Asian Rhinoplasty in Sydney

The nose is one of the most widely varied features of the human face. Many noses have a shape and structure that connects to a person’s ethnic background. With the rise of cosmetic surgery around the world, surgeons must pay more attention to patients’ ethnic differences to achieve personalised rhinoplasty results.

Many Asian patients seek out nose surgery under the care of Dr Ellis Choy, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney. Dr Choy believes that any rhinoplasty procedure must be tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals, and that for Asian rhinoplasty in particular, it is important to maintain a cultural sensitivity in the approach to surgery.

The goal of a “nose job” is to refine and reshape the nasal structure in a way that is proportionate with the eyes, lips, brow and cheekbones. For Asian patients, there are some key differences in anatomy and aesthetic preferences that influence the techniques and outcomes of Asian nose surgery. Choosing a surgeon like Dr Choy who is well-versed in the special considerations that apply to Asian rhinoplasty is beneficial.

Anatomically, the Asian nose frequently has a lower, flatter bridge and a broader base. The nasal tip may be short and wide, with weak underlying cartilage. Asian skin tends to be thicker, especially nasal skin, which can make the nose more bulbous and more sebaceous. The appearance of the nostrils varies according to each Asian patient’s specific ethnic background.

Why Choose Asian Rhinoplasty Surgery?

There are numerous reasons why you may choose to undergo nose surgery. Common requests from Asian rhinoplasty patients include:

• Increasing the projection of the nose
• Augmenting the structure of the nasal dorsum
• Thinning the nasal bridge
• Refining the nasal tip
• Changing the shape or width of the nostrils
• Adjusting the angle between the nose and upper lip

Other reasons for nose surgery include improving breathing, reducing snoring, correcting damage from an injury or revising the results of a previous rhinoplasty.

Who Is a Candidate for Asian Rhinoplasty?

Asian women and men who wish to change the appearance of their nose or have suffered some kind of nose trauma may undergo rhinoplasty surgery. Candidates are generally those who desire to bring balance to their appearance while maintaining characteristics associated with their cultural identity. The best candidates for Asian rhinoplasty in Sydney are physically healthy and have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with nose surgery. Dr Choy evaluates each prospective patient’s candidacy during a private consultation.

Asian Rhinoplasty Consultation

The first step for every rhinoplasty procedure is a detailed consultation with Dr Choy, during which he will assess your anatomy, review your medical history and discuss your cosmetic goals. He will also explain any preparations you should make before your surgery.

This is a great time to communicate your questions and concerns so that he can set you at ease. In all cases, Dr Choy will only proceed once he is confident that your motivations and expectations are reasonable. This focus on preoperative communication is one of the reasons why Dr Choy is so esteemed by Sydney Asian rhinoplasty patients.

Popular Asian Rhinoplasty Procedures

One of the most common requests from Asian patients is dorsal augmentation. Dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty builds up the bridge of the nose for greater structure and projection. The nasal bridge may be augmented surgically or nonsurgically using a variety of methods.

Dorsal Augmentation With Implant

The use of synthetic implants to augment the nasal bridge is widespread in many Asian regions. These implants are made from silicone or Gore-Tex and available in a range of premade sizes and shapes. Although this technique is popular, the complications associated with nasal implants can be considerable.

Dorsal Augmentation With Autologous Cartilage Graft

Nasal dorsal augmentation utilising autologous tissue is the gold standard for rhinoplasty surgeons. An autologous tissue graft is taken from the patient’s own body, reducing the chance of rejection or implant-related complications. The dorsum graft is created with rib cartilage, usually from the fifth or sixth rib. The cartilage can be carved to match the specific anatomical dimensions and aesthetic preferences of the patient, and laminated (layered) for strength.

In his experience, Dr Choy has found that the autologous approach often delivers better results for Asian rhinoplasty patients. Though it is a bigger procedure with an extra scar, the structural support of the cartilage graft, the lower risk of complications and the vast opportunities for customisation are valuable trade-offs. In addition to augmenting the nasal bridge, cartilage grafts can also be used to increase the projection and definition of the nasal tip.

Dorsal Augmentation With Cadaveric Cartilage Graft

Patients who want the benefits of a cartilage graft but do not want to sacrifice a rib have the option of choosing cadaveric rhinoplasty. Instead of using a graft from the patient’s own ribs, which leads to scarring and pain, a cadaveric rhinoplasty uses a cadaver rib graft. Dr Choy was the first plastic surgeon in Australia to perform cadaveric rhinoplasty.

Nonsurgical Dorsal Augmentation

Some patients are candidates for a nonsurgical rhinoplasty. The procedure can be used to change the structure and proportions of the nose temporarily. This is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure that allows patients to consider if they want to explore a more permanent option.

Asian Rhinoplasty Aftercare and Recovery

After your Asian rhinoplasty procedure, Dr Choy and his team will provide you with information about what you can expect over the coming days and weeks, including any recommended aftercare measures. Recovery from nose surgery requires several weeks. You may wear a splint and bandages for the first week to protect your newly reshaped nose. There is some discomfort in the first few days, primarily the feeling of having a “stuffy nose,” which is managed with prescription pain relief. Bruising and swelling will decline within the first two weeks.

It’s up to you to decide when you are ready to reveal your new nose. Many patients find that they are comfortable returning to work and social engagements after two weeks have passed. Others prefer to wait longer if their schedule allows. You may continue to experience improvements in your nose’s appearance for six months to a year after your surgery.

Request More Information About Asian Rhinoplasty With Dr Ellis Choy

Australian-trained specialist plastic surgeon Dr Ellis Choy uses his experience to provide nose surgery that complements Asian facial features. Being from an Asian heritage himself, Dr Choy has personal, in-depth knowledge of Asian facial anatomy and is in a unique position to understand the concerns of his Asian patients. Patients from all over the country travel to Sydney for his expertise in Asian plastic surgery.

For more information about Asian rhinoplasty, or other procedures such as Asian breast augmentation or Asian eyelid surgery, contact Dr Choy’s practice today on +61 2 8962 9388.

Click here to view our asian rhinoplasty (nose surgery) before and after photos

Making an Informed Decision

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.

General Risks and Complications

There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.

Specific Risks and Complications

In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For Asian rhinoplasty, these may include: 

• Prolonged swelling
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Breathing difficulties
• Implant complications
• Cartilage graft warping
• Septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum)
• Nasal valve collapse
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Next Steps

Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.