Should I travel for an ethnic rhinoplasty, or stay local & would you still consider my nose to have Asian features? (Photos)

Question

I’m 50% Korean, 25% Chinese, and 25% white. My whole life, I was told I have a flat Asian nose. It looks similar to my mom and sister but mine is the largest. The main problem is the width and droopiness. There is a lack of definition. Because of the hooking down, I spent most of my life thinking my nose was longer than it actually was. I wanted the tip lifted but not too high like a “pig nose.” I went to some consultations with doctors that specialize in Asian Rhinoplasty, and was told they would both treat my nose like a Caucasian nose. One said I had an Asian face with a white nose. And the surgery would be considered “non-Asian” on the list of procedures/pricing. I live in Reno, NV but traveled to San Francisco, CA due to there being no doctors that specialize in Asian rhinoplasty. But now that I’m told my nose is Caucasian, is it better to choose a local doctor to avoid travel times and for convenience? Or would you still consider my nose to have Asian features?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Asian rhinoplasty is a generalized terms that encompasses a spectrum of anatomic configurations and aesthetic ideals. One of the commonalities for an Asian rhinoplasty is the need for additional structure and support than what is intrinsically available in the nose, in the setting of a thick skin envelope. Based on your photos one of the nuances of your surgery that would need to be addressed for a successful outcome is the lack of tip support causing the tip of your nose to droop and hook down while you smile, and simultaneously widen along your ala and nostril.  Whether your nose is treated like a Caucasian nose or an Asian nose, this is one of the main aspects that would need to be considered and addressed.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi Lauramcoconut! First of all, you should know that the term "Asian rhinoplasty" is strictly semantics. If you have a good rhinoplasty surgeon, they can do a great procedure no matter what ethnicity you are because they account for your individual anatomy and your individual goal. This is assuming you go to someone who is experienced and does not want to create a cookie cutter nose. It should not really matter if they specialize in Asian or non-Asian rhinoplasties; if they are good, they can do it all. In terms of your nose specifically, it is hard to tell without actually touching and feeling your nose, but to me it does seem to have a combination of typical Asian and typical Caucasian noses. Again, if you came to me, it wouldn't matter what ethnicity you are, I would simply do whatever is the right thing for your nose. I hope you can find a surgeon like that. Good luck!

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

I would not treat your nose like a Caucasian nose, as it has many Asian features.  You have a low radix, not much of a hump but a drooping tip. You have a wide nose with what looks like thick skin.  Depending on your goals, I would narrow the dorsum (with or without raising the radix), refine the tip, rotate the tip up, and likely perform an alar base reduction.  I would also recommend/plan for steps to manage your thicker skin.  I would recommend finding a rhinoplasty surgeon who is comfortable with Asian rhinoplasty to manage your concerns.

Man Koon Suh, MD · Answer

The important factor in determining the shape of the nose is the ethnicity of the face, not whether the shape of the nose itself is western or Asian. Even if your nose has more Caucasian look, the skin texture of the nose has Asian features and your face is Asian’s. By applying the techniques of Asian rhinoplasty, your nose can change to a harmonious and pretty defined shape, maintaining your Asian ethnicity. Of course, it should be naturally taller and also have a defintion. The goal is to have a pretty nose somewhere between Asians and Caucasians.
The required surgeries are osteotomy, tip plasty and nasal bridge augmentation. The tip should be taller and slimmer, and correction for a long nose should be performed. This requires alar cartilage realignment and cartilage graft, and the cartilage donor will be an ear or septum.
Consultation and examination are required for the determination whether the alar base reduction is required or not.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

You should definitely stay within the United States and find a rhinoplasty specialist that you can trust, since you have very thick skin in the tip of your nose, and you're probably going to require a few steroid shots after the procedure to reduce swelling in the tip. The bridge of the nose can be built up, the bridge line narrowed and your tip lifted slightly. Wide nostrils can be narrowed with an alar plasty. Don't expect a lot of refinement in the nasal tip due to the thick skin in that area.

Should I travel for an ethnic rhinoplasty, or stay local & would you still consider my nose to have Asian features? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Asian rhinopplasty approach would bring a good effect for your nose

Answer: Asian rhinopplasty approach would bring a good effect for your nose

Answer: Should I travel for ethnic rhinoplasty?

Answer: Should I travel for ethnic rhinoplasty?

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.

Should I travel for an ethnic rhinoplasty, or stay local & would you still consider my nose to have Asian features? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Asian rhinopplasty approach would bring a good effect for your nose

Answer: Asian rhinopplasty approach would bring a good effect for your nose

Answer: Should I travel for ethnic rhinoplasty?

Answer: Should I travel for ethnic rhinoplasty?

Browse related questions

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.