Is non surgical rhinoplasty an option for me?

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I have a much wider Asian nose and not much of a nose bridge, is it possible for fillers to make my nose appear narrow?

A: If your goal is a mild-to-moderate change which is temporary (9-12 months with Restylane, ~1-2 years with Voluma) then nonsurgical rhinoplasty would be a reasonable option for you as long as you understand the limitations of nonsurgical vs. surgical rhinoplasty.  Your bridge can be augmented (built up) to give it the appearance of increased narrowness and refinement from frontal and 3/4 view.

Also, while nonsurgical rhinoplasty can add volume and height, it can not remove excess tissue and can not narrow the width of the nostrils.

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How to make big nose smaller?

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: Hello! Doctor my nose is big, but I don’t know how can I make it be small. I want to use cream to be small. What sort of cream can I use to become small. Thank you!

A: Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is limited in that it can not reduce any volume from the nose, it can only add to it.  In situations when the dorsum or nose is low, adding height with nonsurgical rhinoplasty can make it appear more defined and narrow from the frontal view.

In cases with excess nostril width or flare, wide tips and thick skin, surgical rhinoplasty is the best option.

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Should I get a rhinoplasty to fix the round tip of my nose?

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I think my nose is very round at the tip. Will rhinoplasty help me, or should I leave it the way it is.

A: Rhinoplasty will certainly be able to reshape and create more definition to the tip of your nose.  The decision to undergo rhinoplasty is a strictly personal one, as only you can weigh the pros and cons of the recovery and financial aspects relative to how much the nasal appearance bothers you.

 

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Rhinoplasty for bulbous nose?

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I have a bulbous nose and want to reduce the size of my nose tip and maybe change its shape. I don’t wanna change anything of the nose bridge or the height of my nose tip though. What kind of operation would you recommend? Do I just need to cut some fat off the tip, or do I need to put anything inside my nose? How much would that cost? Also, I know the total heal takes a whole year, but how long would it take for me to just look “normal”, namely, not sallow or look like I’ve just been beaten?

A: It will be possible to achieve significant refinement to the tip of your nose using grafts fashioned from cartilage inside your nose (septum) and possibly one of your ears.  Simply “cutting fat” from the tip of the nose will not provide the structure and support your nose needs to show definition through your skin.  Sometimes removing tip cartilage alone in an attempt to refine the nose will cause the nose to appear more bulbous, due to the lack of support.

Most patients will take 10-14 days off of work or school.  After 4-6 weeks enough swelling will have resolved for your nose to start looking smaller and refined than it does now, and the majority of swelling will resolve in 3-6 months.

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What do you recommend for a typical wide, flat, Asian nose?

Posted on July 31, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I’m an Asian female and I hate my nose! I want a narrower, more prominent (but still natural looking) nose. P.S. If someone who has had a full rhinoplasty (alarplasty & cartilage grafting, etc) were to injure their nose, would they need to have special reconstructive surgery or would an ordinary nose splint suffice?

A: The safest way to achieve a natural-appearing and permanent result is with Asian rhinoplasty using autologous grafts (tissue from your own body).  It’s important to maintain the proper proportions between the tip and bridge to create the most attractive results.

Once healed from rhinoplasty using your own cartilage, your nose will be stronger than it was before surgery but will still be susceptible to the same injuries when given significant trauma.

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Local or general Anesthesia for Rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty? Which option should I opt for ?

Posted on July 31, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I am going under a rhinoplasty ssing silicone for bridge and cartilage from ear for nose tip. I will also be get blepharoplasty same time. My doctor told me it’s local anesthesia and surgery will take About 2 hrs. He said in Asia this is popular way. I’m nervous about how comfortable this will be? Is it safe? Do I breath out of my mouth? What if I moved, panic from the sight of blood or feel pain. Why do Asian Doctors prefer local? Is it cheaper for them?

A: Each surgeon will have his/her preference in terms of general anesthesia.  For me personally, I find general anesthesia to be the most comfortable and safe form of anesthesia for my patients during rhinoplasty.  The nose is a part of the airway, and for this reason during nasal surgery blood can potentially enter the airway.  General anesthesia provides an excellent way to protect the airway and prevent issues from blood entering the airway.

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Increased Swelling 4 Months After Rhinoplasty – Just Swelling or Excess Cartilage?

Posted on July 31, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I’ve undergone Asian rhinoplasty and septoplasty about 4months ago to fix a deviated septum and to narrow/sharpen my bulbous tip, using my own nasal cartilage. 1-2 weeks ago, I had a cold and there were mucus & congestion. I blow my nose rather heavily sometimes and pick my nose several times throughout. Now I noticed increased swelling at the lateral sides on the nasal tip area, making my tip look rather bulbous now. Swelling? Cartilage fell off to the side? How can I know the difference?

A: For an entire year after your surgery, your nose is continuing to heal and take on its final appearance.  During that period of healing, it’s not unusual to see your nose fluctuate in size and the amount of swelling.  You manipulated your nose quite vigorously, so that is the most likely explanation for the sudden increase in swelling.  It’s unlikely that at 4 months out cartilage would have been displaced, but also a possibility.  Give the swelling some time to settle down before you start worrying about cartilage shifting, and try to be more gentle blowing and picking your nose.

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L-shaped Silicone in My Nose, But Want to Get Rid of the Hard Tip?

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I am Asian and I had L-shaped silicone in my nose now and I actually likes the shape of my nose now except for the hard tip that make people notice I had work done. But then I heard some people say that L-shaped silicone will continue thinning the tip and sooner or later always needs revision surgery. I want to ask, is it true? Will it happen to everyone? So does it mean that I better do my revision surgery as soon as possible?

A: L-shaped silicone implants are a quick and easy way to get a more projected (taller), more refined nose.  The problem that you are starting to encounter is a common one for many patients that have rhinoplasty with an L-shaped implant.  Unfortunately there is a risk of extrusion and infection of the implant.  When the skin overlying the implant thins to the point of extrusion, it must be removed asap.  In your situation, there’s no need to panic since that has not happened, but the best option is to replace the silicone implant with your own tissue.  You will be able to achieve the shape you want, without people noticing you had work done.

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Is It Possible for Space Between Eyes to Be Shaved Down And Have Nose Fixed To Look More Asian? I’m Half Asian.

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I’m mixed Asian, but I don’t look like it. But I really want my Caucasian nose to look Asian. I hate it! I edited it one time and saw what it would be like with an Asian nose, and it looked so much better! Also, my eyes are a problem. Is it possible to slightly lift or tighten the ends of my eye to make them a little bit slanted? Whenever I am with my sisters and mom I look like a stranger! I know I have dark circles but no problem.

A: I have many mixed-race friends, and being Asian myself, I can certainly relate to your feelings regarding your cultural identity.  I can see that you relate more to your Asian side at the moment, but things may change as you get older.  In my humble opinion, I do not think plastic surgery is the best option for you right now.  It’s amazing how our view of the world and ourselves change as we age; so don’t be in a rush to jump into surgery quite yet.

 

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What Would Be the Best Rhinoplasty Procedure for Me?

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I’m in my 20s, and I’ve always disliked my nose for being too wide. I’m considering an alar base reduction, but what else? I’m not sure if I want to change anything about the bridge… the change might be too risky and radical. My main complaint is that the size and width of my nose basically ruins my face, especially when I smile. Ideally I want some subtle changes to my nose that’ll put it in harmony with the rest of my face. Nothing too crazy.

A: An alar base modification would help improve the balance of your nose, as would some tip refinement.  A subtle dorsal augmentation would help make your nose appear more “narrow”, while still maintaining a look that is 100-percent you.

Looking at computer-morphed images with your surgeon during consultation will give you a good idea of what is possible, and also give you a great chance to convey to your surgeon what you envision.

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