Composite implants are one of most effective ways to correct an Asian nose. Using cartilage from the nose or ribs can be a great option for augmentation. Dr. Chow uses cartilage to change the tip shape of the nasal. Dr. Chow is unique in his ability to use cartilage of many different sources for augmentation or reshaping the nose.
Autologous rib cartilage
Asian rhinoplasty has been called one of the most difficult facial plastic surgeries. Many Asian patients want a more sophisticated and higher nasal bridge. Many augmentation techniques are available to achieve the desired results. Autologous rib cartilage is one of the most versatile graft material. 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 enhance the dorsum by either placing a synthetic implant or adding diced cartilage fascia grafts. The latter is a more natural-looking procedure because the surgeon can sculpt the cartilage to the patient's desired shape and size.
Shield grafts
Shield grafts are a popular option for Asian nose surgery. They can also be used to restore the tip's normal size and height. A cartilaginous shield is used to create a new domed shape. The graft can either be straight or smooth. Or it can be flat or ridged. It can be a single layer or several layers. The surgeon will determine the number of layers necessary based upon how much projection is required.
Skin grafts
Unfortunately, Asian nose skin transplants are not always successful. The Asian nose has a very thick envelope, making it difficult to use traditional methods to narrow it. Because of this, the doctor often uses structural cartilage grafts to narrow the tip while retaining the thickness of the soft tissue. Alternatively, he may use a combination of the two techniques to improve the appearance of the nose.
Silicone nasopharynx
A patient from Asia complained about a moving silicone nasopharynx after rhinoplasty. This was the fault a different plastic surgeon. The result was an unattractive shadow around the upper nasal bridge. After surgery, the contour of this area was fine at first, but it became more irregular 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 may be useful in Asian patients is combined sill and alar excision, which addresses wide nostrils and alar flare at the same time. In a retrospective cohort study, this technique was evaluated.