Noselift / Alar Trimming (Rhinoplasty)

 
In my years of practice in cosmetic plastic surgery, this surgical enhancement procedure is the most popular. In the Philippines and some areas in East Asia, augmentation rhinoplasty is extremely popular. In my own private practice alone, it is the most sought after cosmetic surgery procedure and is increasing in frequency.

A typical Oriental nose has relatively flat dorsum and insufficient tip projection. It is assumed that there is a desire of “westernization” since a high narrow nasal bridge is aesthetically desirable feature in Asian cultures. Sometimes flat oriental nose may be accompanied with alar flaring and thick lobular skin(overhanging alae). Thus augmentation rhinoplasty is done with alar trimming(marginal/vertical /horizontal /wedge/ sailboat excision) of the excess tissue and skin to achieve maximum aesthetic benefit.

My years of surgical experience in augmentation/ noselift of Oriental/Asian nose and my observation of results produced by other techniques done by colleagues have convinced me that the use of well custom-crafted silicone implant is a procedure of choice. Even the use of goretex implant for dorsal augmentation and noselift did not impress me because it failed to provide aesthetically well defined lobule/tip projection to asian nose. However “goretex” noselift can also be a better option for some patients. I believe that its desirable long term results deserves serious consideration and respect. It is not inherently dangerous when properly planned and executed, as Western dogma has purported.

Augmentation rhinoplasty or noselift using silicone implants has been developed and refined by conscientious, experienced and well-trained Asian plastic surgeons. Majority of complications following any cosmetic nasal operation including augmentation with alloplastic prostheses, are related to technical or judgmental error.