Cosmetic surgical procedures to minimize certain ethnic facial features can be difficult. Not only should the features meet the patient’s goals, but they should still look natural. This requires a deep understanding of what makes the ethnic facial features unique. This is particularly true for Asian nasal features. Dr. Vincent Marin has many years of experience in ethnic rhinoplasty, particularly with Asian noses.
Features of the Asian Nose
Although each patient is unique, there are a number of features that tend to characterize the Asian nose. These include thick nasal skin with fatty tissue; a deep, low nasal bridge; short, broad, flat nasal bones; low quality and quantity of septal cartilage (the cartilage between the nostrils); and widely flared nostrils.
Surgical Considerations in Asian Rhinoplasty
Because of these features, there are several goals to keep in mind for Asian rhinoplasty (nose job). These include a thinner nasal bridge, better nasal tip definition and projection, olive-shaped nostrils with a triangular nasal base, and greater overall nasal projection,
In order to augment the nose overall, Dr. Marin uses grafts taken from behind the ear, where they will not be very noticeable. These will help shore up the nose and give it proper structure and shape. The grafts will need to be augmented with silicone, as there may not be sufficient septal cartilage alone to support a restructured nose with a more defined tip. In many cases, cartilage grafts over the silicone will provide the desired level of definition. Dr. Marin prefers to use an L-shaped silicone implant over an I-shaped one because there is less chance of implant slippage. This is an important consideration in Asian rhinoplasty because of the lack of sufficient septal cartilage.
Side Effects and Risks
As with any other rhinoplasty, the most common side effects will be swelling and bruise on the nose. Use of ice, cold compresses, and the herb Arnica montana will help reduce the amount and appearance of bruising and swelling. The most common risks of the procedure are the infection and excessive bleeding. Taking antibiotics as prescribed will reduce the risk of infection. Stopping smoking or drinking alcohol starting two weeks before the procedure until two weeks after will reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
Recovery and Results
Most bruising and swelling will generally subside within seven to 10 days after the procedure. At that time, patients can resume most normal daily activities, such as driving or going to school or work. Although the initial bruising and swelling will go down quickly, it may take several months for the nose to settle into its final shape.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most often requested cosmetic surgical procedures among Asian patients. It is important to select a cosmetic surgeon who not only understands the unique challenges that Asian rhinoplasty presents, compared to Western rhinoplasty, but who will work with the patient to give them the look they desire without compromising the overall proper aesthetic look to the final facial features. The goal is to enhance the nose, without attempting to make them look out of place with the rest of the facial features.
To schedule a rhinoplasty consultation, contact Marin Aesthetics.
*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.
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