Rhinoplasty is meant to enhance the natural beauty of the nose and ethnic rhinoplasty is really no different than any other rhinoplasty procedure because one size does not fit all and every nose is unique
Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to rhinoplasty surgery with a careful emphasis on preserving the natural ethnic look of a patient’s nose. The goal is to not to “westernize the nose” because that look may be unnatural for patients with apparent ethnic traits.
The practice of ethnic rhinoplasty can be extremely difficult because noses of different ethnicities can have traits making the procedure complicated.
The practice of ethnic rhinoplasty can be extremely difficult because noses of different ethnicities can have traits making the procedure complicated.
The characteristics of an African American nose most often feature dense skin and an extensive amount of surrounding fatty tissue. The bridge of the nose tends to be wide and flat while the nasal bones tend to be relatively short. Many African American patients complain about the width of their nostrils.
A rhinoplasty procedure for African American patients often entails the thinning of the bridge of the nose, while using either harvested cartilage or an implant to increase the profile. The tip of the nose is sometimes augmented as well. In addition, the removal of excess fatty tissue is sometimes necessary in order to highlight the new definition. Occasionally, the size of the nostril (alar rim) is reduced through external incisions along the crease where the nostril meets the cheek.
Asian Patients
Those of Asian descent share many of the characteristics of the Caucasian nose, but the Asian nose is typically smaller with a wide tip and nostrils. Asian patients typically have frailer cartilage, and a flatter bridge.
Unlike rhinoplasty on other ethnicities, which typically involves a reduction in structure, most rhinoplasty procedures for Asian patients involve augmentation, or building up the nose so it appears more prominent and elongated.
There may be occurrences where cartilage is harvested from the patient’s ribs or ears, or instances where silicone based implants are used as well. These procedures involve a molding of the implant in order for the cartilage to fit properly. This procedure involves a high level of skill and experience as the tip and nostrils need to match the enhanced profile.
Hispanic Patients
Hispanic noses typically have a thicker skin envelope. They also tend to have added sebaceous skin, a less prominent profile, wider and lower nasal bridge, and weak cartilage. Compared to Caucasian noses, the thicker skin makes rhinoplasty very challenging in the fact that it can cover up changes to the under structure.
Additionally, the cartilage, which tends to not be as supportive, may limit exactly how a surgeon can carve the angles and the details into the noses appearance.
Rhinoplasty for Hispanic patients typically involves a narrowing of both the nose and the nostril with the tip being refined as well. It is also likely that custom designed cartilage grafts may be needed as well so that the surgeon has enough material to shape the nose. This also provides strength to the nose tip. Any bumps in the nose or on the bridge can also be corrected as part of this process.
In the end, every rhinoplasty patient is completely unique because every nose is unique. Rhinoplasty is meant to enhance the natural beauty of the nose and ethnic rhinoplasty is really no different than any other rhinoplasty procedure because one size does not fit all. There may be extra emphasis on making sure the procedure provides the outcome that is desired, but the overall goal is the same whether or not the patient is Caucasian, African American, Asian or Hispanic – to help enhance natural good looks no matter what ethnicity one is.