Are My Goals For An Asian Rhinoplasty Realistic?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am seeking an Asian rhinoplasty. I want the maximal amount of nasal tip projection and thinning that can be achieved. What can be done to give the nose these tip changes and want can I realistically expect if I do them?

A: In every single case of an Asian rhinoplasty that I have ever done, improved tip projection and shape is always a primary aesthetic goal. There is a limit, however, as to how much nasal tip definition can be achieved based on the thickness of one’s skin. The most nasal tip definition can only be achieved by the combination of a columellar strut, lower alar cartilage dome narrowing and stacked shield grafts on top of it. (if using rib it would be an L-shaped construct)  In every case of an  Asian rhinoplasty that I have done this i always the objective and the maximum tip lengthening procedures are done to achieve it. The only caveat I would add is that the amount of tip projection created can not cause some much pressure on the tip skin that it blanches it on closure. This will set up the  potential tip skin necrosis.

Whether this approach can achieve what you are expecting is a bit of an unknown as you can not simply make ay Asian nose as long or as thin as some patients would like.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana