Rhinoplasty for a Wide Asian Nose?

Question

So I have disliked my nose since I was in elementary school. It is flat and wide and generally unflattering on my face. I think that the width is extremely out of proportion with the rest of my face. I don't really have a problem with the side view. Also my nostrils are uneven. They are also flared and generally too large. My nose also gets very wide when I smile, which I want to fix. I am considering a base alarplasty, nostril reduction, and a bridge reduction. What do you think?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the challenges with Asian rhinoplasty is creating refinement of the nasal framework that will show through the thick skin covering it over the tip of the nose.  Based on your photos, you have nice a nice height and shape to your dorsum (bridge).  Your tip and nostrils could be gently narrowed and refined during an Asian rhinoplasty.  Improving symmetry is also possible during rhinoplasty.  Due to the relationship between the height of the nose from profile view and its appearance from frontal view, at times it is necessary to maintain or even increase the height of the nose to create a refined appearance from the front.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

There are several maneuvers which could improve your nasal appearance. You would br shut from an in person consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in Asian rhinoplasty.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

I agree with you and that I like your profile.  You have a nice height to the bridge.  The tip in base could be refined with a combination of alar base reduction or alar plasty with incisions that are for the most part internal but have a little bit of an external component in an area of the nose called the sill.  With regards to the tip you would want to make refinements to the tip that complement the natural looking alterations you've already made to the base of the nose.  The overall goal here is not to create something that is sharp and unnatural.  The goal would be to make changes to the alar base and the tip that are proportional to one another and also in balance with the bridge of the nose.  I would not reduce the bridge of the nose.Chase Lay, MDAsian facial plastics specialistDouble board-certified facial plastic surgeon

Tae Ho Kim, MD · Answer

The upper part of your nose has nice features.  You have a mild dorsal hump that can be taken down.  You do not need osteotomies to the nasal bones.  As you pointed out, the majority of the work will be on the nasal tip and alar base.  How these are done will determine the outcome of the operation.  In Asians, the skin is thicker so only doing cartilage work is not enough to give enough tip definition.  If you have found a plastic surgeon with experience with Asian rhinoplasty, good luck!.  Otherwise, you might want to get a second opinion by a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in rhinoplasty and Asian rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty for a Wide Asian Nose?

Answers (4)

Answer: Asian rhinoplasty is a good idea.

Answer: Asian rhinoplasty is a good idea.

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Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty for a Wide Asian Nose?

Answers (4)

Answer: Asian rhinoplasty is a good idea.

Answer: Asian rhinoplasty is a good idea.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.