Surgical Anatomy of Korean Nose

Han, Seung Kyu

Abstract

As rhinoplasty becomes increasingly popular and accepted in Korea, it is important for the plastic surgeon to master the anatomy and be skilled in the techniques required to serve this segment of the population. Korean noses, unlike Caucasian noses, are generally described as having a bulbous tip, short columella, flared nostril shape, wide alar base, an acute nasolabial angle, and a low dorsum. Rhinoplastic procedures for this population include changing or correcting this shape. However, there has not been a clear determination for the anatomy of the Korean noses. Further studies were needed to fully understand the intricate anatomy and to develop technical refinements of rhinoplastic procedures. The lack of information germane to nose anatomy for Koreans led me to conduct anatomic studies for this population. The purpose of this paper is to provide information of characteristic anatomy for Korean noses. This includes the characteristics of the nasal skin and SMAS layer, the alar cartilage, the tip supporting structures, the muscles, and the external nasal nerve. I expect that this paper provide a better understanding of the anatomy for Korean noses and assistance in defining the limits of corrective surgery.