The nose sits at the center of the face and greatly influences the overall impression it makes. "I want a higher nose," "I want a slimmer nasal tip," "I want to lengthen my short nose" — concerns about the nose differ from person to person. Even within the category of nose surgery, there are multiple procedures available, and the best approach varies depending on your specific concerns and the shape of your nose.
This article provides a clear overview of the major nose surgery procedures performed at Zetith Beauty Clinic, covering the features, indications, downtime, and risks of each.
Characteristics of Asian Noses and Nose Surgery
Compared to Western noses, Asian noses tend to have a lower nasal root (the area between the eyes) and a rounder nasal tip. Asian nasal skin is also often thicker, a characteristic that affects both the choice of procedure and the final results.
Thicker skin makes it harder for the outline of an implant to show through, but it also means subtle changes in the shape of the nasal tip are less visible. For this reason, a combined approach — raising the height from the nasal root to the nasal dorsum, along with reshaping the nasal tip — is considered effective for Asian rhinoplasty.
Representative Procedures
1. Augmentation Rhinoplasty (Raising the Height of the Nose)
This procedure involves inserting a silicone prosthesis or autologous cartilage (auricular cartilage or costal cartilage) from the nasal root to the nasal dorsum to add height to the nose. It is one of the most in-demand procedures in Asian rhinoplasty.
Silicone prostheses offer stable shape and can be maintained for a long period once placed. Autologous cartilage integrates well with the body and carries no allergy risk, though harvesting it places a minor burden on the donor site. Which option is more suitable is determined through consultation.
2. Tip Plasty (Refining and Elevating the Nasal Tip)
This procedure sutures and reshapes the cartilage at the nasal tip to give a rounder tip a sharper, more refined appearance. Because it works directly on the cartilage itself, results tend to look natural, making it well suited for those who want to address the tip alone.
Combining this with augmentation rhinoplasty allows both height and shape to be improved at the same time.
3. Septum Extension Surgery (Correcting a Short Nose or Upturned Tip)
This procedure grafts and extends cartilage onto the internal partition of the nose (the nasal septum) to lengthen a short nose (short nose) or redirect an upturned nasal tip downward.
Autologous cartilage (primarily auricular or costal cartilage) is harvested and fixed as an L-shaped strut, allowing precise control over the direction and projection of the nasal tip. This is a particularly effective procedure for concerns such as a pig nose, wide-based nose, or short nose. It is a procedure in which Zetith's Dr. Tetsu specializes.
4. Hump Correction (Correcting an Aquiline or Roman Nose)
This procedure reduces the bump (hump) along the center of the nasal dorsum and corrects the nasal bone through osteotomy, reshaping an aquiline or Roman nose. An external splint is worn for 1–2 weeks following surgery.
Post-Operative Course and Downtime
This varies by procedure, but the general guidelines are as follows.
Swelling and bruising: Peak at 2–3 days after surgery. Subsides within 1–2 weeks (may take longer for more complex procedures such as septum extension surgery).
Suture removal: Approximately 1 week after surgery (when external sutures are present).
Daily activities: Light work is often possible within a few days after surgery. Strenuous exercise and saunas should be avoided for approximately 1 month.
Final results: Settle gradually over 3–6 months.
About Risks and Complications
Nose surgery is generally a safe procedure, but like all surgical procedures, it carries risks. The main ones are listed below.
Infection and hematoma: The rate of occurrence can be reduced with proper hygiene management and post-operative care.
Implant displacement or exposure: This can rarely occur when a prosthesis is used.
Septal perforation: A rare risk associated with procedures that involve manipulation of the nasal septum, such as septum extension surgery.
Revision surgery: If you are not satisfied with the results, revision surgery may be required after a certain period of time has passed.
A detailed explanation of risks will be provided during your pre-operative consultation, so please feel free to ask if you have any questions.
Nose Surgery at Zetith
At Zetith Beauty Clinic, your procedure is handled by a nose specialist with a track record of presentations at the Japan Society of Aesthetic Surgery. Particularly for septum extension surgery and complex rhinoplasty procedures, we provide a highly precise approach based on domestic and international evidence.
We propose the most suitable procedure tailored to each individual's nose shape, skin thickness, and desired outcome. Please feel free to begin with a complimentary consultation.