Asian nose aesthetics | Reposition nostrils vs lengthening the nose?
One of the most common changes Asians are seeking is the shape of the nose. The majority of Asian rhinoplasty is to increase the height of the bridge and tip of the nose (also called augmentationrhinoplasty).
One area many Asians patients get confused is assessing the length of the nose. Many patient ask to have their nostrils reposition to a higher location. However, many of these patients have what I believe to be a short nose. A short nose appearance is frequently associated with a retracted columella (The columella is the structure between the nostrils). This finding is best appreciated on your profile view. In some cases where the columella is too retracted, the nostrils can have an appearance of “hooding” over the columella.
To address these finding, lengthening the nose (in addition to building the bridge and tip) may create more aesthetic harmony to the nose.