Monday, November 19, 2012

The Asian nose(1)



The archetypal Asian nose discussed in this chapter is typified by the Asian Malay nose or the East Asian (Chinese, Japanese and Korean) type of nose. There is indeed a spectrum of these noses, with northerners e.g. from north China and Korea having higher dorsums compared to their Asian southerners with lower dorsums. The Asian nose primarily discussed here is typified by petiteness and flatness.
 
The overall mid-facial bony components and nasal septum can be thought of as being "underdeveloped". Hence the radix tends to low with a low rhinion and low mid-third dorsal profile height. The shorter nasal septum with a less projected anterior septal angle results in a nasal tip that lacks projection. A less projected tip, in turn, is more rounded with less tip definition. There usually is also relatively thicker skin overlying the nasal tip and lobules. The ala basal width is also wider.

 

From the basal view, the nostrils of the Asian nostril appear more rounded compared to the tear-drop appearance of the Western nose. This is due to the lack of projection. The columella may appear short and retracted, lacking support from the caudal septum. Internally, the cartilaginous septum of the Asian nose is generally less generous which explains the deprojected tip; this smaller size will impact upon the availability of septal donor material too. The medial and lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages are smaller, weaker and softer than Caucasian noses, and tend to have a more oblique to vertical lie. The upper lateral cartilages are similarly small in size to.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.