dr. Lee may suggest a full rhinoplasty for balance.
Will there be a scar?
Usually incisions are inside the nostrils; occasionally a tiny columella incision is used, which fades to a fine line.
Does tip plasty affect breathing?
It shouldn't. Supporting the tip properly can even help the nostril airway stay open.
How long do results last?
Cartilage reshaping is permanent, although skin and soft tissue keep ageing slowly.
Can thick skin be refined?
To a point. Thick skin limits how sharp the tip can become and lengthens swelling, which Dr. Lee will explain honestly.
How long should I stay in Korea?
About 7 days, to remove stitches and check the tip before you fly.