Asian Rhinoplasty
View Gallery Here
The embryology, anatomy and aesthetic considerations of the Asian Nose are quite unique. In the vast majority of our patients, the dorsal profile is flat, and the tip is too wide and lacks projection. In some cases, the base of the nose is too wide and can also be narrowed (alar base shift). Dr Brown studied for several months with Tokyo’s top cosmetic surgeon, and later visited South Korea. He prefers to use cartilage borrowed from the ear to make a more elegant nasal tip. Sometimes cartilage is also used to fill in the angle between the upper lip and nose if this is too acute. The columella is the portion between the nostrils (where bull rings are inserted). In many Asians this is retracted, leading to lack of columellar show. This can be corrected with cartilage grafting.
After using cartilage in the past to build up the dorsal profile, because of later resorption and warping, Dr Brown now prefers to use a silicone implant. Patient’s ear cartilage is always used for the nasal tip to provide a natural appearance. These come in multiple shapes, and at the time of the surgery sizers are used to determine the best aesthetic result. Most patients are able to return to work in 8 days, although a graduated return to the gym takes 2-3 weeks. The surgery can be performed 3 ways; under a general anesthetic, under intravenous sedation, or under local anesthesia with oral sedation. The latter choice saves several thousand dollars. You should plan to spend 1-1.5 hours at the office for the first consultation. At that time, Dr Brown will examine your nose and provide you with an analysis of your anatomy and what can be done to improve it. As with all cosmetic procedures, significant complications are rare. You will be informed of all common complications, their incidence, and their treatment. Noses vary in their anatomy, so there will be a discussion of “the art of the possible” and you will be well informed about what can be improved and what will not be improved. We have found a very high rate of satisfaction with these techniques.