Asian rhinoplasty utilizes different techniques to refine the appearance of Asian patients’ noses to their specifications while maintaining ethnic characteristics. One of these techniques is to use rib cartilage to extend the nasal bridge. This blog discusses what rib grafts are, the benefits of using this technique, who may want it, and other similar techniques used in Asian rhinoplasty.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- Different Techniques for Different Noses
- What Is Cartilage Rhinoplasty?
- What Is the Rib Grafting Retrieval Procedure Like?
- What Are the Benefits of Using Rib Grafting in Asian Rhinoplasty?
Different Techniques for Different Noses
The goal of all cosmetic surgery is to help patients love their outward appearance. An additional, equally important goal is that results are custom to the needs of the patient; that cosmetic results not only improve the patient’s appearance to their specifications, but that the techniques and approach to the procedure are mindful of the physical attributes of the patient.
These tenets are especially important for facial refinement procedures, as the face projects more character and uniqueness than perhaps the body. Therefore, with procedures like rhinoplasty, customization is key. This procedure alters the most central aspect of the face—the nose—in an effort to both correct issues the patient sees and create better facial harmony by balancing the nose with the rest of the facial features.
These concepts become more complicated because different races and ethnicities have distinct physiological attributes and beauty standards, leading to varied interpretations of the procedure. Namely, while many patients with Eurocentric or Western features may opt for a smaller, more subtle nose, Asian patients have different goals.
Asian Beauty Standards and Rib Graft Rhinoplasty
Plastic surgeons who specialize in Asian cosmetic surgery approach rhinoplasty much differently than they would for Caucasian patients. For one, a common complaint of Asian patients is that their noses are too wide and flat, that the nasal bridge is too low. This is in direct opposition to common rhinoplasty requests from Caucasian patients or those of non-Asian descent, as these patients generally want to reduce the projection or size of the nose.
In Asian rhinoplasty, rather than focusing on reducing size and projection, surgeons aim to make the nose extend further from the face; thus, they use techniques such as rib grafts to achieve this.
What Is Cartilage Rhinoplasty?
In rhinoplasty cases where the patient requires the nose to be elongated or projected out further, plastic surgeons utilize autologous cartilage, or cartilage harvested from the patient’s body. This safe and effective method reduces the chance of the body rejecting the graft, as it uses the patient’s own cartilage, and provides a stable structure to build out the nose.
Common cartilage options include:
Ear Cartilage
This option is typically used for minor rhinoplasty corrections, like tip refinement, because ear cartilage is soft and malleable. It is particularly suited for this use because it is a small donor location.
Septal Cartilage
There is a small column of cartilage located between the nostrils, called the septum. Some of this cartilage is used during rhinoplasty, in part because it is easily harvested during the procedure. Septal cartilage can be ideal for minor to moderate alterations, but it might not be available in many patients, especially those with a deviated septum.
Rib Cartilage
Cartilage harvested from the patient’s ribs is the ideal option for nasal bridge projection and larger reinforcing techniques. While this option does require a secondary incision, it provides the most abundant supply of sturdy cartilage, which lends itself beautifully to the needs of Asian rhinoplasty.
What Is the Rib Grafting Retrieval Procedure Like?
Harvesting part of the rib cartilage is an extra step during the rhinoplasty procedure. While the patient is safely under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision over one of the ribs: most commonly the 5th to 8th ribs, which are halfway down the front of the ribcage, or the 11th or 12th ribs, which are called “floating ribs” and are accessed through the patient’s lower/mid back.
Through this small incision, the plastic surgeon carefully removes a piece of the ribs. The amount is not significant enough to alter the structure of the ribcage or affect its function of protecting vital organs. Next, they will shape the rib cartilage to the specifications needed for the rhinoplasty procedure.
Once the cartilage is adequately shaped, the rhinoplasty procedure can resume.
What Are the Benefits of Using Rib Grafting in Asian Rhinoplasty?
It is not uncommon for patients to be allergic to foreign body implant alternatives, such as silicone. Using rib grafts or other natural grafts greatly reduces the risk of implant rejection, making this a much safer option. Since rib grafts offer a thicker and straighter structure, they are ideal for nasal bridge projection that is so popular with Asian rhinoplasty patients.
What Are the Risks of Rib Grafting Rhinoplasty?
All cosmetic surgery carries some risk, including rib grafted rhinoplasty. While rare, potential complications include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor healing
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
When performed by an experienced Asian rhinoplasty specialist, this procedure is considered very safe. Dr. Charles S. Lee is a Beverly Hills Asian rhinoplasty specialist with decades of experience performing this procedure and others that refine the appearance of his Asian patients without sacrificing ethnic characteristics. Dr. Lee is considered one of the leading experts in ethnic rhinoplasty and Asian cosmetic facial procedures, providing stunning results that reflect and honor natural facial characteristics.
Want to Learn More About Asian Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, CA?
Call Dr. Charles S. Lee today at (310) 271-5954 to inquire about an Asian rhinoplasty consultation, or complete the contact form to get started.
