FAQ: Asian Rhinoplasty

1. How does Asian rhinoplasty differ from Caucasian rhinoplasty?
The major difference is that Asian noses generally need an augmentation while Caucasian noses need a reduction. Traditionally Asian noses have a flat bridge, which lacks bony height, and the nose has a soft, floppy and poorly defined nasal tip. Many Asian patients need to undergo nasal lengthening to complete a satisfactory rhinoplasty.

2. What are typical Asian nose characteristics?
Typically Asian noses have thick skin with excess sebaceous glands, a deep and flat root of the nose (radix), a low nasal bridge with a wide and flat external ridge of the nose (dorsum), minimal tip definition with an abundance of fatty tissue, flaring nostrils, minimal structural area between the two nostrils (columella), and frequently a retracted bone under the upper lip (maxilla).

3. Are there many different types of Asian noses?
Depending on the country of origin, some Asian noses require more lengthening while others require more reduction of the sides of the nose (alar). Typically, Southeast Asian noses (Malaysian, Thai, Filipino, Burmese, Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese and Indonesian) require more dorsal augmentation as well as greater alar reduction then those of Northeast Asian heritage (Japanese, Korean and Chinese).

4. What techniques are used in an Asian rhinoplasty?
There are basically two types of Asian rhinoplasty: an open procedure or a closed procedure. Closed rhinoplasty means that the surgeon makes an incision inside the patient's nose, rather than outside, thereby leaving no visible scars. This requires a skilled surgeon employing advanced techniques such as Dr. Rizk's pioneering 3D endoscopic technology, which permits more precise incisions and helps minimize swelling and bruising. Conversely, an open rhinoplasty is performed with a small incision outside the nose placed between the nostrils. Dr. Rizk employs this approach for more complex surgical cases, particularly those requiring narrowing of the flare and width of the base of the nose.

5. Why are nose implants used in Asian rhinoplasty?
Since most Asian noses require some sort of lengthening, use of implants is very prevalent in Asian rhinoplasty. There are many different types of implants and the goal is to choose the proper one which will provide longevity, low resorption rate, is easily shaped and has a low infection rate. In Asia, silicone is the implant of choice; however, Dr. Rizk feels there are simply too many disadvantages to using silicone including extrusion, movement, infection and other complications. Instead, Dr. Rizk prefers to use cartilage from the patient's nasal septum or from the ear or Medpor, a synthetic material that becomes quickly integrated with the body tissue (unlike silicone, which merely becomes encapsulated). The goal is to have the graph become integrated with the nose tissue to guarantee stability and lack of movement.

6. What is the recovery time for an Asian rhinoplasty?
Within a week or surgery you will be able to return to work with nary a sign that you had a rhinoplasty, other than a more attractive nose. You may need to tape your nose at night for a few weeks to decrease swelling if your skin is thick. Moderate exercise can be resumed two weeks following surgery. More intense activity, including yoga and contact sports, should be avoided for six weeks after rhinoplasty.