Tip-plasty is a surgical procedure that refines the nasal tip by reshaping the cartilage, adjusting projection, altering rotation, improving symmetry or reducing a bulbous appearance. Modern tip-plasty focuses on structural preservation using sutures and supportive grafts to enhance definition while maintaining natural movement and long-term stability.

What concerns can tip-plasty address?

Tip-plasty can refine a bulbous or wide nasal tip, correct a droopy or under-rotated tip, improve asymmetry, soften an overly pointed tip, and enhance definition. It is suitable for patients whose concerns are focused on the lower third of the nose rather than the bridge.

Why are tip-plasty and columelloplasty important in rhinoplasty?

The nasal tip plays a crucial role in facial balance, projection and natural appearance. Small refinements to the tip and columella can significantly influence how long the nose appears, how refined the profile looks and how natural the surgical result feels. For patients seeking subtle enhancement rather than dramatic change, these procedures can be ideal.

What techniques are used for tip and columella refinement?

Advanced structural rhinoplasty methods are commonly used, including suture techniques for precise shaping and long-term support, cartilage grafting when extra strength or projection is needed, dorsal preservation approaches to maintain natural anatomy and, when required, Piezo ultrasonic instrumentation for precise bone work. These approaches avoid aggressive cartilage removal and prioritise natural, stable outcomes.

What is the recovery like after tip-plasty or columelloplasty?

Recovery is typically quick. Patients usually wear a small external splint for one week and experience minimal bruising. Most return to normal activities early, and because no nasal packing is used, breathing through the nose is possible immediately. Subtle refinement continues over 6–12 months as swelling settles.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for tip-plasty?

You may be a suitable candidate if your primary concerns involve the nasal tip, columella or lower third of the nose. During a consultation, the surgeon will assess factors such as skin thickness, cartilage strength, nasal support and your aesthetic goals. Some patients benefit from tip-plasty alone, while others achieve optimal results with combined rhinoplasty.

Where can I get expert assessment for tip-plasty in Hampshire?

Consultations are available with Mr Tim Biggs, Consultant ENT and Rhinology Surgeon at Adnova Clinic in Fareham. He specialises in advanced rhinoplasty techniques, including tip-plasty, columelloplasty and structural preservation approaches for natural, balanced outcomes.

Columelloplasty and Tip-Plasty: Refining the Nasal Tip for Natural, Balanced Results

Q: What is columelloplasty?

Columelloplasty is a procedure that reshapes the columella—the strip of tissue between the nostrils. It can correct a hanging columella, a retracted columella, asymmetry or an imbalanced columellar-labial angle. It is often performed alongside tip-plasty to achieve a harmonious nasal tip complex.

mrtimbiggs4
4 days ago
2 min read

For many patients considering rhinoplasty, the main concern is not only the bridge of the nose but the tip. The nasal tip plays a central role in facial balance, projection, rotation and overall nasal harmony. Two highly specialised procedures — columelloplasty and tip-plasty — allow precise refinement of this delicate area.

As a Consultant ENT & Rhinology Surgeon with a specialist interest in rhinoplasty, I perform these procedures regularly at Adnova Clinic in Fareham, providing natural, structurally sound improvements for patients across Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Winchester.

What Is Tip-Plasty?

Tip-plasty refers to surgical refinement of the nasal tip. This may involve reshaping cartilage, adjusting projection, altering rotation, improving symmetry, or softening a bulbous tip.

Tip-plasty can address:

A bulbous or wide tip
A droopy or under-rotated tip
A pinched or asymmetric tip
Excess projection (“overly pointy” nose)
Poor definition

Modern tip-plasty relies on preservation and support, rather than aggressive cartilage removal. Structural techniques using careful sutures and grafts create long-lasting definition while maintaining strength and natural movement.

What Is Columelloplasty?

The columella is the strip of tissue between the nostrils. Columelloplasty focuses on refining this area to improve nasal balance and profile.

It is particularly effective for:

Hanging columella (too visible from the side)
Retracted columella (not visible enough)
Asymmetry
Smoothing the columellar-labial angle
Adjusting the position in relation to the nasal tip

Columelloplasty is often combined with tip-plasty to achieve a cohesive, harmonious nasal tip complex.

Why These Procedures Matter

Even small changes to the tip and columella can significantly transform the overall look of the nose. This is because the tip defines:

How long the nose appears
How refined the profile looks
How balanced the face feels
How natural the surgical result appears

For patients who want subtle enhancement—not a completely different nose—tip-plasty and columelloplasty often provide the ideal approach.

Precision Techniques at Adnova Clinic

At Adnova Clinic, I use advanced structural rhinoplasty methods, including:

Piezo ultrasonic instrumentation for precise bone work (when required)
Dorsal preservation techniques to protect natural anatomy
Suture techniques to refine, support and stabilise the tip
Cartilage grafting when necessary for projection, symmetry or strength

These techniques provide predictable, stable and natural outcomes without over-resecting tissue.

Recovery After Tip Surgery

Recovery from tip-plasty or columelloplasty is often quick:

A small external splint for one week
Minimal bruising
Early return to normal activities
Gradual refinement over 6–12 months

Because no nasal packing is used, patients breathe through their nose straight away.

Is Tip-Plasty Right for You?

If your concerns are focused on the tip, columella or lower third of the nose, you may be an excellent candidate. During consultation, I assess skin thickness, cartilage strength, nasal support and aesthetic goals to determine whether tip-plasty alone or a combined rhinoplasty is likely to give the best outcome.

For expert assessment in Hampshire, consultations are available withMr Tim Biggs – Consultant ENT & Rhinology Surgeon, Adnova Clinic.

To enquire or book an assessment:

📍 Adnova Clinic

More information:

www.timbiggs.co.uk

www.adnovaclinic.com