Rhinoplasty is a well-known procedure used to repair or reshape a person’s nose. It can be used to address health problems, purely cosmetic concerns, or a combination of the two. But what many people don’t realise is that Asian rhinoplasty is distinct from other forms of nose surgery. So, what do you need to know about Asian rhinoplasty?
Asian Rhinoplasty: What Do You Need to Know?
What is Asian rhinoplasty?
Asian rhinoplasty is a form of nose surgery developed specifically to answer the needs of people of Asian descent. Because Asian noses are often shaped slightly differently to other cultures – often characterised by a low nasal bridge and broader nostrils, or an enlarged bridge area – Asian people will often have different requirements from their rhinoplasty surgeon. With the focus frequently being on narrowing the nostrils and building up the bridge.
Asian skin is thicker than Western skin which changes the way the surgery is performed. Dr Uppal specialises in this approach to thick skin to get the best results from nose surgery.
The different types of Asian rhinoplasty
There are three different types of Asian rhinoplasty. Medical rhinoplasty combats problems with the function of the nose. Its primary purpose is to improve the nasal structure to facilitate better breathing and fix other related problems.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty (which is often paired with medical rhinoplasty) is used for aesthetic adjustments. Usually, if a person is unhappy with the shape of their nose.
Lastly, revision rhinoplasty is to correct or adjust previous nasal surgery. This is only ever required if a person isn’t entirely happy with the results of earlier surgery. Or, occasionally, if a person has injured their nose post-operatively, and impacted the shape.
What is involved in Asian rhinoplasty?
There are various different approaches to Asian rhinoplasty. The procedure varies according to each patient’s specific needs. Whether medical or cosmetic. So, depending upon your requirements, you may experience:
· Open rhinoplasty – Whereby the skin is lifted from the nose so that the surgeon can access the inner structure and nasal passages.
· Closed rhinoplasty – Using this approach, your surgeon will enter your nose through your nostrils.
· Non-surgical rhinoplasty – In cases of minor adjustments, fillers can be used to reshape the nose non-invasively.
· Rib graft to build up the nose rather than using silicone implants which can fall out or get infected over time.
How long does Asian rhinoplasty take?
Every patient is treated on an individual basis. So, the time that rhinoplasty takes will vary according to that person’s needs. However, Asian rhinoplasty rarely takes more than three hours. And can be significantly faster for non-surgical procedures.
What is the recovery period for Asian rhinoplasty?
Because some Asian ethnicities have slightly thicker skin than Caucasians, they can experience increased swelling post-surgery. This means that the recovery period can take longer. However, Mr Uppal is highly experienced in this area, and is able to provide a range of strategies to help expedite recovery. In most cases, you will be able to return to your usual activities after around a fortnight. But complete recovery can take between 10 months and two years.
Rhinoplasty is a very personal procedure. The way your nose looks and feels can dramatically impact the way that you feel about yourself, as well as the way that you breathe. It can impact your confidence, even your mental wellbeing. Finding the right surgeon to work with, who will guide you through the process and help you make the right decisions for your needs, is imperative to achieving the best results.
