title: Asian rhinoplasty.
abstract: Asian rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging ethnic rhinoplasties that plastic surgeons perform because of the thick skin and soft-tissue envelope. There are three goals: pleasing the patient, achieving an aesthetically appealing result, and preserving a natural look. Of these goals, the most arduous is to satisfy the patient, as many patients have unrealistic goals and may desire an extremely narrow Western nose. Furthermore, patients may bring in celebrity or model photographs and expect that outcome, even though it may not be suitable for their face or appear over-resected and pinched. The surgeon's most important task is to attempt to persuade the patient that this result is nonfunctional, esthetically unfit, and difficult to achieve with their skin. For ethnic surgery, a clear and thorough grasp of nasal anatomy, function, and surgical techniques is paramount. An extensive preoperative discussion, including expectations, outcomes, and a detailed list of potential complications with the patient can prevent physician-patient miscommunication. Before surgery, it is essential to review the office examination, previous operative summary, photographs, nasal analysis sheet, problem list, and plan before proceeding with the surgical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA. drnassif@spaldingplasticsurgery.com
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Nassif
authors.forename: Kimberly J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D044466:Asian People; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation; D004954:Esthetics; D006801:Humans; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*