A droopy tip means that the tip of your nose droops or sags at the very end. For some people, the droopiness causes the nose to have a hook-like shape, which is why people also call this condition a hooked nose.
Whether viewed from the front or the side, a drooping nasal tip can have a negative effect on the appearance of your face. For many people, an ideal nose does not droop at all and instead has a slight upward angle at the tip.
To correct this aesthetic problem, Dr. John R. Griffin can perform a rhinoplasty (nose job) to surgically reshape the nasal bridge and other structures of the nose. The team at our San Mateo, CA cosmetic surgery center would like to consider how a drooping nasal tip can be most effectively corrected.
Causes of a Drooping Nasal Tip
The most common causes of a drooping nose include:
- Advanced age
- Too much cartilage in the tip of the nose
- An elongated nasal septum
- An elongated nasal bridge
- Facial muscles that pull the tip of the nose down when smiling
- Trauma or physical injury to the nose
- Problems with a previous nasal surgery
Ideal Candidates for Rhinoplasty
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are unhappy with the shape of the nose. They should be in good overall health and understand all of the risks and benefits associated with nasal surgery.
If patients are minors, it will be important to speak with their parent or guardian about the surgery. When performing the surgery on teenagers or young adults, surgeons will have to determine if it’s better to delay the rhinoplasty until the patient has full matured.
The Rhinoplasty Surgical Procedure
When it comes to correcting a droopy nose, a cosmetic surgeon has numerous options to consider. Some common approaches include the following:
- Shortening the Septum - If the skin between the nostrils contributes to the drooping of a patient’s nose, a cosmetic surgeon can shorten the septum to eliminate the appearance of drooping.
- Placing a Graft in the Tip of the Nose - Sometimes placing a small cartilage graft in the tip of the nose can improve the angle, achieving that more ideal upward tilt.
- Removing Part of the Tip of the Nose - If the tip of the nose droops in a significant manner, removing part of the nasal tip may be the most ideal option.
The above surgical techniques may be combined depending on your needs. Additionally, the surgery may be a closed rhinoplasty or an open rhinoplasty.
- Closed Rhinoplasty - During a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside of the nostrils, keeping scars totally hidden.
- Open Rhinoplasty - During an open rhinoplasty, an incision is made along the skin separating the nostrils (the columella) to better access the underlying structures of the nose.
We’ll discuss your surgical treatment plan in greater detail during the consultation process.
The Results of Rhinoplasty
Thanks to rhinoplasty, droopiness at the tip of the nose can be eliminated. Instead, patients will have a better contoured nose free from excess tissue and a hooked appearance. Whether an open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty is performed, the incisions are carefully placed so that scarring is difficult to detect.
Learn More about Rhinoplasty
For more information about enhancing the appearance of your nose and improving your appearance, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Griffin and his team are here to help.
