Just as there are differences in skin color and texture between various ethnic groups, there are differences in the form and structure of the nose. Western Rhinoplasty is one of the latest trends in plastic surgery among Asian women who desire a more “western” looking nose – one that that has a higher bridge and narrower in appearance. This is accomplished by adding height to the Dorset, or bridge of the nose. Basically, this can be done by using either a cartilage graft or by using a synthetic implant. Both have pros and cons. The cartilage graft is usually harvested form the rib. The greatest benefit of cartilage grafts is there no chance of rejection. However, they can change in shape over the years. The greatest benefit of synthetic grafts is that they look perfect and do not change in shape through time. Their downside is that they can become infected or extrude (come out) through the skin. Patients should consult with a surgeon that has experience in with these grafts and implants in rhinoplasty. In these cases, patients often want to improve the appearance of their nose without erasing their ethnic identity.
Research shows that in some areas of the Asian sector, the number of cosmetic nasal surgeries has increased 50 percent or more in recent years. A similar trend exists in the Vancouver area. However, the trend is also on the rise among people of Asian descent in the U.S.
Compared to the typical western nose, the Asian nose tends to be flatter and wider in appearance, and sits higher on the face. There are also differences among specific Asian groups. Japanese people, for example, have more facial accent on average compared with Koreans, who generally have more prominent cheekbones.
Asian Rhinoplasty can increase the size of the nose and narrow the nostrils and even create a more defined tip at the end of the nose. An important consideration is that many Asians and Asian-Americans want to retain their unique ethnic identity while improving their overall appearance and balance out their facial features with the cosmetic changes in the nose.
Many plastic surgeons are skilled at Ethnic Rhinoplasty and are good resources to determine if Asian Rhinoplasty is right for you.
Dr. Andres Bustillo is a board certified facial plastic surgeon located at 6705 Red Road, Suite 706, Coral Gables, Fla. Call (305) 663-3380 for a personal consultation.
