Asia is the largest continent in the world and is home to numerous ethnic groups. But although there are significant ethnic nasal and facial variations among Asians, they are often stereotyped by Westerners. The influence of Western culture combined with the impact of globalization and the strength of native economies has altered the Asian concept of beauty over time. Hence, the growth of cosmetic surgery has skyrocketed among this population, and rhinoplasty is known to be the second most popular among them. Nowadays, most Asians are undergoing Asian rhinoplasty to enhance their appearance by achieving a higher nose with better definition while preserving their ethnic identity. Keep reading as we reveal different facets of this surgical procedure through this article.
Nasal Anatomy Of Asians
Before exploring Asian rhinoplasty, it is essential to understand the underlying nasal anatomy of Asians. Even though there are anatomic variations among different ethnic groups, Asian noses have quite a few similar features. A typical Asian nose is small in both height and width due to the presence of a smaller structure of bones. It has thick skin with a low dorsum, a short columella, and a low radix. The nasal tip comprises lots of fibrofatty tissue, which makes it under projected, poorly defined, and bulbous. The lower lateral cartilages in Asian noses are weak, the alar lobules are thick, and the alar bases are wide. The retracted columella and premaxillary hypoplasia also make the nasolabial angle acute. In addition, the nostrils look round and more flared. This unique nasal anatomy prevents Asians from being the right candidates for a traditional nose job (1).
Asian Rhinoplasty – Before & After
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What Is Asian Rhinoplasty?
Asian rhinoplasty, or ethnic rhinoplasty, is a special version of traditional rhinoplasty surgery. It focuses on adjusting the noses of non-Caucasian patients to become well-balanced with other facial features and flatter their natural ethnic beauty. Either silicone implant or adequate natural tissue is required for Asian rhinoplasty. The cartilage needed for this surgery is usually taken from the nose itself. But it can also be harvested from the ear and the rib. However, finding the right plastic surgeon having immense expertise and experience in Asian rhinoplasty is essential to enjoy the best possible results. According to Age Defying, every invasive surgery comes with some risks, and so as the Asian rhinoplasty.
Why Is It Different?
Most Asian rhinoplasty surgeries revolve around the projection of the nasal tip or the augmentation of the nasal dorsum near the eye area and the upper cheeks. However, each patient wishes for a different degree of nasal refinement, which makes it complicated and considerably different from regular nose jobs. Therefore, the surgical procedure needs to be customized based on the individual patient’s unique anatomy and her desired appearance. Therefore, a careful preoperative consultation is imperative for aligning the patient’s expectations with the surgical procedure’s limitations. It also helps the surgeon understand the best technique for making subtle refinements that look natural (2).
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Goals Of Asian Rhinoplasty
Image Source – lamfacialplastics
Following are the most common surgical goals that surgeons need to address during Asian rhinoplasty:
- Enhancing the flat, wide nasal tip to add more projection to it
- Reinforcing a weak nasal tip by providing support and adding structure
- Adjusting the shape of the nostrils to make them more aesthetically pleasing
- Narrowing a wide nasal bridge to gain projection and definition
- Building up a flat nasal bridge to make it look strong and defined
- Lengthening a short nose and making it more prominent by restructuring it
- Restoring the attractive look of the nose by correcting deformities or injuries
- Achieving a more appealing look by balancing all facial features harmoniously
- Making ethnically-compatible refinements for getting natural-looking results
Ideal Candidates
An ideal candidate for Asian rhinoplasty is one who wants to alter her nose profile subtly (by elevating the bridge of rectifying a structural deformity) while retaining her racial identity. In addition, she should be an individual of any age and skin type with overall good health and realistic expectations.
The Surgical Procedure
- General anesthesia is administered to provide the highest level of care to Asian rhinoplasty patients. However, intravenous sedation can also be used.
- Your surgeon adopts an open surgical technique and makes a slight incision along the base of your nose, depending on how much correction is needed. This ensures that the scar remains hidden in your nasal base and upper lip’s crease (philtrum).
- Then, a silicone implant (mostly ‘L’-shaped) or cartilage taken from the patient’s body (septum, back of the ear, or rib) is placed near the nasal tip according to the requirements.
- Finally, the surgeon closes the incision with absorbable or removable sutures, places stents, and covers the wound with a dressing.
Time Required
Asian rhinoplasty takes around 2 to 3 hours to finish, and it can even be longer sometimes. Though your nasal tissue and cartilage will gradually heal and settle into the refined shape and position, the final results will only surface after several months or even a year.
Post-Surgical Care
Mild swelling, a little tenderness, and minimal bruising are common following the surgery, which diminishes within 1 to 3 weeks. You may be placed on oral antibiotics for 6-7 days. Refining your nasal tip will require a taping of the nose for a week. This will control edema while providing uniform healing. If you have undergone more than a nasal tip refinement, you may have to wear a plastic splint for the first 7 days after the procedure. Keep your nose dry to prevent the splint from falling off. Internal silicone splints used during the surgery can be left for 4 to 7 days before removing.
Recovery And Downtime
Once the splint is removed after a week, you can resume your daily activities. After one more week, you should be able to start moderate physical activities. However, do not get involved in contact sports for at least 6 months as it can injure your nose. Also, stay away from smoking and stop taking certain medications (aspirin, salicylates, etc.) to promote healing. Your scars should fade over time; the full recovery might take almost 12 months.
Risks And Complications
The most common complications experienced by patients are hyperpigmentation, hypertrophic scarring, prolonged edema, graft visibility, graft resorption, asymmetry, etc. Other complications related to silicone implants include infection, translucency, skin discoloration, extrusion, displacement, mobility, calcification, and capsular contracture.
Cost Of The Procedure
The average cost of Asian rhinoplasty surgery ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. However, it varies depending on the corrective needs of the patient as well as the procedure performed by the surgeon to achieve the best results.
References:
1. “Current Update in Asian Rhinoplasty“, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. “Asian Rhinoplasty Surgery”, Plasticsurgeons.com.au
