Is it possible to perform an Asian rhinoplasty without altering the height of the nose bridge?

Question

Hello, when researching Asian rhinoplasties, I often see that patients have a rib or silicone implant to make their nose bridge higher. However, I’m only interested in reducing the width of my nose and making the tip less bulbous (so kind of a “button nose”). I would prefer not to make my nose bridge higher because I think that its present height fits my face. Would this be possible?

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul! That's actually not a very uncommon request in my practice. If you're happy with your existing nasal bridge height, focused adjustments to the tip can often achieve the desired effect. This typically involves strategic cartilage reduction and suture contouring at the tip, with optional fat removal if needed, and possible narrowing of the nostrils/ nasal alae upon request. This approach usually offers quicker healing and a more comfortable postoperative experience. While photographs could help offer more specific insight, the best course of action is an in-person consultation. Wishing you the best on your journey!

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to do rhinoplasty in Asian patients without altering the height of the bridge.  This could just entail tip refinement, alar base reduction to narrow the nose, and other maneuvers to improve the shape and proportions of your nose without raising the bridge.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. It is absolutely possible to refine the tip of the nose and reduce the width of the nasal base without changing the height of the dorsum (nasal bridge). However, if you are undergoing rhinoplasty, you have to consider how modifications to one part of the nose may affect the appearance of the whole. Everything should remain balanced, and sometimes that is why some degree of augmentation may still be recommended. The choice for which maneuvers to employ is very individualized, but on a technical level the answer to your question is 'yes.'
Best,Dr. Tower

Joon Y. Choi, MD · Answer

Among many Asian rhinoplasties that I have performed, there has been several cases of tip refinement and alar base narrowing without dorsal augmentation. If the nasal bridge height is adequate, slight tip refinement and narrowing will go a long way. Just placing implants of different sizes and shapes alone does not yield optimal results even in most Asian rhinoplasty cases. I always combine the conventional rhinoplasty techniques like mattress suture cartilage shaping and cartilage grafting with other augmentation techniques. Every case is carefully planned out based on each patient's own aesthetic goals. I would recommend getting a consultation first with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi! That depends. Most Asian patients what a higher bridge, hence why they get the implant. The other concern/risk is that the nasal bones on most Asian patients are pretty short, which makes it quite risky to perform the traditional osteotomies (breaking of bones) to narrow the nose. Therefore, oftentimes surgeons will instead put grafts to build up the bridge bc the way the shadows and light hits the face on the front will give the illusion that the "top" of the nose is narrower. Adjusting the tip can definitely be done without touching the bridge. Good luck!

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

Yes, this is absolutely possible. A lower set radix/nasal dorsum can be a part of a patient's ethnic identity that they are hoping to maintain. In this case, rhinoplasty can absolutely be performed without altering the dorsal height. These other concerns that you noted can be addressed with traditional rhinoplasty techniques through cartilage reshaping and repositioning and often alar base resection to address the nasal width. A well trained rhinoplasty surgeon can help correct these concerns while keeping the aspects of your nose you are hoping to maintain. 
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Is it possible to perform an Asian rhinoplasty without altering the height of the nose bridge?

Answers (6)

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