Understanding Asian Nose Types for Rhinoplasty

September 11, 2025 | Rhinoplasty

This blog explores Asian rhinoplasty by discussing the different types and features of Asian nose shapes, and highlighting how Dr. Charles S. Lee uses unique surgical techniques to provide custom and ethnically-minded rhinoplasty results.

What Is Asian Rhinoplasty?
Defining Asian Nose Types
Asian Rhinoplasty Techniques
Want to Learn More About Expert Asian Rhinoplasty Results in Beverly Hills, CA?

What Is Asian Rhinoplasty?

The best cosmetic surgery results are customized—no two noses are alike, so no two rhinoplasties should be, either. The same goes for differences in physical appearance. Dr. Charles S. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in Asian rhinoplasty, a type of cosmetic surgery that focuses on highlighting the physical and ethnic uniqueness of Asian patients.

There are certain key differences in the physical makeup of different races’ nose shapes, as well as cultural and aesthetic desires. Dr. Lee’s choice to focus on Asian rhinoplasty stems from an understanding of Asian nose shapes and the types of aesthetic goals that many Asian patients share. Dr. Lee utilizes his vast experience and cultural sensitivity to provide unique rhinoplasty results that honor—rather than change—the ethnic features of Asian noses.

How Is Asian Rhinoplasty Different From Other Rhinoplasties?

Asian rhinoplasty is a specialized type of ethnic rhinoplasty designed for Asian patients. The key difference is that this approach addresses common concerns and physical attributes attached to Asian patients. Since “traditional” rhinoplasty was developed and is performed with white, European, or Caucasian patients in mind, it might not adequately address the unique concerns of other races, including Asian patients.

Asian rhinoplasty addresses concerns common among Asian patients, as many have a similar nose shape. Consequently, the approaches used in Asian rhinoplasty are designed specifically for these shapes. While all rhinoplasty is intended to improve the aesthetic and functionality of the nose, Asian rhinoplasty usually addresses the following concerns:

Bridge augmentation. While white patients generally want their noses to be smaller, Asian patients often desire a more prominent shape to their nose bridge. This is a key difference in intent and approach to ethnic rhinoplasty.

Tip projection and refinement. It’s also common for Asian patients to desire a more defined and sculpted nasal tip.

Defining Asian Nose Types

Asia is a large continent with an incredibly diverse population, so we have to leave room for differences in facial structure and patient preferences when talking about Asian rhinoplasty. However, there are some generalities and overlaps in common nose shapes that plastic surgeons see when treating Asian patients. To better understand the techniques used in these procedures, it’s helpful to recognize the various types of Asian nose shapes and understand what patients might be requesting.

East Asian Nose

The East Asian nose can be characterized by a flat nasal bridge and a wide base, and is commonly associated with people of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean descent. Some other variations within the East Asian nose shape include:

Straight or slightly curved nasal bridge
Moderate width and proportions
Diverse nasal tip shapes
Less pronounced nasal bridge height

Southeast Asian Nose

The Southeast Asian nose shape is evident in people of Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino descent, characterized by a short nasal bridge and narrow nostrils. As with East Asian nose shapes, the Southeast Asian nose shape has some variation in nostril shape, width, and bridge height.

Asian Rhinoplasty Techniques

As with other types of rhinoplasties, the overall goals of Asian rhinoplasty are to:

Create facial balance by adjusting the shape and projection of the nose
Make the patient feel happy and confident

But to reach those goals, Dr. Charles S. Lee uses a multitude of techniques and approaches to create a customized, flattering nose shape for his Asian patients.

Because Asian patients usually have shorter nasal bridges and flatter nasal tips, some common requests for adjustment include:

Balanced width
A more pronounced or built-up nasal bridge
Improved nasal definition
Reinforced or reshaped nasal tip
Adjusted nostril width

A common complaint that Dr. Lee hears is that patients feel their noses are too broad or are lacking sufficient projection. This is in stark contrast with many other patients of “traditional” rhinoplasty who want to reduce the size or prominence of their nasal bridge. To achieve the goals of his Asian patients, Dr. Lee utilizes some of the following surgical techniques:

Strong Nasal Bridge

Dr. Lee uses autologous or all-natural tissue to build up the nasal bridge to be stronger and more defined. He may use a small amount of rib or ear cartilage for a patient who requires a more dramatic result.

More Prominent Nose

To achieve better facial balance, Dr. Lee can use multiple techniques to enlarge the nose, lengthening it to appear more proportionate to the rest of the facial features.

Improved Nasal Tip

If a patient wants a more prominent nasal tip, Dr. Lee uses the patient’s own rib cartilage for support to the tip.

Narrower Nostrils

If the nasal tip has been reinforced, it can simultaneously achieve a narrowing of the nostrils, as the tissue is naturally pulled forward. If more narrowing is desired, Dr. Lee will surgically alter the shape of the nostrils.

Correct a Deformity or Injury

Dr. Lee can also perform surgery to restore a balanced, natural-looking appearance to a nose after injury or congenital deformity.

Want to Learn More About Expert Asian Rhinoplasty Results in Beverly Hills, CA?

Dr. Charles S. Lee is Beverly Hills’ premier Asian cosmetic surgery expert, offering customized results that are not only beautiful, but also honor cultural and ethnic aesthetic values. Call Dr. Lee today at (310) 271-5954 or complete the online contact form to start planning your Asian rhinoplasty.