Asian Rhinoplasty Q&A
61%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
20 Reviews
Asian Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Asian Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,082

Learn about Asian Rhinoplasty

145 people and 211 doctors are talking about Asian Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

Thick, Tight Skin with Short Columella-Is L-shaped Implant the Only Choice for my Nose?

asked 1 year ago by kobie
Latest answer by Michael L. Schwartz, MD
Question viewed 367 times
Tags: cartilage, columella, options, thick skin

I am an Asian male. My doctor said that besides the thickness, my skin is also very tight. Therefore, he discouraged using septal cartilage for the tip, saying that cartilage is not strong enough to hold my nose tip and may collapse in long term, causing deformities. Moreover, because I had a short columella, the height of my nose bridge can only raised limitedly if I choose septal cartilage for the tip. He suggested L-shaped, which I am really skeptical about. What do you suggest?

4 answers to Thick, Tight Skin with Short Columella-Is L-shaped Implant the Only Choice for my Nose?

+1

Asian nose

In Asian noses where the skin is tight and the columella short it takes a strong structure to add projection and definition. Even then the result may be limited by the inability to stretch the skin. Synthetic implants are seductive and tempting because they have perfect shape, are strong and come out of the box ready to use without having to harvest anything. Unfortunately they put you at high risk of infection, rejection or skin erosion which can be a disaster for you. Septal... more
Michael L. Schwartz, MD

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Do not use an L shaped nasal implant

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and have written numerous blog and internet posts urging people not to use the L shaped silastic nasal implants to build up the nose. I know this is a common practice in some Asian countries and communities but read the available information, on the internet about L-shaped nasal implants, extruding through the skin. This is not new information but has been around for years. I recall reading a scientific paper, as a resident at... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

No L strut

Tight skin that needs augmentation is a tough combination. But an L-strut is always a problem. The problem is that the greatest tension in the nose after surgery is at the point of the L--right at your tip. Eventually the silicone will erode through and need to be removed. You cannot push a tip out under stress. Tip grafts are a better idea, and can almost always be made to work. They allow the tip to move normally and do not put excessive tension on the... more
Mark B. Constantian, MD

Nashua Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty in the Asian male.

What you describe is something that would require photos for a good opinion. Skin envelope often limits results.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question