The Ptotic Nasal Tip

The nasal tip is what adds charm to the facial profile and the nasal tip is what adds definition to the nose. The droop tip can make the whole face look sad and older. The droopy tip can be easily treated with the help of Rhinoplasty. The droopy tip is also known as the ptotic nasal valve collapse. It is mostly visible by the side view. The droopy tip appears as if the tip is just dropping off the nose and it looks even worse, when you smile. If you look at it in medical terms, then the nasolabial angle will appear acute with the ptotic nasal tip. Sometimes the angel is even less than 90 degrees which can even cause obstructions in breathing.

Another evidence of a ptotic nasal tip is the lack of visibility of the nostrils. It is normal for a little bit of nostrils to be visible in the front view but not too much of it or too little of it (your expert surgeon will know what is the right amount).  A no nostril show is a clear sign of the ptotic nasal tip.

The droopy nose does not have to be in symmetry, sometimes the droop can be disproportionate in nature. The droopy nose is caused because of the elongated deviated septum surgery or the nasal bridge. There can be various reasons for the ptotic nasal tip including aging, strong muscle over the tip that pulls down the tip, and previous rhinoplasty which weakens the nose as the support is not enough to sustain the firmness of the nasal tip.

How is the Ptotic nasal tip corrected?

Treatment of the ptotic nasal tip includes a bit of nasal tip rotation, thereby also giving the nose the definition that is suitable for the facial features. The Rhinoplasty for the ptotic nasal tip can be done in both open and closed approaches. In Rhinoplasty for ptotic nasal tip, the tip is repositioned by manipulating the lower lateral cartilage. The approach used is also commonly known as the tripod theory. This theory compares the crural view of the nose to the tripod.

One simple way to lift the ptotic tip trim the side’s lateral cartilage which will help pull or raise the nasal tip to the desired position. Another popular method is to completely move the tripod and rotate the entire unit to the desired position. Sometimes, it is also necessary to change the length of the septum to prevent the droop.

In addition to rotating the nasal tip and correcting the droop a small amount of cephalic trimming was also performed to remove the excess volume of the cartilage. Sutures are used in the end to fix the modified rib cartilage rhinoplasty septum and further refine the nasal tip.

There is one more method that is used as a Rhinoplasty procedure to correct the ptotic nasal tip is to shorten the depressor septi nasi muscle. This muscle shortens the upper lip region when it contracts. When you smile this muscle pulls the tip of the nose down making it appear droopier. The cutting of the depressor septi nasi muscle will eliminate the muscle activity then the nose will not droop so much.

Which Rhinoplasty is right for you?

What kind of surgery for Rhinoplasty is required for the droopy tip of your nose will be determined by the surgeon. Sometimes only one method is used and sometimes a combination of all methods is used to complete the aesthetic appearance.  The surgeon will use various techniques and even an endo-nasal approach to determine the amount of droop and the strength of the auricular cartilage.

Through computer-generated images, the surgeon will be able to show you the changes that can be made in the droopy tip of the nose.

Post the surgery, it will take some time for the redness and swelling to go down before you can see the results of the new nose. Follow the surgeon’s directions closely to make sure that the healing is complete.

The Ptotic Nasal Tip Before After Photos, See the Patient Results-

Frequently Asked Questions for Ptotic Nasal Tip –

Question 1: What Causes tip Patosis?

 Tip ptosis is caused by the loss of the lateral crura and upper lateral cartilage’s supportive connection. This type of inferior collapse of the nasal tip can be caused by trauma, particularly severe trimming of the lower lateral cartilage during rhinoplasty when the main tip support mechanisms are damaged.

Question 2: What is Tipplasty?

Tip Rhinoplasty, or tip-plasty, is the surgical procedure involving reshaping the nose’s tip, only the tip of the nose. It includes reshaping the nose’s tip to better balance with the other nose and facial features.

Question 3: Is Tip Rhinoplasty Painful?

You’ll likely suffer some little bleeding, bruising, and swelling in the first few days following your rhinoplasty treatment. Every patient has a different tolerance for pain, although most people only experience minimal discomfort following surgery. Being “bunged up” is more disorienting to most patients.

Reference Link –

  1. https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jor/journal-of-otolaryngology-and-rhinology-jor-5-066.php?jid=jor
  2. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/29/3/253/232313
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2122379/

About Dr. Debraj Shome

Dr. Debraj Shome- Facial Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai, India

Dr. Debraj Shome – Founder, The Esthetic Clinics, is a top facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Shome is currently a Consultant at the best Mumbai hospitals like Saifee Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, Nanavati Hospital & Apollo Spectra Hospital in Mumbai, India. He has 40+ research papers in the best international journals, numerous presentations at conferences & many awards such as “Best Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai”, “Best Plastic Surgeon in India”, Best Cosmetic Surgeon in India”, “Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Mumbai”, “Breakthrough Innovator in Facial Plastic Surgery” etc. A celebrity plastic surgeon, Dr. Shome believes plastic, reconstructive & cosmetic face surgery can allow you to lead a more fulfilled life….Read more

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