

Overview of Asian Rhinoplasty
The nose is one of the most distinctive features of the human face. Many noses have a unique structure or shape that reveals a person’s ethnic background. As plastic surgery's popularity continues to grow globally, surgeons must devote more attention to patients' ethnic variations, both aesthetically and anatomically, to achieve natural and elegant rhinoplasty results
There are several notable differences in anatomy and aesthetic preferences that influence the preferred techniques and outcomes of Asian nose surgery. Anatomically, the Asian nose often has a lower and flatter bridge, a short and wide nasal tip, weak underlying cartilage and thicker skin. Common complaints are that the nose is poorly defined, too flat, too wide or too short. Aesthetically, Asian patients often desire an elegant, discreet and natural look that improves facial harmony and retains their unique Asian beauty.
Dr Ellis Choy, a leading specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney, believes firmly that any rhinoplasty procedure must be tailored to the patient’s specific anatomy and goals. Many Asian patients choose Dr Choy for rhinoplasty due to his knowledge of Asian plastic surgery and cultural sensitivity in his approach to surgery. Selecting a surgeon who is proficient in the special considerations that apply to Asian rhinoplasty is critical for achieving a subtle and beautiful result.
Benefits of Asian Rhinoplasty
There are numerous reasons to undergo nose surgery. Common desires of Asian rhinoplasty patients include:
- Augmenting the structure of the nasal dorsum
- Increasing the projection of the nose
- Refining the nasal tip
- Thinning the nasal bridge
- Thinning the nasal bridge
- Altering the angle between the nasal tip and upper lip
- Adjusting the shape or width of the nostrils
- Improving overall facial balance and harmony
Additional reasons to consider nose surgery include reducing snoring, improving breathing, correcting damage from an injury or refining the results of a previous rhinoplasty.
All candidates for Asian rhinoplasty in Sydney must be physically healthy and have realistic expectations regarding what can be achieved with surgery. Dr Choy will evaluate your candidacy for a rhinoplasty procedure during a private consultation.
What to Expect
The first step of an Asian rhinoplasty procedure is a consultation with Dr Choy. During this initial meeting, he will assess your anatomy, medical history and goals to create a personalised surgical plan. He may recommend complementary procedures that will help you achieve your desired outcome. Use this time to communicate your questions and concerns and learn about the procedure so you feel completely at ease heading into surgery.
Asian rhinoplasty is an inpatient procedure performed under general anaesthesia. Many different techniques may be utilised, depending on your goals. Before your procedure, Dr Choy will gauge which technique best suits your needs and will help you achieve an attractive result.
Recovery from Asian rhinoplasty takes several weeks. There is some expected discomfort in the first few days, which is managed with prescription pain relief. Bruising and swelling decline noticeably within the first two weeks. Many patients find they are comfortable returning to work and social engagements after these two weeks have passed. Others prefer a longer recovery if their schedule allows.
Full results emerge gradually. Because cartilage is slow to heal and settle into its final shape, you may continue to notice changes in your nose’s appearance for six months to a year after your surgery.
Popular Asian Rhinoplasty Procedures
One of the most common requests from patients of Asian heritage is dorsal augmentation, a type of rhinoplasty that builds up the bridge of the nose for increased structure and projection. This can be accomplished using a variety of methods.
Dorsal Augmentation With Implant
The use of synthetic implants to enhance the nasal bridge is popular in many Asian regions. These implants are made from Gore-Tex or silicone and come in a range of premade shapes and sizes. This technique is popular, but the complications linked with nasal implants can be considerable.
Dorsal Augmentation With Autologous Cartilage Graft
An autologous tissue graft is created with the patient’s rib cartilage, which is carved to match the patient’s anatomical dimensions and aesthetic preferences and laminated (layered) for strength. This technique reduces the risk of rejection or implant-related complications and is the gold standard for plastic surgeons performing dorsal augmentation.
Dorsal Augmentation With Costal Cartilage Allograft
In costal cartilage allograft rhinoplasty, a cadaver rib graft is used instead of a graft from the patient’s own ribs. This option may be appealing to patients who desire the benefits of a cartilage graft but do not want to sacrifice a rib or have an additional scar. Dr Choy was the first Australian plastic surgeon to perform rhinoplasty with costal cartilage allograft technique.
Dorsal Augmentation With Dermal Filler
A nonsurgical rhinoplasty with dermal fillers involves injecting a filler underneath the skin to temporarily alter the structure and proportions of the nose. This is a convenient outpatient procedure that can help patients decide if they want to explore a more permanent option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Asian rhinoplasty approach does Dr Choy recommend?
Dr Choy has found that autologous cartilage grafts often deliver the best results for Asian patients. Though this is a more complex procedure that leaves an extra scar, there are invaluable trade-offs, including the lower risk of complications, the structural support of the cartilage graft and the vast opportunities for customisation.
At what age can I get rhinoplasty?
You should not have rhinoplasty surgery until your nose has stopped growing, which usually happens around age 15 or 16 for girls and a year or two later for boys. Operating on the nose before its growth has stabilised can have substantial consequences. Continued growth after nose surgery can result in changes that alter the appearance of the nose and may necessitate revision surgery. Anyone over that age can have a rhinoplasty done.
How long does rhinoplasty take?
Most rhinoplasty surgeries can take 3-4 hours to perform. The length of the procedure depends on several factors, including whether it is a primary or revision rhinoplasty, how many issues must be addressed, the complexity of the technique, and the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon.
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
Rhinoplasty prices vary widely because rhinoplasty itself encompasses various techniques that can be performed to different extents and achieve different goals. Every procedure is customised to suit the patient’s individual anatomy and aesthetic concerns.
How long until rhinoplasty swelling goes down?
The swelling after rhinoplasty can take a while to resolve completely. The initial swelling will get better in the first two to three weeks. This is when you will start to see the new shape of your nose. Over the first two to three months, most of the remaining swelling will go down. You will start to see the details in your nose and its true shape will emerge. The final phase of swelling reduction can take up to a year.
Can rhinoplasty change your face?
Although rhinoplasty is exclusively performed on the nasal structure, it can have a profound impact on the overall appearance and harmony of the face. Your refined nose can give your profile improved shape and structure. Features like your eyes or lips may become more noticeable because your nose is no longer drawing attention away from them. Rhinoplasty can also change the perceived size of other features, such as a prominent brow or weak chin, because of the way all facial features fit together.

Procedure performed by
Dr Ellis Choy
Specialist plastic Surgeon
Dr Ellis Choy is an Australian trained, fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. He specialises in a wide range of Asian Plastic Surgery procedures involving the face, breast and body works. As an Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, Dr Choy helps his patients achieve life-changing transformation via personal enhancement.





Request More Information About Asian Rhinoplasty Surgery With Dr Ellis Choy
A proportionate and shapely nose is the focal point for the face. Australian-trained specialist plastic surgeon Dr. Ellis Choy uses his extensive expertise in Asian cosmetic surgery to provide rhinoplasty results that flatter and celebrate Asian facial features. Being of Asian heritage himself, Dr. Choy has personal knowledge of Asian anatomy and is uniquely qualified to understand the concerns of his Asian patients. Patients from all over Australia travel to Sydney for Dr. Choy’s proficiency in Asian plastic surgery.
For more information about Asian rhinoplasty, contact Dr. Choy’s practice today at +02 5104 9703 or fill out our enquiry form today to learn more.