Asian female rhinoplasty. What do you think I should be aware of before removing my implant?

Q: Will 2 mm of silicone implant make a huge difference for Asian females (considering typical Asians have flat nose)? I am thinking to remove my nasal implant because the bridge looks “fake” and too high, and I am not going to replace it with another implant. What do you think I should be aware of before removing my implant?

A: Some of the things to consider when undergoing removal of a silicone implant is the type of implant that was placed, the duration of placement, and the performance of any adjunctive rhinoplasty maneuvers during the surgery.

What this means in plain English is that if only a dorsal implant was placed, without resecting the bridge and without tip work, then your nose will return to your pre-operative state when this is removed.  In any other scenario, simply removing the implant will unfortunately not restore your pre-op nose.

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I’m Asian, 56 years old. My nostrils are uneven. Do you think there is any hope for me to correct them?

Q: I’m Asian, 56 years old. My nostrils are uneven. Do you think there is any hope for me to correct them?

A: While nostril asymmetry is the most difficult area of asymmetry to correct, in most cases it can be improved during rhinoplasty.  While perfect symmetry is not attainable, improved symmetry usually is.

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Raising area between eyebrows in Asian rhinoplasty. What is this procedure called?

Q: I notice in a lot of Asian rhinoplasty photos that the nose appears to start between the eyes, giving a short appearance as if cut off at the top. The area between the eyebrows is raised to give a more aesthetic appearance of the nose starting at the browbone. What is this procedure called and what materials (would fat be possible?) would be involved for the augmentation?

A: You make a very astute observation in differentiating between dorsal augmentation and what you are observing: radix augmentation and raising of the nasal starting point.

The area of the bridge between the eyebrows (radix) can be augmented and built up during Asian rhinoplasty.  I prefer to use the DCF technique for radix augmentation as it creates smooth, natural-appearing contours using your own tissue.

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How can a surgeon narrow a wide droopy nasal tip without adding projection that becomes bulky?

Q: I am an Asian patient that previously had a medpor graft removed because it was infected, but it was holding a very wide droopy tip closed while narrowing it. My surgeon replaced this with a shield graft & I feel it only bulkily augments the tip, without narrowing it. How do I narrow the sides of my nose & my nasal tip again without adding too much projection? What sutures or techniques can I ask my surgeon about?

A: Just as not all sculptures made of marble are masterpieces, surgeons will achieve different results even when using the same techniques.  More important than what to ask your surgeon, is to ask yourself if you have done your due diligence and research in finding a surgeon capable of delivering the results you seek.

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How safe is rhinoplasty with implants?

Q: I’m a 22 year old Asian planning to get rhinoplasty for a taller nose and bridge. However, I am still not convinced about the safety of implant whether it be silicone/goretex/etc. The nose has very thin skin and inserting foreign material is bound to have inflammation, resulting in expulsion through nose tip or granuloma formation. I believe it’s pretty well known that breast implants fail due to capsular fibrosis and I’m worried for nose implants. What material is safest even after several years? Thanks!

A: The absolute safest material for your nose from a lifelong, permanent perspective is tissue from your own body (autologous grafts).  Autologous graft techniques do require specialized expertise, and you will achieve the best results with a rhinoplasty specialist experienced in rib cartilage and ear cartilage grafting techniques.

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My nose is swollen so much 3.5 months after rhinoplasty. Will a steroid injection help with the swelling?

Q: I had primary rhinoplasty 3.5 months back and the 2/3 bottom of my nose looks so bulbous in front. I ‘m Asian with thick skin. I had my nostrils reduced and tip reduction with grafts. Will a steroid injection help with the swelling? Will I ever see definition along the sides and tip any time soon? Thank you!

A: For many surgeons, kenalog and 5-FU are used to modulate swelling and scar formation after surgery.  Definitely touch base with your surgeon regarding the benefits of using these modalities in your particular case.

After surgery, the majority of swelling will resolve over the first 3-6 months but will continue to resolve for a year and up to 2 years in patients with thick skin.

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I just want to ask if what is the good choice of enhancement to use, because I have bulbous tip of the nose?

Q: I’m Asian with bulbous tip of the nose. Just want to ask if what is the best enhancement if I make my nose done. Is it premade silicone or cartilage? I just don’t want it to be too obvious. Thanks!

A: Personally, I feel that the best way to achieve permanent results in the safest manner is by undergoing Asian rhinoplasty with autologous grafts – tissue from your own body.  Grafts from your own tissue will have a much lower rate of complications than synthetic implants such as silicone, Gore-tex or Medpor.

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Can I have Asian Rhinoplasty using rib instead of ear cartilage? I’m concerned I don’t have enough ear cartilage.

Q: I’m planning to have rhinoplasty using rib cartilage to augment my nasal bridge. I don’t want implants. I have bulbous tip and I don’t like the appearance of my nose when I smile it widens. Is it true that rib cartilage warp? Or a diced cartilage will prevent it from doing so?

A: As you have noted, Asian rhinoplasty using tissue from your own body (autologous grafts) will provide the safest and most permanent results.  For dorsal augmentation, a well-executed DCF graft will provide more natural appearing contours without the risk of warping of an en bloc cartilage rib graft.

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Kenalog injections to refine nose tip in thick skinned patient? (rhinoplasty 3 years ago)

Q: I went to a diff plastic surgeon looking to refine my nose tip. He said most of the cartilage from my tip was taken out already; it is mostly thick skin left b/c I’m thick skinned (Asian w/ oily skin, larger pores). He recommended Kenalog injections to thin the tip out. But after researching, it seems that these injections are used to decrease scar tissue/swelling within a year after rhinoplasty. So I’m wondering if Kenalog injections could be used to thin out the thick skin in the nose tip?

A: The best way to create nasal tip refinement during Asian rhinoplasty is to create greater structural support for the tip of your nose, rather than to simply attempt to thin out the skin.  Kenalog injections may help to a certain degree, but only if you have appropriate tip cartilage support and strength.

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Suggestion for nose and chin and eyes stretching

Q: My nose is wide and small I have been suggested by the Dr to do septal rhinoplasty for the bridge and tip will automatically be sharp after the bridge and he also says that rhinoplasty will stretch my eyes fold plus chin implant what should I do sir ?

A: Augmenting your dorsum will not automatically create refinement of the tip of your nose.  In addition, rhinoplasty will not “stretch your eyes fold”.  It’s important to do your due diligence in researching and finding a rhinoplasty specialist with experience performing Asian rhinoplasty to achieve the results you are looking for.

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