I have a typical Asian big nose as well as a pretty flat bridge. What can be done to enhance my nose?

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I think I might need a silicon implant for a slightly higher ( just a tat higher) bridge as well as a tipplastry? I hope for a slightly sharper tip n narrower nose. Would a nasal bone shaving be necessary? Pls advise.


A: I do agree that your nose will have a more attractive profile and greater refinement from frontal view with some bridge augmentation.  I would strongly recommend using tissue from your own body as this will create the safest, permanent and I feel, the most attractive result.  Silicone is less than ideal for its temporary nature, high risk of complications, and un-natural contours it can create over time.  

By building up and projecting and refining the tip and bridge of your nose, you will be able to achieve the look you seek without shaving the nasal bones.  

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Diced cartilage life term – is there a significant difference if fascia is used or not? Is the fascia important?

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: Is there a significant difference of the cartilage Life Term (resorption) between using diced cartilage wrapped in fascia and diced cartilage combined with Fibringlue without fascia? Is the fascia Important?


A: Fascia is more important to maintain the height, width and shape of the graft more than it is the viability.  The potential issue with free fine-diced cartilage (FDC) versus diced cartilage fascia (DCF) is mobility and visibility.  It is just as likely to remain viable, but it can shift or it can begin to show through the skin.

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Is it possible to have surgery to get a more “Asian looking” nose?

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I am looking to make my nose wider and flatter. I am Eurasian but I have completely Caucasian nose – very high nose bridge and I hate it. I am looking to widen the lower part of my nose and have flat nose bridge like stereotypical Asian nose… Would this be possible?

A: While it is possible reshape the nose in a number of ways during rhinoplasty, my goal as a facial plastic surgeon is to make each and every one of my patients more attractive.  If I feel a procedure will make my patient less attractive, I will strongly advise against it.

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I want a nose job and I am wondering about the price of one?

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I have an Asian nose that is flat and round and it flares out when I yawn and it is disgusting for people to look at. I also have acne on it so I was wondering if that would be affected too. I am also 16 years old.

A: The cost of a nose job will vary based on your geography and the experience/proficiency of the surgeon.  While it’s not necessarily true in rhinoplasty you get what you pay for, typically the top surgeons in a given geographic will command the higher surgeon fees.  As a patient it’s important to do your due diligence in researching rhinoplasty specialists to determine which prices are reasonable, and which really are “too good” to be true.

On a side note, I also grew up in Plano and loved it.

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L-Shaped implant causing too much pressure on nose tip. Should I wait or try to do revision ASAP?

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: Almost 5 months ago I had Asian rhinoplasty done with L silicon implant and ear cartilage at the tip. There has been lots of pressure at the tip ever since the operation. Aside from the pressure, the nose tip points dramatically to the right since the day of the operation. The bridge is straight. I’m sure I will seek another, more experienced surgeon for revision, but when should I do revision? I’ve read that it is recommended to wait 6 months, but I’m worried about the pressure on the tip.

A:  Signs of impending implant extrusion include increasing redness and tenderness.  Extrusion is a gradual process, as the skin is slowly thinned by the implant to the point of ulcerating.  In this case, when the skin is being thinned by a synthetic implant, the risks of waiting too long may be greater than operating sooner than the “recommended” time.  Using tissue from your own body (autologous grafts) will greatly reduce the risk of this possible complication.

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1 year post op Rhinoplasty, is this a Zit or Silicone implant infection?

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I had a nose job using a I-shaped silicone implant a year ago. Keep in mind, I am very acne-prone and have similar bumps all over the rest of my face. About 1-2 months ago, this bump started forming on my nose (not directly on top of the implant, but rather the side of my nose).Is this a silicone implant infection, or just another zit? It’s been over a month, so I’m getting worried. Also, this appeared about three days after I bumped my nose when the showerhead fell on me.

A: Implants will typically begin to show signs of ulceration and extrusion closer to the midline of the nose, because this is where they are exerting the greatest amount of pressure on the skin.

It would be advisable to see your surgeon in person to better evaluate your nose as to prevent progression of this “pimple” into a larger complication.

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5 months post op Asian Revision Rhinoplasty, could it be possible that the columella bone got trimmed?

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I have Asian nose. It’s been 5 months post-op but the collumella feels so soft, it can be pushed to right/left easily. Isn’t it supposed to be cartilage kind of feel /a little bit hard when touched? My nose does looked upturned then previous. Could it be possible that the collumella bone got trimmed? What could this mean? Thank you.

A: The columella is made of cartilage, and note bone, and is naturally a soft area of the nose.  When extensive cartilage grafts are placed in this area, the area may become more rigid and take time to soften.

The fact that your columella is soft is not likely to have an effect on your final result, but bring up your concerns with your surgeon as he/she is in the best position to reassure you with the details of your surgery.  Tip rotation will decrease and will look less upturned as you continue to heal.

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Thick Asian Nose. Is surgery a good option? Should I exclusively look at doctors who have worked on Asian clients?

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I am half Filipino and half Hispanic. My nose is from my Filipino side. And I’ve been reading online how Asian noses compared to Caucasian noses are fundamentally different, and how some doctors specialize in just the Asian rhinoplasty. Knowing this, I have become apprehensive going to a doctor who hasn’t done a lot of ethnic or Asian noses. So when looking for my doctor, should I exclusively look at doctors who have worked on Asian clients or does it matter?

A: Asian noses have not only anatomical differences from noses of other ethnicities, but different aesthetics.  This makes it important to find a surgeon who appreciates Asian beauty and is able to create a nose, which enhances and complements your other features.

As a patient, looking at a surgeon’s before and after photos will give you a good sense of whether he/she has the expertise and the aesthetic sense to help you achieve the nose you have in mind for yourself.

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How soon can I get an Asian Revision Rhinoplasty?

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: 1 month ago I got a rhinoplasty and I am unhappy about the size of my bulbous / tip area. It is really big (I wanted definition, narrower elongated tip. I believe that my nose is attainable for this definition but my surgeon did not build it that way. I also got a cartilage augment. How early can I get revision? And how much can I expect to pay more? I paid 8k in Los Angeles and may go anywhere in US to fulfill a revision. I know it’s early but my nose is NOT what I want.

A: At 1 month, you are extremely early in your recovery period and the nose is expected to be quite swollen at this point.  The majority of the swelling will resolve in 3-6 months, and will continue to resolve as your nose heals for up to 1-2 years.

Revision surgery generally is more complex and challenging than primary surgery, and thus is typically costlier.  In some cases, depending on the area being addressed, revision surgery may be considered as early as 6 months post-op, but in general waiting a full year is prudent.

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1 year post op Asian revision rhinoplasty, I have an extrusion, crooked results. Any suggestions?

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Donald B. Yoo, M.D.

Q: I got my nose done a year ago using I-silicone & ear cartilage. Kindly need your advice on my questions below: 1. The nose is crooked. The nostril is contorted. Is this normal/acceptable? Are there potential complications? 2. I noticed a faint red bump on the tip of my nose. I don’t feel any pain/sensation. Is it an extrusion case? Will the bump get more pronounced with time? 3. I want to take the silicone out. Do I still need to insert cartilage to ensure the tip doesn’t sag? Thank you!

A: The silicone implant may be misaligned and is causing a deviation to the bridge of your nose.  Removing the silicone implant and replacing it with tissue from your own nose (autologous grafts) will allow it to be reconstructed in a safe, permanent way.

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