Nasal Tip Shaping + Nasal Tip Cartilage Graft + Columella Strut

The tip of this patient’s nose was broad and lacked projection, so the nose read as flat in profile and wide from the front.

We narrowed the tip cartilages, placed a graft at the tip to add projection, and set a strut in the columella to hold the new height. The strut matters. A tip built up without support drops back within a year.

At six months the tip has definition and the profile shows a clear high point. From the front the nose looks narrower without appearing pinched.

Cartilage taken from the patient’s own septum or ear integrates and does not carry the displacement or infection risk that a synthetic implant does at the tip.

Swelling and bruising are strongest in the first week.

A cast or tape is worn for about one week.

Numbness at the tip may last several months.

Fine swelling at the tip resolves slowly, over six months to a year.

Asymmetry, visible or palpable graft edges, and irregularity can occur and may need revision.

Nasal obstruction or changes in breathing are possible.

Where cartilage is taken from the ear, a small scar remains behind the ear.

Infection, bleeding, and delayed healing are uncommon but reported.