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| To improve the cosmetic results for Asians choosing plastic surgery, easier, more reliable techniques have been developed for increased patient satisfaction, according to an article in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Two studies focused on new techniques for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) for Asians. "Two of the most requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedures by Asians are eyelid surgery and nose reshaping," said James Penoff, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Honolulu, whose patients are predominately Asian and Polynesian. "It is particularly challenging to achieve the desired results within the Asian population due to the uniqueness of Asian facial characteristics. Plastic surgeons continue to refine techniques so Asian patients can get the results they desire." (Related article: Plastic surgery in luxurious, spa like setting)
The first study, authored by Won-Min Yoo, MD, and colleagues in Seoul, Korea, focused on a technique, root z-epicanthoplasty, that in combination with traditional eyelid surgery, can create a more prominent eyelid crease for Asian patients. Eyelid surgery gives the appearance of a wider, fuller eye by removing excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelid. Root z-epicanthoplasty enhances cosmetic results by lengthening the width of the eye, creating a more pronounced eyelid crease. "Not everyone is a potential candidate for this procedure," said Dr. Penoff. "Procedures should be individualized based on need and a patient’s desire for certain outcomes. This procedure offers an extended incision for those that need it in order to get the look they want." (Related article: Plastic surgery for Hispanic men and women)
 Several other methods to create more prominent eyelid creases exist, however these methods are surgically complex and result in prominent scarring of the eyelid and nose area. The second study, authored by Seung-Kyu Han, MD, and colleagues at Korea University Guro Hospital in Seoul, Korea, introduced a new "extended incision" technique for nose reshaping that, in combination with conventional "open-approach" surgery, produces better cosmetic results for Asian patients. "The extended incision technique can be particularly useful in the Asian patient because Asians seeking nose reshaping tend to have flat or low nose bridges, poorly projected nose tips, wide base, and round or flared nostrils," said Dr. Penoff. "The extended incision, either singularly or in conjunction with other techniques, gives plastic surgeons better access to certain areas of the nose, allowing for better height and tip projection." (Related article: Cosmetic surgery for ethnic groups)
Open-approach nose reshaping involves making a small incision along the vertical strip of tissue at the bottom of the nose separating the nostrils. The study explores extending this incision to make certain structures in the nose more accessible. (Related: Leg extension surgery)
While these results can be performed through the conventional open-approach, the extended incision requires only two additional stitches and makes the procedure easier. More importantly, the extended incision can bring further tip projection. Since there is a natural limit to how high the nose tip can be raised, even a few millimeters of added height can be helpful, the study notes. "What is an attractive nose?" said Dr. Penoff. "Quite simply, a nose that fits your face. An attractive nose is natural-looking and achieves a harmonious balance with other facial features. I find that most of my Asian patients don’t want to erase their ethnicity, but rather make their face more proportional." Recommended articles: Face lift plastic surgery procedures Should you get implants? Should you get plastic surgery done overseas? Plastic surgery and self esteem Latest plastic surgery procedures How to finance plastic surgery procedures? Cost of plastic surgery Breast reduction for dark skinned women |
