Composite implants are one of most effective ways to correct an Asian nose. A great option for augmentation is to use cartilage taken from the nose and ribs. Dr. Chow will most often alter the shape of the nose's tip with cartilage. Dr. Chow has the rare ability to use cartilage from many sources in order to reshape and augment the nose.
Autologous rib cartilage
Asian rhinoplasty has been called one of the most difficult facial plastic surgeries. Many Asian patients desire a higher and more refined nasal bridge. Various augmentation techniques can be used to achieve the desired results. One of the most versatile graft materials is autologous rib cartilage. This tissue can be used in multiple ways, including for augmentation or the formation of new dorsal elevation.
Sliced cartilage fascia
The dorsum, or bony part of the nose, runs between the eyes and the tip. A surgeon can improve the dorsum either by placing a synthetic implants or adding diced cartilage facia grafts. Because the surgeon can mold the cartilage to the patient’s specifications, the latter procedure looks more natural.
Shield grafts
Shield grafts for Asian nose surgery are very popular. They can be used to restore the tip of the nose to its normal shape and height. This involves creating a new dome using a cartilaginous cover. The graft can either be straight or smooth. Or it can be flat or ridged. It can be one layer, or several layers. The surgeon will decide how many layers of projection are required based on the amount.
Skin grafts
Asian nose skin grafts are not always successful. It is difficult to narrow the Asian nose using traditional methods because it has a thick envelope. This is why the doctor will often use structural cartilage to shrink the tip while keeping the thickness of soft tissue. To improve the nose's appearance, he might use one or more of these methods.
Silicone nasopharynx
A patient from Asia complained about a moving silicone nasopharynx after rhinoplasty. This was due to a different surgeon. It was creating an unattractive shadow at the upper nose bridge. Although the area contoured well after surgery, it was not perfect after one year.
Alar base modification
There are many methods that can narrow or modify the alar base and nostrils. But, there have not been any studies specifically targeting Asian patients. One technique that might be helpful for Asian patients may be combined sill/alar removal. This treatment addresses both wide nostrils, and alar flare. A retrospective cohort study was done to evaluate this technique.