Tip Plasty

Refine a bulbous, droopy, or undefined nasal tip with Tip Plasty in Sydney. Less invasive than full rhinoplasty with faster recovery.

Home Procedure Face Tip Plasty

What is Tip Plasty (Tip Rhinoplasty)?

Tip Plasty, often referred to as a “mini-rhinoplasty,” is a specialized plastic surgery procedure dedicated exclusively to reshaping the lower third of the nose.

Unlike a full structural rhinoplasty, which involves fracturing the nasal bones to alter the bridge width or height, Tip Plasty targets only the cartilage and soft tissue of the nasal tip. This highly focused approach allows Dr Mohaghegh to refine the tip’s definition, projection, and rotation while preserving the existing bone structure.

Because the nasal bones are left intact, this procedure typically offers a shorter surgical time, less bruising, and a faster social recovery than traditional rhinoplasty.

Is Tip Plasty Right for You? (The Candidate Check)

This procedure is best suited for patients who are satisfied with their nose’s bridge and profile but dislike the specific shape of their tip.

Common Concerns We Correct:

Bulbous Tip: A round, amorphous “ball-like” tip caused by wide, convex lower lateral cartilages or thick skin.
Boxy Tip: A square, broad appearance caused by strong angles in the tip cartilage (domes).
Droopy Tip (Ptosis): A tip that points downward or “dips” significantly when smiling, often due to a lack of support or overactive depressor muscles.
Over-Projected Tip: A nose that sticks out too far from the face (commonly called a “Pinocchio” nose).
Under-Projected Tip: A flat or short tip that lacks definition.
Asymmetry: Uneven nostril shapes or crooked tip cartilage.

Advanced Surgical Techniques for Tip Refinement

Dr Mohaghegh avoids “cookie-cutter” surgery. He employs specific, advanced maneuvers tailored to your anatomy to ensure the tip is not just smaller, but structurally supported for the long term.

1. Cephalic Trim (Volume Reduction)

The Goal: Correcting a bulbous tip.
The Technique: Dr Mohaghegh meticulously removes a precise strip of cartilage from the upper (cephalic) edge of the lower lateral cartilages. This reduces the “fullness” and width of the tip without compromising structural integrity.
The Result: A more refined, slender tip definition.

2. Dome Binding Sutures (Shape Definition)

The Goal: Correcting a boxy or broad tip.
The Technique: Permanent internal sutures are placed through the “domes” of the tip cartilage. By tightening these sutures, Dr Mohaghegh can narrow the tip angle, transforming a square shape into a more aesthetically pleasing triangular shape.
The Result: Sharper definition and highlights on the tip.

3. Cartilage Grafting (Structural Support)

The Goal: Lifting a droopy tip or adding definition to thick skin.
The Technique: If the tip lacks strength, removing cartilage can cause it to collapse. Instead, Dr Mohaghegh uses cartilage grafts (typically harvested from your septum) to build support.
- Columellar Strut Graft: A hidden post placed between the nostrils to lift and support the tip.
- Tip Onlay Graft: A small cap of cartilage placed on the very tip to create definition in patients with thick skin.
The Result: A lifted, stable tip that resists drooping over time.

4. Alar Base Reduction (Nostril Narrowing)

The Goal: Reducing wide nostrils.
The Technique: Often performed alongside Tip Plasty, this involves removing a small wedge of tissue from the nostril base to narrow the overall width. (See our Alarplasty Page for details).

Open vs. Closed Tip Plasty: Which Approach?

Dr Mohaghegh will choose the approach that offers the best result for your specific anatomy.

Closed Approach (Endonasal): All incisions are hidden inside the nostrils.
- Best for: Minor refinements where major structural grafting is not required.
- Benefit: No visible external scar.
Open Approach (External): A tiny “stair-step” incision is made on the columella (the skin between the nostrils).
- Best for: Complex reshaping, bulbous tip correction, and revision surgery.
- Benefit: Allows Dr Mohaghegh complete visibility to ensure perfect symmetry. The scar heals imperceptibly in most patients.

Tip Plasty vs. Full Rhinoplasty: Which Do I Need?

Feature	Tip Plasty	Full Rhinoplasty
Surgical Focus	Cartilage & Soft Tissue (Tip only)	Bone, Cartilage & Septum
Bone Breaking	No	Yes (Osteotomies)
Anaesthesia	General or Twilight Sedation	General Anaesthesia
Bruising	Minimal (Yellow/Minor)	Moderate to Severe (Black Eyes)
Cast/Splint	Worn for 5-7 days	Worn for 7-10 days
Cost	Lower (Less operative time)	Higher

Comprehensive Recovery Timeline

While recovery is faster than full rhinoplasty, patience is still required for the final definition to emerge.

Day 1-3 (The “Puffy” Phase): You will experience mild swelling and tenderness. Pain is usually minimal and managed with oral medication. You must sleep with your head elevated.
Day 7 (Reveal Day): Dr Mohaghegh removes the cast (if used) and any non-dissolvable sutures. You can typically return to “social” activities now, as bruising is rare.
Week 2-4 (Settling): The majority of visible swelling subsides. You can return to work and light exercise (walking). The tip may feel stiff or numb—this is normal.
Month 3 (Definition Starts): About 70-80% of the swelling is gone. You will start to see the new shape clearly.
Month 12+ (Final Result): The nasal tip is the last part of the face to heal completely. Subtle refinement continues for up to a year (or longer for thick-skinned patients) as the skin “shrink-wraps” around the new cartilage structure.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in having a tip plasty, contact Dr Mohaghegh and his team by clicking here.

Have a Question?

Interested in this procedure? Contact us today to find our more by speaking with our team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much are consultations?

For minor procedures, like moles, lesion & skin cancer removal, we can book you in for a 15 minute Short Consultation with Dr Mo. 

For all major surgical procedures, we recommend a 1 hour Long Consultation with Dr Mo to go through your surgical needs & review your health in detail.

 If you decide to proceed with surgery, you will need to attend a Pre-Op Consultation, which can be claimed back from Medicare

Pricing for consultations are: 

Long Consult (1 hr) –

$400 Follow-Up Consult (15 min) –

$130 Pre-Op Consult (15 min) –

Medicare Rebate Price ‍ A $100 deposit will need to be paid to confirm your booking. 

You may be eligible for a Medicare Rebate on your consultation fee with a referral letter from a GP. Pensioners may also be eligible for a reduced rate. Please bring your Pensioner card with you. ‍ 

Please ask our friendly team for more information when booking your consultation.

Do you offer virtual/remote consultations?

Yes, Dr Mohaghegh does provide virtual/remote consultations for patients who aren’t able to come into the clinic.

For patients who are able to visit the clinic, we highly recommend you to see Dr Mohaghegh in-person for the best possible assessment.

How do I book a consultation?

If you would like to book a consultation, please either:

• Complete the Booking Form on our website
• Send us an email to hello@drmohaghegh.com.au with your name & contact details for a call back
• Call our Double Bay Clinic on 1300 074 466 to speak to our friendly staff
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We look forward to meeting you & taking care of you throughout your journey with us.

How much does plastic surgery cost?

The costs of Plastic Surgery will vary from patient to patient, and based on the details of your surgical plan, which includes:
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• which procedures are to be performed
• the number of surgeries needed to complete the process, and
• the complexity of their needs.
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After your consultation with Dr Mo, we will provide you with a detailed surgical plan & quote of the surgeon’s fees, as well as estimated costs for hospital fees, anaesthetists fees, etc.

You may be eligible to claim a rebate from your Private Health Fund for hospital costs depending on your level of cover.
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You may be eligible for Medicare Rebates for some non-cosmetic procedures with an item number. Keep in mind, however, that Medicare only covers reconstructive surgeries that are deemed medically necessary. Procedures that are performed for solely cosmetic reasons are typically not covered by Medicare.

Please contact us if you require detailed information about pricing & your surgical needs.
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The cost of body contouring after major weight loss will vary for each patient depending on the reason for your body contouring, you may be eligible for Medicare coverage.

What is the after surgery care & recovery process like?

Once you have finished in theatre you will be looked after by a team of medical staff ensuring you are comfortable whilst you rest at the hospital.
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You will be fitted at the hospital with your surgical garment which you will wear during your recovery process.
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After undergoing your surgery you will have a post operative appointment the following day with Dr Mohaghegh either in clinic or at the hospital depending on the procedure performed.
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The post operative appointments are tailored to each patient’s needs and their Recovery Plan, however, Post-Op Follow Up checks are generally required at 1 week, 2 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the completion of your procedure. Post-Op Follow Up Checks are included as a part of our fees and no additional fees apply.
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At the Follow Up Checks, Dr Mo and his nurse will:
• Review your surgical site
• Review and change the dressing as needed
• Scar management

How much does it cost for skin lesion & skin cancer removal?

For minor surgeries, like skin lesions & skin cancer removal, we charge based on the time required to perform the procedure.

This fee also covers their follow up appointments for 6 weeks.
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Our out of pocket fees for minor procedures are:
‍Up to 15 min – $300
15-30 mins – $550
30-45 mins – $750
45-60 mins – $900

The cost of Tip Plasty is generally lower than a full structural rhinoplasty because the procedure is shorter and less invasive. However, the price varies depending on whether it is performed under local anaesthesia (in-rooms) or general anaesthesia (hospital). During your consultation, Dr Mohaghegh will provide a detailed quote that includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, and hospital costs.

Tip Plasty is typically considered a cosmetic procedure if it is performed solely to improve the appearance of the nose (e.g., refining a bulbous tip). Therefore, it usually does not qualify for a Medicare rebate or private health insurance coverage. However, if the surgery is performed to correct a nasal valve collapse that is obstructing your breathing, some functional components may be eligible for a rebate.

A traditional “nose job” (Rhinoplasty) often involves breaking the nasal bones to change the bridge height, width, or profile. Tip Plasty is a “mini-rhinoplasty” that strictly addresses the bottom third of the nose—the cartilage and soft tissue of the tip. It does not alter the bone structure or the bridge.

Yes. Because Tip Plasty does not involve breaking bones, it is one of the few nasal surgeries that can often be performed comfortably under local anaesthesia with sedation (twilight sedation). This allows for a quicker recovery from the anaesthetic and avoids the grogginess associated with general anaesthesia.

Black eyes after nose surgery are primarily caused by the fracturing of the nasal bones (osteotomies). Since Tip Plasty avoids the nasal bones entirely, bruising under the eyes is very rare. You may experience some mild skin discoloration on the nose itself, but the recovery is significantly more “socially presentable” than full rhinoplasty.

Yes. A droopy tip (ptosis) is a common concern, especially when smiling. Dr Mohaghegh can use cartilage sutures or grafts to rotate the tip upwards, creating a more youthful, lifted angle (nasolabial angle) and preventing the nose from dipping when you smile.

While you will look “normal” to strangers within 2 weeks, the nasal tip is the last part of the nose to fully heal. You may notice that the tip feels firm or slightly swollen for several months. 80% of the swelling is usually gone by 3 months, but the final, refined definition may take 6–12 months to fully emerge.

Patients with thick skin are more challenging candidates because the skin can mask the underlying cartilage definition. However, Dr Mohaghegh utilizes specialized techniques for thick-skinned patients, such as robust cartilage grafting to push against the skin and create better definition, rather than just removing cartilage which can make the tip look amorphous.

Yes. Unlike “Liquid Rhinoplasty” (dermal fillers) which dissolves after 12–18 months, surgical Tip Plasty provides permanent structural changes. The cartilage is physically reshaped, sutured, or grafted to maintain its new form for life.

Absolutely. This is a very common combination. Tip Plasty refines the ball of the nose, while Alarplasty reduces the width of the nostrils. Performing both together provides a comprehensive refinement of the lower third of the nose for improved balance.

When performed correctly, Tip Plasty should not negatively impact your breathing. In fact, if you have a “collapsed” or weak nasal tip, rebuilding it with cartilage grafts can actually open the external nasal valves and improve airflow. Dr Mohaghegh prioritizes functional airway preservation in every cosmetic procedure.

Yes. Unlike full rhinoplasty where you must avoid resting glasses on the healing nasal bridge, Tip Plasty does not affect the bridge. You can generally wear glasses immediately after surgery, provided they do not rest heavily on the tip itself.

This depends on the approach. In a Closed Tip Plasty, all incisions are hidden inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scar. In an Open Tip Plasty, a tiny incision is made on the columella (the skin between the nostrils). This incision heals extremely well and is typically imperceptible to the naked eye after a few months. Dr Mohaghegh will discuss which approach is best for your anatomy.

Revision surgery is possible but must be delayed for at least 12 months to allow all swelling to resolve and scar tissue to soften. Because Tip Plasty is less destructive than full rhinoplasty, revisions are often less complex, but it is always best to “get it right the first time” by choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

The nose must be fully developed before surgery, so we generally do not perform Tip Plasty on patients under 16–17 years old (for girls) or 17–18 years old (for boys). There is no upper age limit, and many older patients choose Tip Plasty to correct the “drooping” of the nose that naturally occurs with aging.

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