Asian Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is often performed to create harmony and symmetry between the facial features, resulting in an improved overall appearance. Asian rhinoplasty aims to achieve the same goals while taking the Asian facial structure into account. Dr. Walker recognizes that Asian rhinoplasties should have a different approach than Caucasian rhinoplasties, and he aims to create natural-looking outcomes while maintaining the integrity of your ethnic background. We are located 19 minutes from Downtown Atlanta and 12 minutes from Brookhaven.
What is Asian Rhinoplasty?
Although generalizations are often difficult to make, Asian Rhinoplasty refers to the operation altering the shape in clients of Southeast Asian descent. In Asian Rhinoplasty, rather than reducing the size of the nose by taking off a hump that is often done in Caucasians, the nasal bridge typically needs to be augmented to create a more refined, delicate, and narrow appearance. It also helps Asian clients to wear glasses or sunglasses, which is often challenging with a low nasal profile. This requires material to build up the bridge, which can be done through filler injections (non-surgical rhinoplasty) or surgically using cartilage from the patient’s own body (septum, ear, or rib). There are various surgical techniques to build up the nasal bridge and Dr. Walker likes the DCF (diced cartilage fascia) technique where your own cartilage is diced into very fine pieces and wrapped into a thin layer of fascia that’s harvested from behind the ear to achieve the smoothest possible result.
Asian Rhinoplasty Recovery
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Recovery is Performed Outpatient
Asian rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis where you will go home the day of your surgery under the care of a responsible adult family member or friend. The recovery from Asian rhinoplasty occurs in various stages. There is an initial 1- to 2-week period during which the bruising (if present) subsides and the nasal external and internal swelling improves for improved airflow. The nasal cast and sutures will be removed one week after your procedure, as will the staples behind your ear if a DCF technique was used, at which point in time you can let the water run over your nose again when washing your hair. Most clients experience some discomfort for the first couple of days that most patients can control with Tylenol although a small amount of prescription pain medication is prescribed to you in case you do experience some discomfort. You are encouraged to rest during the first week and to adhere to Dr. Walker’s thorough post-operative instructions including to a low-sodium diet, avoidance of strenuous activities, no nose-blowing, no straining with bowel movements, and avoidance of coughing if possible.
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4 to 6-Week Recovery Check-in
This is followed by a 4- to 6-week period of continued swelling resolution during which strenuous activities and salt/sodium intake are discouraged. The post-surgical period is almost over, and the detailed post-operative results are starting to become more apparent. There is still residual swelling on the nose, and this will change from day to day. Some days, the nose will look better than others, as the swelling continues to go up and down. This is especially true in individuals with thick nasal skin. The residual swelling is starting to decrease from top to bottom. The top of the nose (bridge) is looking more refined. Strenuous activities may be resumed after 4-6 weeks.
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After Three Months
By the three months mark at the latest, you have gotten used to the new facial aesthetic that your Asian rhinoplasty has given you. Generally, most of the visible changes will have occurred by the three months mark although it really takes a full year or so for the final nasal shape to be present. Most clients no longer feel subconscious about their nose after 4-6 weeks and are definitely ready for wedding photos to be taken after about 2-3 months. The tip of the nose is usually the last area to completely “heal.” There may still be a small amount of fullness in this area after 3-6 months. Dr. Walker will closely monitor your healing throughout the recovery process with regular follow-up visits.
You will be able to enjoy full final results after about one year.
Who is a Good Candidate for Asian Rhinoplasty?
Individuals of Asian descent who wish to change the appearance of their nose can often benefit from an Asian rhinoplasty. Clients who are physically healthy, non-smokers with realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure, are often the happiest with their results. The best way to determine if an Asian rhinoplasty is right for you is through a consultation with Dr. Thomas Walker. During your consultation, you will meet and speak with Dr. Walker regarding your medical history and your individual aesthetic goals.
How is the Asian Rhinoplasty Procedure Done?
The Asian rhinoplasty procedure is customized to produce the best possible results for each client. Dr. Walker’s experience as a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon allows him to improve the appearance of the nose to balance it with your natural facial features. This outpatient surgery is highly individualized, and the exact techniques Dr. Walker will choose differs from patient to patient. However, rhinoplasty techniques generally include an open approach with a closed approach being possible in select cases. During an open rhinoplasty, a small incision will be created on the columella between your nostrils. Dr. Walker will utilize cartilage grafts from your nasal septum or a secondary donor site depending on what is best for you to create the desired shape and thereby improve your nasal breathing as well. To build up the nasal bridge, Dr. Walker typically uses the DCF (diced cartilage fascia) technique where your own cartilage is diced into very fine pieces and wrapped into a thin layer of fascia that’s harvested from behind the ear to achieve the smoothest possible result without a risk of warping. Once Dr. Walker has sculpted the underlying nasal structure to the desired shape, nasal skin will be redraped and incisions will be closed using sutures.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are considering an Asian rhinoplasty and would like to learn more about this procedure, contact our office today! Your first step will be to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Walker. This appointment will give him the opportunity to learn more about your aesthetic goals and to create a treatment plan to help make those goals a reality.
