Surgical procedures

Nasal Tip Rhinoplasty
(Tip Plasty) in Philadelphia

Nasal tip surgery is a surgical procedure performed by rhinoplasty surgeons to reshape the tip of the nose. Your nose is essential to your appearance and determines your overall facial harmony. Having a wide, bulbous tip to the nose alters the aesthetics of the face and causes the nose to be out of proportion to the other facial features.

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Tina Ho is considered one of the best tip rhinoplasty surgeons in Philadelphia. If you are unhappy with a wide nasal tip, bulbous nose tip, long or short nose tip, or an overall uneven nasal tip, you could benefit from a tip rhinoplasty procedure.

What is Nasal Tip Rhinoplasty?

Nose tip reshaping is accomplished by either a closed or open surgical procedure that focuses on recontouring the tip of the nose to improve symmetry and appropriate proportions to the face. Some changes in the nasal tip can also be accomplished with liquid rhinoplasty.

In liquid rhinoplasty, the surgeon will utilize dermal fillers to help recontour and reshape the nose. This approach can help to smooth out bumps, improve symmetry, and make minor adjustments to the nasal structure. While providing a quicker recovery and reduced cost option, the results are temporary and may wear off over a 6 to 12-month period.

Nose tip reshaping using a surgical approach has the potential to achieve greater results that are permanent. A closed approach involves incisions only within the nostrils, whereas an open approach includes an outer incision between the nostril but gives greatest exposure of the tip. During surgery, excess soft tissues are removed, cartilage from other areas can be used to create tip grafts, specialized sutures are applied, and alterations to the nasal tip can be performed to create a more desirable tip contour, angle, and projection. A longer recovery and higher cost are associated with surgical procedures, but more dramatic results can be achieved.

Educational videos

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Learn more about what rhinoplasty is and how it can subtly enhance your facial harmony with insights from Dr. Tina Ho.

Rhinoplasty: What is Expected with Surgery?
Rhinoplasty: What to Expect After Surgery?
Rhinoplasty Recovery Video

This beautiful patient takes us through her rhinoplasty recovery after undergoing surgery with Dr. Tina Ho.

Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty Tip Refinement?

Patients with a pointy nose tip, a nasal tip that rotates upward or droops, or a wide, bulbous nasal tip may be candidates for this procedure. Generally, patients should be in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations of what a tip rhinoplasty can accomplish.
To reduce the risk of complications, the ideal candidate should be a non-smoker and be able to stop any blood-thinning medications. Unsure you are a good candidate, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho to discuss your options.

What to Expect During the Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Ho will evaluate the nose to determine the steps necessary to provide you with a more aesthetically pleasing nasal tip. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Ho will determine if the procedure is safe for you and develop a customized approach. The total cost of the procedure and the financing options available will be discussed during this appointment.

Risks Associated with Tip Rhinoplasty Surgery

Following your functional rhinoplasty procedure, you will need a recovery period of about one to two weeks. It is common to experience bruising, swelling, and soreness. To manage pain and discomfort, pain medication may be prescribed. The splint will be removed about a week after surgery.

Post-Op Rhinoplasty Essentials

Expand each section below for more information.

Begin walking the evening of surgery to promote circulation and healing. Continue walking about 20 minutes three times daily. Avoid bumping your nose, lifting more than 10 pounds, or any strenuous activity for two weeks. Do not blow your nose and sneeze only with your mouth open. Skip housework for two weeks and avoid swimming or contact sports for four weeks. Hold off on using a CPAP machine until cleared by Dr. Ho.

Apply dry, cool compresses under the eyes and on the cheeks for 20 minutes every few hours for the first two days. Avoid placing compresses directly on the nose.

Drink plenty of fluids and start with gentle foods such as soup, crackers, or mashed potatoes. Choose low-salt meals to help control swelling and contact the office if you have difficulty eating or drinking.

You may shower the day after surgery, but keep the nasal dressing dry and avoid hot steam. After the dressing is removed, cleanse your nose gently with a mild soap and water. Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing over incision sites.

Keep your outer nasal cast and inner splints in place until your first follow-up. Clean incision lines three times daily with a Q-tip dipped in tap water or saline. Apply Alastin Skin Nectar, Aquaphor, or Vaseline to the outer incisions and inside the nostrils three times a day. Use saline spray every two hours while awake. Continue this routine for one month and protect your nose from the sun with SPF 35 for up to a year.

Take antibiotics and prescribed pain medication as directed. Tylenol may be used for mild pain but avoid exceeding 4,000 mg in 24 hours and do not take NSAIDs for two weeks. Always eat before taking medication and call the office for nausea, vomiting, or pain that is not well controlled.

You may wear contact lenses the next day unless you also had eyelid surgery. Glasses should not rest on the splint; after the cast is removed, tape them to your forehead for one month. Wear clothing that buttons or zips instead of pulling over your head for the first two weeks.

Do not drive for at least one week or while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients return to work or social activities within seven to ten days depending on comfort and activity level.

Your first visit is scheduled five to seven days after surgery for removal of the nasal cast, splints, and sutures. Additional follow-ups occur around two weeks and one month to monitor healing.

Swelling and bruising peak in the first two weeks, then gradually improve over several months. Temporary nasal stuffiness and tip numbness are normal and will resolve with time. Scars will soften and fade within a year—consistent sunscreen use helps ensure the best healing.

Light, blood-tinged drainage is common for several days. If bleeding occurs, sit upright with your head slightly forward, apply a cool compress to the bridge of your nose, and pinch your nostrils for 20 to 30 minutes. A decongestant spray may help. Contact the office if bleeding does not stop.

Contact Dr. Ho’s office for a fever above 100.4 °F, increasing pain, swelling, redness, or drainage, persistent nausea or vomiting, heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD

The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.

Benefits of Elixir MD

Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.

Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.

Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.

Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.

Elixir MDTreatment Programs for Rhinoplasty

Elixir Detox

This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.

Elixir Cellular Repair

Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.

Elixir NeoXcell

The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.

Elixir RoXium

RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.

How Much Does Tip Rhinoplasty Cost in Philadelphia?

Tip rhinoplasty in Philadelphia can range from $5,000 to $12,500 or more. This wide range is due to multiple factors that must be considered in determining the overall costs. In addition, each procedure is individualized to the patient’s needs and desires and can fluctuate significantly between patients.

Factors Determining the Cost of Tip Reshaping Surgery
The overall costs of nasal tip surgery depend on the extent of correction needed, geographic location, surgeon experience, and fees associated with the surgical procedure.

Extent of Correction
The complexity of correction and needed procedures can differ significantly between procedures and may require additional incisions to obtain cartilage grafts from the ear or rib. The complexity of the surgery plays a significant role in determining the overall costs.

Geographic Location
Higher demands for cosmetic surgeries and higher operational costs associated with large cities, such as Philadelphia, and being on the East Coast result in increased operative costs.

Surgeon’s Experience
Nose tip reshaping is one of the more complex parts of rhinoplasty and requires an enhanced level of expertise and skill to be performed correctly. Selecting an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who has successfully performed this procedure numerous times is invaluable. Surgeons having more experience are in higher demand and will often charge higher prices to remain competitive.

Surgical Fees
Depending on the extent of rhinoplasty tip refinement required, the procedure may need to be performed under general anesthesia in a surgery center or hospital, which can increase costs due to facility and anesthesia fees.

Before and AFter

Dr. Ho’s Rhinoplasty Results

Septorhinoplasty: Before and After

30 year-old female patient came to me for a rhinoplasty consultation, most bothered by nasal deformity issues including prominent nasal bones, crooked nose, nostril asymmetry, dorsal hump, and downturned, round tip with history of prior nasal trauma. We pursued an open septorhinoplasty to take down her hump and smooth out her nasal bones, straighten her nose, lift and refine her nasal tip and improve her nostril asymmetry. She wanted to maintain stronger, higher nasal bridge to preserve her Italian ethnicity. We are so thrilled with her beautiful, natural results demonstrated in this video on year later. Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery – so many surgical techniques and maneuvers are implemented to create even the most subtle changes in the nose.
Rhinoplasty: Before and After

This wonderful female patient presented for rhinoplasty consultation, interested in improving the appearance of her nose. We pursued primary open rhinoplasty with ear cartilage graft to smooth down her dorsal hump, refine and lift her nasal tip, and reduce the width and size of her nostrils. We are so thrilled with her results.
Closed Rhinoplasty: Before and After

In the game of facial rejuvenation, often less is more for achieving beautiful, natural results. This wonderful patient desired a more conservative approach to rhinoplasty – she only wanted to take down her dorsal hump and slightly lift her nasal tip. Through a closed approach, we were able to help achieve her surgical goals. As illustrated in this rhinoplasty reveal reel, the patient demonstrated typical nasal swelling when her cast was removed one week following surgery. Her surgical results have been aging like fine wine over time since then – she looks amazing at three months out!

Real Patients, Real Results

Patient Testimonials

I got a cosmetic rhinoplasty with Dr. Ho just over a month ago and it was a great experience. We met in person multiple times beforehand to go over the procedure and I felt comfortable explaining my goals with the surgery. She was clear about expectations, the procedure, recovery time, etc. and it reassuring to…
Read More Best Natural Results
Dr. Ho is an incredibly competent, compassionate, and professional physician. I was an out-of-town patient and she was very accommodating to my schedule as I had to fly back for follow-up appointments. She ensured that all my questions were answered and I always received an extremely high standard of care. The actual procedure went very…
Read More Amazing work from an amazing surgeon!
She is by far the best facial plastic surgeon. I’ve been rejected by 2 top doctors to do my tip rhinoplasty and she was not hesitant to take me on. She did a mini neck lift as well with a chin implant. I can’t recommend her enough. My results were beautiful and natural. First two…
Read More Amazing Doctor
My experience with Dr. Ho from consultation through recovery for my rhinoplasty procedure has been nothing short of excellent. From the start, Dr. Ho and I were completely aligned on what I was hoping to accomplish and what was possible with my nose. I felt that my nose overwhelmed the rest of my face and…
Read More Amazing Experience and Results
Dr Ho did an amazing job i got my rhinoplasty done in june i am so blessed to have found a wonderful and caring doctor she was there for me everystep of the way during my recovery. I took me a while to find a doctor to do my rhinoplasty. im so glad i found…
Read More Dr. Ho did an amazing job
Dr. Ho is an incredible provider! She is so kind and caring, something really important when trusting someone with your face! She is fantastic with communicating, even after my surgery she was available all weekend to text if I had any questions. She listened to everything I wanted and gave me exactly what I asked…
Read More Highly Recommend!
Let me just say that Dr. Ho is absolutely wonderful! I went to a few consults for my rhinoplasty before Dr. Ho and she was immediately welcoming and informative. Dr. Ho takes the time to really walk you through what you’d like to do, expectations, doesn’t push, and she is honest. Dr. Ho worked with…
Read More GREAT EXPERIENCE
I recently had a dermal filler and Botox procedure performed by Dr. Ho; my experience was beyond my expectations. She took great care during the consultation phase to listen to the results that I was expecting to achieve. After her recommendations we started the procedure. During the procedure she was professional, enthusiastic, well-rounded and just…
Read More Everything I hoped for before celebrating a milestone

More Patient Reviews

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As Seen In

Dr. Tina Ho in the Press

Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.

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Explore additional procedures that complement a your procedure for balanced, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Quick Answers to Common Queries

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions for helpful information about Dr. Tina Ho’s facial plastic surgery practice, procedures, and patient care.

More Patient Reviews

The results of a surgical tip rhinoplasty are considered to be permanent as the cartilage and soft tissues are reshaped or removed. These tissues will not grow back, and after all the swelling has resolved, this final appearance will be permanent.

If a non-surgical tip rhinoplasty is performed using dermal fillers, the results will gradually fade as the body absorbs the filler. However, these results will often last up to a year which can be extended with touch-up injections.

The incisions are typically healed within a week of the surgery; however, more time is required for the soft tissues to fully heal. As these tissues heal, the degree of swelling from the surgery will drastically reduce. To be fully recovered from a tip rhinoplasty surgery, it can take twelve months or longer, at which time the final results will be visible.

Luckily, many patients can return to activities well before the final results are achieved. Typically, at one to two weeks the majority of patients have returned to work. Most light activities can be restarted at this time and all activities can be resumed at three to four weeks following the surgery.

Yes. Dermal fillers can be strategically injected to alter the shape of the nose and improve the appearance of the nasal tip without the need for surgery. This approach can help smooth out bumps, improve symmetry, and make minor adjustments to the nasal structure. While the corrections achieved with dermal fillers can be dramatic, the results are only temporary. Typically the results are visible for up to a year and if needed, booster injections can be performed to lengthen the results of a non-surgical tip rhinoplasty.

Yes. Many patients are very close to having their ideal nose; however, the appearance of the nasal tip or nostrils can prevent them from being truly satisfied with their nose. This is exactly where a tip rhinoplasty procedure can be of benefit. This surgical procedure addresses the common issues associated with the tip of the nose such as a wide nose tip, bulbous nose tip, long or short nose tip, and an uneven nose tip. Addressing these issues can enhance the aesthetics of the nose and boost the patient’s self-confidence.

Nasal Tip Rhinoplasty
(Tip Plasty) in Philadelphia