The Asian nose may have different cosmetic concern than noses of other ethnicities, but the good news is those concerns can be effectively addressed to bring beauty, balance and symmetry to this focal point of the face. Asian patients often desire to add definition and length to the nose to bring it into proportion with the other facial features. The nasal tip is also a concern for many Asian men and women, particularly in relation to the bridge of the nose. When providing enhancement to address these concerns, it is important to consider both appearance and the function of the nose to ensure the most successful outcome from the procedure.
Asian nose reshaping or Asian rhinoplasty is a frequently requested procedure by men, women and even teenagers. Whether you want to alter the nose for purely cosmetic reasons or to reverse damage caused by disease or deformity, Dr. Yu can help. He offers state-of-the-art techniques to produce an aesthetically pleasing appearance while focusing on the present and future breathing function. Dr. Yu works with each of his patients to create a personalized plan while keeping your ethnicity and heritage in mind.
Asian Rhinoplasty may address a range of concerns in a single procedure. Some of the issues this surgery can address include:
Asian rhinoplasty may also be requested by patients that want to correct a deformity caused by a defect or injury. It is essential that you select a plastic surgeon that specializes in this type of nose reshaping to ensure the issues are properly addressed without sacrificing the ethnicity of the patient.
Healthy Asian men, women and teens looking to improve the appearance or function of the nose may be excellent candidates for this surgery. When considering younger patients for the procedure, Dr. Yu takes into account several factors, including the physical and emotional maturity of the patient. Patients need to have realistic expectations about what this procedure will do for them, and Dr. Yu will spend ample time discussing your concerns and desired outcome to ensure your results will be satisfactory. With a variety of techniques to choose from, Dr. Yu is uniquely qualified to help you plan the treatment that promises to deliver the most appealing results.
Each nose is unique in both appearance and function, so rhinoplasty procedures and techniques are tailored to the individual aesthetic and functional needs of each patient. Options in Asian rhinoplasty include:
The open approach uses incisions inside the nasal passages, as well as a small incision in the tissue that divides the nostrils on the underside of the nose. While this approach leaves a single small scar underneath the nose, it also allows for greater access so Dr. Yu can make more dramatic correction.
The closed technique eliminates the need for the external incision but also restricts access to the nasal cavity somewhat. This technique may be recommended for patients in need of less correction.
Asian rhinoplasty often requires the use of additional cartilage to build up the projection of the nose, strengthen the bridge and create greater definition. Cartilage may come from a variety of sources:
Dr. Yu will select your donor location based on different factors. You will discuss this step at your pre-operative appointment, so you know what to expect from your surgery and recovery process.
Dr. Yu performs most of his Asian rhinoplasty procedures using general anesthesia in an operating room of a nearby hospital. The small incisions allow for access to the cartilage and bone inside the nose that contributes to its shape and function. Dr. Yu carefully adjusts and shapes these structures to achieve the desired appearance without compromising the patient’s ability to breathe freely. Sutures are used to close the incisions, and a small external splint is placed to hold the nose in position during the early days of the recovery process.
Because Asian nose reshaping is performed on an outpatient basis, you should be able to head home a few hours after your surgery. Recovery varies based on the complexity of your procedure, but all rhinoplasty patients will experience some degree of discomfort, bruising and swelling after surgery. Dr. Yu will prescribe pain medication and send you home with detailed post-operative instructions that include homeopathic and herbal options to keep you comfortable and promote healing to the surgical area.
Most of our patient return to school, work and other activities within about one week. Strenuous activities can be resumed after about two weeks, although avoidance of contact sports is recommended for at least two months. Once your nose fully heals, the positive results of your Asian rhinoplasty should be permanent.
Enhancing the appearance of the nose can be a satisfying procedure for patients of all ethnicities. To learn more about our Asian nose reshaping, contact Dr. Kenneth Yu Plastic Surgery at (210) 876-6868.
Those patients considering rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, should carefully evaluate their surgeon’s credentials and training. Dr. Kenneth Yu is one of the few fellowship trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive rhinoplasty surgeons in the San Antonio, Texas area. Dr. Yu is an Asian cosmetic surgery specialist. He is a Board certified Head and Neck Surgeon, with extensive knowledge to deliver the best cosmetic results while safeguarding proper breathing function.
*This content was reviewed by Dr. Kenneth Yu, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery (otolaryngology). His practice — Dr. Kenneth Yu Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — proudly serves the San Antonio, Alamo Heights and Austin communities.
