LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

I am Caucasian, but I have a common problem that many asians have - a small nose. However, other parts of my face are quite strong.

I want to make my nose look stronger, more masculine. I did some Photoshops myself. Not too professional, but you can see the idea (original - left, photoshop - right). The last picture is taken with a bad phone cam, but you can see nose shape from below.

I wonder how realistic this is for me and how safe it is? I would opt for using grafts from my own body (rib cartilage/nose cartilage?).

I would love to hear professional and honest opinion from Dr. Lam. Also would like to hear what would be the cost of surgery and how long it would take. I live in another continent, so I will have to travel.

Thank you.

hi,
yes, that looks realistic to undertake. i typically use thin gore-tex for the bridge because it is thin enough to look natural. i don't like ribs because they are too thick even shaved down to look good on the bridge and also too firm for my taste. the tip can be reshaped without any implants. let me know what else i can do to answer your questions. look forward to take care of you when you are ready. i know it is a big commitment given the distance.
best,
sml

dr. lam wrote:hi,
yes, that looks realistic to undertake. i typically use thin gore-tex for the bridge because it is thin enough to look natural. i don't like ribs because they are too thick even shaved down to look good on the bridge and also too firm for my taste. the tip can be reshaped without any implants. let me know what else i can do to answer your questions. look forward to take care of you when you are ready. i know it is a big commitment given the distance.
best,
sml

Thank you for quick answer, Dr. Lam.

I'm a bit worried about using a synthetic implant, since I heard about all of the problems that might arise. Especially infection, shifting, etc...

I also heard of using ear cartilage for the bridge. How realistic is that and do you practice it?

I would like to have the surgery performed but I want to know how it might turn out 2,3, 5 years down the road. This is something I am doing for life and it has to be as good as possible. What is the approximate risk percentage of something going wrong? 5%, 10%?

Have you operated on Caucasian noses with this problem before?

I would also like to know your prices. Maybe you can inform me via private message?

Thank you.

hi,
1. yes, any synthetic implant is not risk free. however, i prefer it over cartilage of any kind for the following reasons. a. cartilage especially ear cartilage is not smooth or big enough to evenly fill the bridge of the nose. b. it is very hard to fix when cartilage is on the bridge. it sticks down to everything i simply have had the hardest time removing it. c. i really believe as years go by the cartilage becomes more and more visible as tissues shrink down on it.
2. synthetic implants like gore-tex are smooth and flat and can be tailored to the bridge in my hands more easily. i have done gore-tex for Caucasians but obviously not as often as for Asians. the thinner Caucasian skin always has a risk of showing a little bit of the implant edges but i think the risk when the edges are crimped down is a lot less than with cartilage. In addition, I can typically soften the edges with a little bit of silicone micro injections if need be, which is not very often. that would obviously be done down the road as needed without further charge. in terms of infection, i have seen it in other doctors' work but i cannot remember the last one i have seen in my hands. it is pretty rare. the risk that increases someone to have an infection is someone who has had 3 or more rhinoplasties before where their blood supply is poor. in that person, i would not use a synthetic implant because then the risk is higher, and in my opinion probably not worth it.
3. in terms of pricing, you can email constanze@lamfacialplastics.com (but allow for a few days to respond as we are truly swamped) and ask for a 2.5 hour rhinoplasty. i don't keep track of my pricing, and they have asked that i do not quote or mention prices to my prospective patients. sorry about that.
hope i was able to answer your questions.
best,
sml

How can we see the pics?

Aesthethics wrote:I am Caucasian, but I have a common problem that many asians have - a small nose. However, other parts of my face are quite strong.

I want to make my nose look stronger, more masculine. I did some Photoshops myself. Not too professional, but you can see the idea (original - left, photoshop - right). The last picture is taken with a bad phone cam, but you can see nose shape from below.

I wonder how realistic this is for me and how safe it is? I would opt for using grafts from my own body (rib cartilage/nose cartilage?).

I would love to hear professional and honest opinion from Dr. Lam. Also would like to hear what would be the cost of surgery and how long it would take. I live in another continent, so I will have to travel.

Thank you.

sorry, what pics did you want to see?
s.