Asian Rhinoplasty Vancouver
The embryology, anatomy and aesthetic considerations of the Asian nose are quite unique. In most cases the dorsal profile is flat and needs to be augmented. Often the tip is wide and lacks projection, and the base of the nose may be too wide.
In addition the angle between the base of the nose and the upper lip is often too acute. Although Dr. Brown prefers silicone implants to augment the bridge, he prefers to use cartilage from the ear to define the tip. Not only does this look more natural, it also avoids the pointy shiny tip created by a silicone implant. The patient’s own cartilage can also be used to fill in the angle between the nose and the upper lip, and in some cased the base of the nose is narrowed. Most patients are able to return to work in 1 week, although heavy exercise should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
This very pleasant man felt his face was out of balance. The nose was slightly reduced with a cartilage graft being placed in the tip. In addition, the chin was augmented with an anatomic implant placed through the mouth.
This gentleman didn’t like the scooped out look of his profile. In addition, the nasal tip was too rounded. The profile has been modified using a dorsal implant with cartilage grafting to the tip.
This attractive woman felt her nose lacked “definition”. Using a subtle dorsal implant, as well as grafts to the tip and base of the nose, a more defined nose was created.
Typical of many asian noses, the profile is a little flattened, the nasal tip is a little round, and the base of the nose too wide. Subtle modification of the profile, tip sculpting, and an alar base shift to narrow the base of the nose, has led to significant improvement.
This lovely patient has had her side profile improved by augmenting the dorsum, and use of cartilage grafts in the tip and base of the nose. In addition, she has had a subtle chin augmentation. Most patients can resume work in 7-10 days after the operation.
A fairly common complaint is the flatness of the nose. Generally, silicone implants lead to a pleasing change along with tip grafting using cartilage from the ear. Both areas heal with imperceptible scars.
An important part of the asian rhinoplasty is to create “columellar show”. The columellar is the bridge of the tissue seperating the nostrils. Pre-operatively it is not visible. Post-operatively it is visible – a subtle but important procedure to render a more gracious profile.
This is a patient who had her first nasal surgery carried out in Asia. Unfortunately, no attempt was made to augment the tip. Despite the scarring inside the nose, improvement was possible with layered cartilage grafts.
Asian rhinoplasty is usually carried out under intravenous sedation, although a general anesthetic can also be used if the patient desires. The cast is removed in 7 days, at which point in time most patients feel comfortable going out in public.
A combination of procedures has led to a more elegant profile. The nose has had a subtle elevation along with cartilage grafting to the tip and base of the nose.