Asian rhinoplasty is a specialised cosmetic procedure tailored to enhance the nasal features while preserving the natural harmony of Asian facial aesthetics. Unlike Caucasian rhinoplasty, which often focuses on reducing or reshaping a prominent nose, Asian rhinoplasty frequently involves augmenting the nasal bridge and tip using cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, or rib to achieve a balanced, refined look.
While standard rhinoplasty techniques are applied, they are carefully adjusted to suit the unique characteristics of Asian nasal anatomy. Employing these customised techniques is essential to retain ethnic natural beauty and ensure results that complement the individual’s facial features.
This approach emphasises enhancing and reshaping the nose to create a harmonious balance with the overall facial features, ensuring that the results remain subtle and naturally integrated.
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“In Asian rhinoplasty, the goal is to rebuild and enhance the nose, requiring structural materials that can be either natural, such as cartilage, or synthetic, such as silicone. For patients who want to avoid the use of implants, efficient use of one’s own cartilage from the ear and septum allows for the creation of a refined nose.
Advances in technology have also introduced 3D-printed silicone implants, which are highly customisable to match the unique anatomy and aesthetic goals of each patient, offering precision and consistency. Additionally, cadaveric rib cartilage provides a natural alternative for those requiring more substantial structural support, ensuring both durability and biocompatibility while reducing the need for harvesting the patient’s own rib cartilage.”
Asian rhinoplasty differs from traditional caucasian rhinoplasty (which is usually a reduction rhinoplasty) through its distinct surgical methods and specialised material selection. Asian rhinoplasty often follows the surgical principles of rebuilding the nose with additional material. Techniques are modified from classic rhinoplasty concepts to rebuild, reshape and reconstruct the nose. Efficient use of one’s cartilage and the use of suture techniques is often the key to surgical success.
Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, which often reduces nasal features, Asian rhinoplasty typically builds up the nasal bridge and refines the tip. This augmentation-focused approach addresses common Asian nasal characteristics such as a low bridge or less projected tip while maintaining natural-looking results.
Autologous Cartilage: Cartilage harvested from the ear, rib, or septum provides natural and biocompatible support, reducing the risk of rejection. These grafts integrate well with existing tissue and offer long-lasting results.
Cadaver Cartilage: Recent advances in processing and preservation techniques have made cadaver cartilage a reliable option for nasal reconstruction. This alternative eliminates donor site complications and reduces operative time.
Silicone Implants: Silicone options like SoftXil and custom 3D-printed implants (Fit Me) offer improved flexibility. These materials can be specifically shaped to match individual facial features and maintain stability over time.
Gore-Tex Implants: Gore-Tex implants have become less common due to better silicone alternatives. Modern silicone options provide better tissue integration and reduced complication rates.
Current surgical preferences emphasise hybrid techniques combining ear cartilage with silicone implants for optimal structural support and aesthetic outcomes. Custom 3D-printed silicone implants allow for accurate augmentation tailored to individual facial structures, reducing the need for manual carving and the risk of implant deviation. This approach improves fit and stability while ensuring consistent results.
Crisalix 3D simulation provides a realistic preview of your potential rhinoplasty results, helping you visualise changes before surgery. Using a 3D model of your face, your surgeon can demonstrate adjustments such as refining the tip, narrowing nostrils, or modifying the bridge, all customised to suit your facial structure. This collaborative process ensures you are informed and confident in your decisions, aligning your goals with your surgeon’s expertise.
3D-printed silicone implants offer a personalised approach to rhinoplasty, ensuring a precise fit tailored to your unique anatomy. These implants, created with advanced 3D imaging, allow for enhancements to the bridge, tip, and overall nasal structure that complement your facial features. This technology eliminates the need for generic implants, resulting in natural, balanced outcomes.
Cadaver cartilage provides an effective alternative when additional support or enhancement is required but sufficient cartilage from your own body is unavailable. This approach avoids the need for cartilage harvesting from other areas, reducing surgical invasiveness and recovery time. Cadaver cartilage allows for a custom, natural-looking result while ensuring a smoother and less complex procedure.
3D imaging software enhances the communication between patients and surgeons by offering a detailed visualisation of potential outcomes. This tool allows us to better understand your goals and expectations, enabling a personalised and collaborative approach to planning your rhinoplasty procedure.
3D-printed implants transform rhinoplasty by offering custom solutions precisely tailored to your unique facial anatomy, ensuring exceptional accuracy and personalised results.
Asian rhinoplasty involves a targeted approach based on these key aspects of the nose. The main techniques include:
The nasal bridge may be augmented or straightened to enhance projection and create a more refined profile. This involves careful placement of chosen materials (cartilage grafts or implants) along the bridge to achieve the desired height while maintaining natural contours.
Correcting a short nose involves lengthening it by projecting the nasal tip forward, with careful work on the tip to enhance its shape and definition. To counteract the contractile forces of the skin envelope, a strong structural foundation is essential. Augmentation of the nasal dorsum, along with projection of the tip, further refines the nose, creating a harmonious and balanced result that complements the overall facial features.
This technique sculpts and defines the nasal tip through cartilage modification. The procedure can reduce bulbousness, increase projection, and improve tip rotation for enhanced facial harmony.
This method addresses wide or flared nostrils through carefully placed incisions to create more proportional nostril width. The technique preserves natural contours while improving overall nasal balance with minimal visible scarring.
Book a personal consultation with Dr. Terence Goh to discuss your options.
Consultation
The process begins with an evaluation of aesthetic goals and any medical considerations related to the nose. Using 3D imaging technology, potential outcomes can be visualised to support informed decision-making. A comprehensive assessment of nasal structure and facial features is conducted, with various options reviewed to determine the most suitable approach. Surgical techniques and materials are discussed to ensure the best possible outcome tailored to individual needs.
Medical Evaluation
The pre-operative assessment includes a thorough evaluation of overall health, including previous surgeries, current medications, and any existing medical conditions. This review helps identify potential risk factors and supports personalised surgical planning.
Pre-Surgical Guidelines
The pre-operative phase requires careful preparation to optimise surgical outcomes. You will need to stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements one week before surgery. Smoking cessation should begin at least two weeks prior to the procedure. Alcohol consumption should cease, and you will complete any required medical tests.
For simpler procedures like alarplasty or closed rhinoplasty, the surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia. More complex procedures, such as open rhinoplasty, typically require intravenous sedation. A dedicated anaesthetist will be present to ensure the safety of the anaesthesia, and vital signs will be continuously monitored throughout the surgery to guarantee both safety and comfort.
The procedure concludes with meticulous wound closure using fine sutures, followed by careful dressing application to protect the surgical site. A nasal splint and tapes help to control swelling and support the new nasal structure during the early healing period. Packing of the nose may be required.
Nasal packing remains in place for the first 24 to 48 hours to stabilise the new structure and minimise bleeding. Sutures over the nose are typically removed within 5 to 7 days, along with sutures at the back of the ear. The nasal splint and tapes are usually changed during the first visit and kept on for a total of 10 days. Medications to reduce swelling and nasal discharge are also prescribed.
Patients should avoid strenuous physical activities for 2 to 3 weeks post-surgery. Direct pressure or trauma to the nose must be avoided. Wearing glasses that rest on the nasal bridge is discouraged during initial healing. Swimming or diving should be postponed for 4 to 6 weeks to prevent complications.
Mild to moderate discomfort is expected around the nose and central face. Pain is usually manageable with medication and tends to improve within the first week.
Swelling begins immediately after surgery and peaks around day 3. It primarily affects the nose but may extend to the eyes, cheeks, and upper lip. Most of the swelling resolves within the first two weeks; however, residual swelling can take 3-6 months to fully subside.
Bruising may appear on the day of surgery and typically worsens by days 2 to 3, particularly under the eyes. Most bruising fades within two weeks, though minor discolouration may take longer to resolve.
The nose remains delicate for several months. Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure for the first month. Swelling continues to reduce gradually, with final results becoming apparent over time. Full recovery can take several months.
While Asian rhinoplasty is generally safe, potential risks include temporary swelling, bruising, and numbness in the surgical area. Rare complications may involve infection, implant-related issues, or minor asymmetry requiring revision. Changes in nasal sensation and temporary breathing adjustments during healing may occur. Close follow-up care helps identify and address any concerns promptly.
Suitable candidates include individuals seeking nasal enhancement while maintaining ethnic features. A thorough assessment of your nasal structure, skin thickness, and overall health determines candidacy, along with realistic expectations about the results. Your surgeon will evaluate these factors during consultation to create an appropriate surgical plan.
While most patients achieve satisfactory results, revisions may be considered after complete healing (typically 12 months post-surgery). Minor adjustments can address specific concerns, though a detailed discussion with your surgeon helps clarify whether additional surgery would benefit your case.
Pre-existing allergies or sinus conditions require careful evaluation before surgery. Your surgeon will assess your medical history and may recommend treating underlying conditions before proceeding with rhinoplasty.
Asian rhinoplasty can enhance breathing function when structural issues affect airflow. The surgery may correct deviated septums or narrow airways, though the primary goal remains aesthetic enhancement.
Age alone does not determine candidacy for rhinoplasty. The procedure proves suitable for older patients in good health. Key factors include skin elasticity, healing capacity, and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect recovery.
Choosing to combine the intricate skills of microsurgery with aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh specialises in gynaecomastia, surgery of the Asian face, particularly Asian eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty.
Blending the precision of microsurgery with the artistry of aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh has a special interest in gynaecomastia, facial procedures, including ptosis and eyelid surgery, as well as rhinoplasty.
He also offers a full range of body contouring procedures such as mummy makeovers, breast augmentation, liposuction, and body sculpting—designed to help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Beyond aesthetics, Dr Goh remains active in reconstructive microsurgery, with expertise in breast reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, and lower limb salvage—restoring both form and function where it’s needed most.
Thinking about Asian Rhinoplasty? Schedule a consultation with Dr Terence Goh today.
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