Possible Nose Job for an Asian with a flat nose?

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I have a flat nose and it’s pretty hard for me to find glasses that fit my face and nose bridge. Not only that, but once allergy season comes around, it gets really hard for me to breathe through my nose. I was wondering if getting a nose job could help me and if I can get my insurance to cover it. If not, how much should I expect for it to cost? And what kind of nose job would work for me?

A: While functional aspects of the surgery may be covered partially by insurance, typically for surgery will not address allergic nasal obstruction.

With regards to your cosmetic concerns of having a low, flat nose, the safest and most beautiful results are possible using tissue and grafts from your own body.  Achieving the best results in Asian rhinoplasty requires meticulous surgical technique in synergy with a keen aesthetic eye.

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What type of nose is this and what operation would I need?

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: Hi, I’m a 19-year-old Asian male and I’ve been thinking about getting rhinoplasty so it looks more “normal”. When I mean normal I mean more upright and with a more defined nose bridge and the bottom to be more angular. Is there a terminology to it (my nose) or what type of rhinoplasty operation I would need so I can go do some more research on my own before visiting an actual clinic.

A: The safest and most permanent way of achieving permanent results in Asian rhinoplasty is to use autologous grafts (or tissue from your own body).  The best option to create refinement and definition in the tip and bridge of your nose is rib cartilage.  The thickness of your skin will necessitate the use of strong, straight cartilage – the best source of which is your own rib cartilage.

Focus on finding Rhinoplasty Specialists, experienced in Asian rhinoplasty and consult with 2-3.  This will give you a better idea of the best approach for achieving the nose you seek.

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After removal of the implant and graft, will I be able to push my nose up and side-to-side? Will my nose collapse?

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: Hello. I had a silicon implant and cartilage graft rhinoplasty about 1.5 years ago. I am unable to touch my nose as carelessly as I could before b/c the tip is hard and won’t move in certain ways. After removal of the implant and graft, will I be able to push my nose up and side-to-side and be all right if I accidentally drop something on my face (like my phone…) just like pre-op? Or will my nose collapse like Michael?! Will it feel and look the same as my old nose?

A: Depending on how your nasal anatomy was altered during your surgery will determine how it reacts once the silicone implant is removed.  It certainly will be softer, and you will be able to move it side to side.

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What is the Asian Rhinoplasty recovery time?

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: How long does the bruising last? I will be travelling from Canada to Beverly Hills to get my Asian rhinoplasty done. I will be staying there for 10 days, and will fly home 7 days post op. Will the bruising still be evident? None of my family members know I will be getting a nose job done and want to keep it that way. Thanks.

A: Most patients are pleasantly surprised by the post-operative recovery after Asian rhinoplasty.  While bruising is present after osteotomies, for many Asian rhinoplasty patients fracturing the bones is unnecessary to achieve ideal results.  Most of my patients will be ready to return to work or school for 10-14 days without any obvious signs of surgery.

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What causes this indentation on the supra tip post rhinoplasty and what options are available to fix it?

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I had an Asian rhinoplasty done almost 3 months ago, and recently noticed a slight indentation above the tip (supra tip?). An I-shaped silicon implant was used to raise the bridge and cartilage from my ear was used on the tip of the nose. What causes this indentation and what options are available to fix it? Could it be temporary due to residual swelling on the tip? I can’t tell if there’s swelling still or not. The indentation is most visible under top lighting that causes shadows.

A: While a large part of the swelling will have resolved 3 months after Asian rhinoplasty, you still do have a significant amount of healing left to do.  If it really, really bothers you then an easy way to temporarily correct the depression while your nose continues to heal is to use a hyaluronic acid filler (Restylane silk, Belotero) to soften the depression.

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What’s an estimate for Asian rhinoplasty using diced cartilage wrap in fascia? How long is the procedure, recovery etc?

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I’ve always hated my nose growing up. Families would point out how flat/big my nose is compared to my sisters. These hurtful comments isn’t the reason why I want the surgery. I’m doing it for me. My nose doesn’t look too bad when I have on makeup. Although I feel like my face is 2D rather than 3D. I want to start saving up as I plan on having this surgery soon. What’s an estimate for diced cartilage wrap fascia? How many hrs will take? Is it open or close rhinoplasty? How long is the recovery?

A: Diced cartilage fascia (DCF) is a great technique to create augmentation along the bridge of the nose.  However, not every surgeon is equally skilled at creating an attractive, natural-appearing result with this technique.

The most important factor in achieving a beautiful result is finding the right surgeon.  Finding rhinoplasty specialists experienced in Asian rhinoplasty is the first step.  After this, consult with 2-3 of these surgeons in person and determine your comfort level with their approach, demeanor, and before and after results.

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I’m considering Asian rhinoplasty. Are my thoughts realistic?

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I would like to have a nose job as I feel like it is obscuring my features. Right now, I feel that my nose is perfect in width. I would like nose holes (not triangles), a less fatty piggy nose and maybe a higher nose bridge. I also feel like the base of my nose is not pointing down enough but rather slightly forward. What are your thoughts and suggestions? and estimated price?

A: Your cosmetic concerns are something that can be addressed and improved with Asian rhinoplasty.  While there are a variety of approaches and techniques employed by various surgeons, it is up to you to do your due diligence to find a rhinoplasty specialist experienced with Asian rhinoplasty in order to achieve the best results possible.  Using autologous grafts (tissue and cartilage from your own body) will provide the safest and most permanent results.  Achieving an attractive result, however, will demand a surgeon with great expertise in Asian rhinoplasty.

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Asian Revision rhinoplasty. When is the soonest I can get this redone and what would you recommend be done?

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I had a revision rhinoplasty done 4/2015 and I feel that it is too long and pointy. It totally changed the way I look. It was done with diced cartilage and fascia. I now have a humped nose. When is the soonest I can get this redone and what would you recommend be done?

A: Your nose will continue to change in appearance as it heals.  Especially since you are healing from a revision surgery, it will be prudent to allow your nose to heal fully before considering planning another revision.  After such an extensive revision (with rib cartilage and fascia) I would wait at least 9 months before considering a revision.

The positive is that given the amount of augmentation and counter-rotation your nose was given during the revision surgery, you may not need additional grafts taken during this future revision.

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What kind of nose surgery do I need to make my nostrils (or sides of my nose) much thinner?

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I don’t have a HUGE problem with my entire nose (such as the bridge etc.), but it really bothers me whenever I smile and my nose suddenly looks so much wider. I realize that it’s natural for that to happen, especially for an ethnic nose but I don’t want it to be so WIDE. I just want the sides of my nose to be a lot thinner and compliment my entire face. And I’m not really liking the idea of an open rhinoplasty, would it be possible if it were closed?

A: Alar base modification is an effective way to reduce the flare and/or width of the nostrils.  Showing us a base view (photo from bottom up looking up into your nostrils) is the best view to evaluate your nostrils.  Excess width can be reduced with sill incisions, excess flare with Weir incisions, and excess flare + width addressed with a combined Weir+sill incision.

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Will my rib cartilage become weaker after rib-harvesting rhinoplasty?

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: Hi, I am a 19-year-old Asian with very thick skin. I have had multiple consultations, and almost all the doctors said that rib cartilage is the only option to augment my nose bridge. But I am really concerned with the donor site. Will rib-harvesting procedure affect the function of my rib? Will my rib be more likely to break? The procedure sounds a bit scary. Please explain it to me. Thanks a lot!

A: A small portion of the cartilaginous portion of the rib is taken (for my patients usually 4 cm from the right 6th rib).  You will not have any untoward effects in terms of health or function, and this is well tolerated even in my patients who are professional boxers and mixed-martial artists.  The biggest downside to have rib cartilage harvested is a thin 2 cm scar, which will be present in the crease under your right breast.

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