Asian rhinoplasty versus Rhinoplasty, what's the difference?

Question

I've noticed some surgeons advertising that they do Asian rhinoplasty in addition to rhinoplasty. What are the differences? As an Asian should I be looking for someone who specializes in Asian Rhinoplasty?

Jacob Sedgh, MD · Answer

The surgery and approach is the same. However, there are considerable differences in structural anatomy, soft tissue and skin characteristics of different ethnicities such as Asian, Middle Eastern, African American, Latino...Thus, some common maneuvers and techniques are often executed to achieve functional and aesthetica goals in cases of similar ethnicities versus others in very general terms but that doesn't undermine the individuality of each nose and surgeon's overall competence and experience in performing this complex surgery.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Your term "rhinoplasty" should probably be repackaged as a European rhinoplasty since rhinoplasties done by most American plastic surgeons are the direct descendants of the rhinoplasty invented in Berlin during the 1920's by Dr. Jacque Joseph.  His students immigrated to America and introduced these techniques which led to the beginning of the American/European rhinoplasty.  The American/European rhinoplasty was essentially a reduction rhinoplasty which currently has many excellent new iterations.  The Asian rhinoplasty is basically an augmentation rhinoplasty which, of course, also has exciting new iterations.  The Asian rhinoplasty is not a modified American/European rhinoplasty.  However, some of the basic techniques show a great deal of crossover.  In answer to your primary question (should I seek consultation from a plastic surgeon with expertise in the Asian rhinoplasty?), the answer is, of course, YES.  In America, because we are a melting pot, the signs of beauty tend to be a hodgepodge of multiple cultures.  We have taken the European rhinoplasty and added an American spin.  We also have taken the Asian rhinoplasty and modified it to fit our American perception of an aesthetic nose.  In my experience in Hawaii, Asian Americans tend to want more bridge, a narrowed nostril sill, augmentation of a retrusive maxilla, and addition of some sharp angles to the standard, soft round Asian tip.  Obviously, you need to seek consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon experienced in the Asian rhinoplasty.  Probably three consultations would be sufficient.  Evaluate these surgeons based on their before and after photos, reviews found on RealSelf, and your gut impression as to whether a particular surgeon and you can work together well to accomplish the nasal transformation you are seeking.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Asian rhinoplasty is an exceptionally challenging and demanding operation both technically and aesthetically. To achieve the best results in the safest, most predictable manner requires experience, technical excellence and artistry. 
There are a variety of techniques and philosophies when it comes to reshaping the nose during Asian rhinoplasty. One of the most important technical differences between surgeons is the use of artificial implants versus using your own tissue. I feel very strongly that the best way to achieve safe, permanent results is with tissue from your own body.Achieving the most attractive result will be possible by finding an experienced Asian rhinoplasty specialist who also shares your aesthetic goals.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasties can be of many levels of difficulty, specific groups of techniques, or anatomical requirements. There are some well-delimited ethnic groups in which all the cases share certain level of complexity, techniques, etc, and therefore are labelled under the term defining them.Asian rhinoplasty is a very very specific kind of nose, and it is doubtlessly the most complex and difficult one within the group of primary ethnic rhinoplasties, narrowly followed by afroamerican noses.Within asian rhinoplasties there are true different varieties: it is not the same one from Korean or Japanese background, than a Chinese one... or eventually the worst nightmare technically which is the Filipino / Malaysian / Indonesian nose (due to their skin problems and limitations).Very few surgeons to master asian rhinoplasty or perform them regularly with success; normally all these cases are top difficulty as primary noses, 8-10 out of 10 scale, and take 4-6 hours of surgical time, being therefore some of the most expensive nose procedures (except revision cases).

Jonathan Zelken, MD · Answer

Hi R Charles,
Asian rhinoplasty is rhinoplasty with an understanding of the anatomic variation, cultural nuances, and unique desires of Asian patients. Generally, Asian rhinoplasty is more often a "make it bigger" than a "make it smaller" operation we encounter in many European and Middle Eastern patients. As I see it, Asian rhinoplasty should enhance the natural beauty of the Asian face, not to Westernize it. I hope this helps.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

By definition an Asian rhinoplasty almost always involves augmentation of the nose bridge and tip often with nostril narrowing. In addition the rhinoplasty surgeon must know what the aesthetic goals of this type of nose patient is seeking and how it differs from many Caucasian rhinoplasties which are more reductive than additive.

Harry V. Wright, MD · Answer

Asian rhinoplasty is not a different procedure -- it's simply a rhinoplasty performed on a patient of Asian ethnic descent.There are anatomic and cultural variables in play with any rhinoplasty that requires careful assessment and planning by the surgeon and sober consideration by the patient. Patients of Asian descent are no different: prototypically that have thicker nasal skin, weaker cartilage, a flatter dorsum (bridge), etc. These anatomic differences vary regionally as well in ways that have been well described in publications and textbooks but it will behoove you to do your diligence and find a surgeon with hands-on experience with Asian ethnic rhinoplasty.Best wishes!  Harry V. Wright MD, Sarasota, Florida

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

When we talk about "Asian" rhinoplasty we are generalizing about common characteristics of individuals with this ethnic background. However a rhinoplasty is a rhinoplasty in the hands of an rhinoplasty specialist, who will have experience in all types of noses.

Asian rhinoplasty versus Rhinoplasty, what's the difference?

Answers (8)

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