Tiplasty

What Is Tiplasty?

Direct Answer:
A Tiplasty, also known as nasal tip rhinoplasty or nose tip reshaping, is a focused surgical procedure that refines and reshapes the tip of the nose without altering the rest of the nasal structure. It’s ideal for patients who want a more balanced, defined, or lifted nasal tip—without undergoing a full rhinoplasty.

At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. K. Charles Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs advanced tip refinement surgery to enhance nasal harmony, improve proportions, and maintain a natural look that fits your facial structure. Using precise and minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Kim helps patients achieve subtle yet transformative results.

Why Choose Tiplasty at CK Plastic Surgery

Patients in Koreatown and Los Angeles trust Dr. Kim for tip rhinoplasty because he merges artistry with anatomical precision. His extensive experience across Seoul, Beverly Hills, and Brown University allows him to tailor every procedure for natural, proportional refinement—especially for Asian and diverse ethnic noses, where tip structure and definition vary greatly.

Why people prefer Dr. Kim’s Tiplasty:

  • Focused correction—no need for full rhinoplasty
  • Minimal downtime with subtle, natural enhancement
  • Improved nasal definition and refinement
  • Customized for your facial symmetry and cultural aesthetics
  • Performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with global training

Before & After Images

Click and take a look at these remarkable results of Doctor Kim's procedures showcased in the images to the right. These before and after pictures offer a compelling look at the significant, positive changes we help our patients achieve. To explore a much wider range of our transformations, and see even more results for yourself, visit our Before and After Gallery.

Benefits of Tiplasty

  • Refines or narrows a bulbous nasal tip
  • Corrects asymmetry or drooping of the nose tip
  • Enhances nasal projection and balance
  • Improves facial harmony and proportions
  • Offers permanent, natural-looking results
  • Minimal incisions and faster recovery than full rhinoplasty

Who Should Avoid It

Tiplasty may not be ideal for:

  • Individuals with major nasal breathing issues (who may need septoplasty)
  • Patients with thick or scarred nasal skin
  • Those with unrealistic expectations for dramatic reshaping

Dr. Kim evaluates your nasal anatomy using detailed imaging and structural analysis to determine if a tip refinement or full rhinoplasty is best suited for your goals.

Ideal Candidates

You may be a good candidate for tiplasty if you:

  • Are unhappy with the shape, size, or droop of your nasal tip
  • Want to correct minor asymmetry or bulbous shape
  • Seek natural enhancement without major nasal reconstruction
  • Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations

Get in Touch

Connect with us today for personalized support, answers to your questions, or to start a conversation about how we can help you achieve your goals!

CK Plastic Surgery Los Angeles

The Procedure – What to Expect

Direct Answer:
Tiplasty focuses exclusively on refining the nasal tip by adjusting cartilage, soft tissue, and projection—creating natural symmetry and improved definition without altering the rest of the nose.

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. Consultation & Planning:
    Dr. Kim performs an in-depth facial and nasal analysis to customize your procedure for proportional enhancement.
  2. Anesthesia:
    Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
  3. Incisions:
    Small incisions are made either inside the nostrils (closed tiplasty) or across the columella (open tiplasty) for precise access.
  4. Cartilage Sculpting:
    Dr. Kim reshapes or repositions nasal tip cartilage to refine contour, symmetry, and projection.
  5. Closure:
    Incisions are closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring.
  6. Finishing:
    Optional grafts may be used to strengthen tip support or enhance definition when needed.

Duration: 1–2 hours
Setting: Outpatient surgery center

Recovery and Aftercare

Direct Answer:
Most patients recover from tiplasty within 7–10 days, with swelling subsiding significantly after two weeks and final definition visible in 3–6 months.

What to Expect During Recovery:

  • Mild swelling or tightness in the nasal tip
  • Temporary stuffiness (no major breathing obstruction)
  • Return to work or normal activity within one week
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 2–3 weeks
  • Protect your nose from impact or sun exposure during healing

Aftercare Tips:

  • Sleep with your head elevated
  • Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
  • Avoid glasses resting on your nose until cleared by Dr. Kim

Surgery / Service Results

  • Natural refinement of nasal tip contour
  • Improved nasal definition and facial harmony
  • Permanent correction of asymmetry or droop
  • Subtle enhancement that complements your ethnicity and features

Why Patients Trust Dr. K. Charles Kim

Dr. K. Charles Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon renowned for his artistry, precision, and patient-first philosophy.
He has trained and practiced at elite institutions including:

  • Advanced Surgery Institute, Beverly Hills Physicians Medical Institute
  • Brown University / Rhode Island Hospital (Chief Resident, Plastic Surgery)
  • Jelim and BK Clinics, Seoul, South Korea
  • Robert Flowers, M.D., Honolulu, Hawaii

Dr. Kim combines Korean aesthetic principles with advanced American surgical methods to create results that are subtle, elegant, and timeless. His mission is simple:

“At CK Plastic Surgery, your satisfaction is our goal.”

Have Your Own Question?

We're here to provide the information you need. Book your initial consultation to explore if this procedure is the right step for you.

Thank you!
Your question has been sent directly to us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting your question.
Please try again.