Draft for Dr Sanjay Parashar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Dubai · DHA licence 00244892A flat or low nose has a bridge that sits low between the eyes, often with a short, under-projected tip and wider nostrils. It is treated with augmentation rhinoplasty, which builds height with a graft — most often your own cartilage (from the septum, ear or rib) — or, in some cases, a synthetic implant. The tip is usually supported and refined at the same time. Most people return to desk work in 7–10 days.
What is a low nasal bridge?
A low bridge is common and normal in many East Asian, South-East Asian and African faces. It becomes a concern when someone would like more definition — for glasses to sit better, for a stronger profile, or to balance a wide base. A low bridge can also follow an injury or earlier surgery; that is covered on the saddle nose page.
Understanding the anatomy
In a low nose, the nasal bones and septum are shorter and the tip cartilages smaller and softer. Thick skin is common. Adding height means adding material under the skin — and the skin must stretch comfortably over it, which limits how much can be added in one operation.
| What you see | What's underneath | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| A flat bridge in profile | Short nasal bones and septum | A dorsal graft builds height along the bridge |
| Glasses slip down | A low radix | A small graft raises the start of the bridge |
| A tip that barely projects | Small, soft tip cartilages | Septal extension or tip grafts add projection and support |
| Wide nostrils | A broad base | Alar base reduction, if wanted |
Your own cartilage or an implant?
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Septal cartilage | Your own tissue; low infection risk; no extra scar | Often too little in a low nose for large augmentation |
| Ear cartilage | Your own tissue; useful for the tip and small bridge grafts | Curved and soft; a hidden scar behind the ear |
| Rib (costal) cartilage (thin lamellar grafts, wrapped in fascia if needed) | Plenty of material for larger augmentation; your own tissue | A small chest scar; can warp or resorb slightly; rare chest complications |
| Silicone implant | No donor site; shorter operation; can be removed | Risk of infection, shifting, visibility or extrusion over the years; may need removal |
| Porex (porous polyethylene) implant | No donor site; tissue grows into it, which helps it stay in place | Risk of infection or exposure; harder to remove because tissue grows into it |
Which material suits you depends on how much height is needed, your skin, and your preferences. Dr Sanjay uses both your own cartilage and silicone or Porex implants, and discusses the options openly at consultation.
How I keep implants safe
Dr SanjayMy choices for nose augmentation are costal (rib) cartilage, silicone implants and Porex implants. Silicone implants suit an Asian nose with a tight skin pocket and thick skin that covers and supports the implant well. Porex is a better option when a more significant augmentation is needed. The key to keeping an implant safe is a comfortable pocket that is well covered by the SMAS fat layer. Costal cartilage is my preferred option in younger people, in secondary cases, and where large amounts of graft are needed for the bridge, tip and nostrils.
Is my bridge low? A quick self-check
- In profile, the bridge between your eyes sits at or below the level of your eyelashes
- Glasses slide down or rest on your cheeks
- Your tip barely projects beyond your nostrils in profile
- You would like more definition rather than a smaller nose
Send us three photos — front, left side and right side — on WhatsApp for an initial opinion from Dr Sanjay.
Send 3 photos on WhatsApp+971 50 919 8203 · photos are seen only by the clinic teamWhat are my treatment options?
| Option | What it does | What it can't do | Recovery | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augmentation rhinoplasty (own cartilage) | Builds bridge height and tip projection with living tissue | Needs a donor site; limited by how far the skin can stretch | 7–10 days social; 12 months final | Permanent (some diced cartilage may resorb) |
| Augmentation with an implant | Adds bridge height without a donor site | Carries long-term implant risks; less helpful for the tip | 7–10 days | Long-lasting; may need removal |
| Filler (non-surgical) | Adds a little height temporarily | Temporary; rare but serious risk of blocked blood vessels, including to the eye | Same day | Months, depending on the filler |
How is augmentation rhinoplasty done?
- Planning: the target height is set against your forehead, eyes and chin, and your skin's stretch is assessed.
- Harvest: cartilage is taken from the septum, ear or rib, as planned.
- Shaping: cartilage is carved into thin, layered (lamellar) grafts, wrapped in a thin layer of fascia if needed, so it sits smoothly along the bridge. Dr Sanjay prefers lamellar grafts to diced cartilage.
- Bridge: the graft (or implant) is placed in a snug pocket over the bridge.
- Tip: a septal extension or tip graft adds projection and definition.
- Base (optional): nostril width is reduced if planned.
- Finish: stitches, taping and an external splint for about a week.
Flat nose before and after
Real patients of Dr Sanjay, photographed with the same lighting and angle before and 12 months after surgery. Published with written consent. Individual results vary.
Case 1. Low, flat bridge
Augmentation rhinoplasty with a nasal implant · Front and base views
Case 2. Low, flat bridge with a broad tip
Augmentation rhinoplasty · Front and three-quarter views
Case 3. Wide, flat nose
Rhinoplasty · Front, base and side views
Case 4. Low, flat bridge with a broad, bulbous tip
Rhinoplasty (bridge and tip refinement) · Front, base and side views
The side view shows bridge height most clearly. See more rhinoplasty results
Recovery: what to expect week by week
Most people are back at a desk job in 7–10 days. If rib cartilage is used, the chest is sore for a week or two. Timings are typical, not guaranteed.
| When | What happens | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nose feels blocked; mild pain controlled with tablets; splint on | Rest with head raised; usually home the next day |
| Days 2–5 | Swelling and bruising around the eyes peak, then fade | Short walks; no bending or lifting |
| Day 7 | Splint and any stitches removed | See your nose for the first time; still swollen |
| Days 10–14 | Most bruising gone | Back to work and social life |
| Weeks 3–4 | Swelling keeps falling | Light exercise |
| Week 6 | Bones are stable | Gym, swimming, glasses resting on the nose |
| Month 3 | About 80% of swelling gone | Nose looks natural to others |
| Month 12 | Tip swelling fully settled | Final result; review photos |
Specific to nose augmentation:
- If rib cartilage is used, the chest is sore for 1–2 weeks; avoid heavy lifting for about 4 weeks
- With an implant, report any redness, warmth or discharge over the bridge promptly
Dubai-specific tips: avoid direct sun and the beach for 4–5 weeks, use SPF on the nose, and plan around Ramadan fasting and the summer heat. International patients: plan a minimum stay of 7–8 days in Dubai before flying home.
Risks, and how they are reduced
Every operation carries risk. These are the ones that matter most for this problem, and how they are reduced.
| Risk | What it means | How it is reduced |
|---|---|---|
| Graft warping or resorption | Rib grafts can bend slightly or partly resorb | Careful carving of thin lamellar grafts; fascia wrapping; follow-up |
| Visible or palpable graft edges | Especially under thin skin | Smooth contouring; soft-tissue cover |
| Implant problems (if used) | Infection, shifting, visibility or extrusion, sometimes years later | Careful case selection; implant removal if needed |
| Donor-site problems | A chest or ear scar; rarely, chest complications from rib harvest | Experienced harvest technique |
| Bleeding or infection | Uncommon; usually minor | Stop blood-thinning medicines and supplements before surgery; sterile, accredited theatre |
| Prolonged swelling | Especially with thick skin; the tip settles last | Taping, and steroid injections when needed |
| Numbness, scarring, asymmetry | Temporary tip numbness; a fine scar with the open approach; minor asymmetry | Explained at consultation |
| Breathing changes | Rarely, breathing feels worse | Assess the airway before surgery; keep or add support to the nasal valves |
| Need for revision | A second, usually smaller, operation | Realistic planning and staged follow-up |
| Anaesthesia risks | Rare in healthy patients | Pre-operative tests; certified anaesthetist |
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Smoking, some medicines and certain medical conditions increase risk.
How much does nose augmentation cost in Dubai?
The fee for nose augmentation depends on what needs to change, whether grafts are needed, and whether it is a first or revision operation. You receive a written, itemised quote after consultation.
What changes the price:
- Graft source: septum, ear or rib — or an implant
- Tip work and alar base reduction
- Whether breathing surgery is combined
- Primary vs revision surgery
For context, rhinoplasty in Dubai generally ranges from about AED 15,000 to AED 65,000. Payment options are available on request.
Why choose Dr Sanjay Parashar in Dubai?
- Own-cartilage (septum, ear or rib) and silicone or Porex implant options, discussed openly
- Experience with East Asian, South Asian and African noses
- 3,000+ rhinoplasties within more than 40,000 aesthetic procedures
- Practising in Dubai since 2005 — founder of Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation (Dubai 2009, New Delhi 2013)
- ISAPS National Secretary for the UAE (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
- Member of the Rhinoplasty Society of Europe
- Experience with many nose types: Arab, Persian, South Asian, African, East Asian and European
- Published papers, conference presentations and surgical workshops
- Languages: English, Hindi; Arabic via coordinator
Frequently asked questions
Is my own cartilage better than an implant?
Will people see where the rib cartilage was taken from?
Can filler raise my bridge instead?
Will I lose my ethnic character?
Will there be visible scars?
How painful is it, and when can I go back to work?
When can I fly home after surgery?
What is the right age for rhinoplasty?
How do I prepare for my consultation?
Related nose problems
Book your flat nose consultation
Every nose is different. At your consultation Dr Sanjay examines the outside and inside of your nose, explains what is causing the flat nose, and gives you a clear plan, cost and recovery timeline.
Cocoona Clinic · Lucia Clinic · Dubai London Hospital
References
- Jang YJ, Yu MS. Rhinoplasty for the Asian nose. Facial Plast Surg. 2010;26(2):93–101. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1253507
- Tham C, Lai YL, Weng CJ, Chen YR. Silicone augmentation rhinoplasty in an Oriental population. Ann Plast Surg. 2005;54(1):1–5. doi:10.1097/01.sap.0000141947.00927.49
- Parashar S, Venkataram A. Structured analysis of nose to achieve natural results in rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology (Sunnyvale). 2017;7(1):293. doi:10.4172/2161-119X.1000293