The Unique Challenges of Ethnic Rhinoplasty

There’s a general misconception that all rhinoplasty surgeries are performed in much the same way. Sure, patients can request different changes to be made here and there, but the basic techniques are the same for everyone… right? First of all, no two patients will get the exact same approach to their rhinoplasty, because each patient has his or her own unique needs, nasal features, and concerns. Especially in the case of ethnic rhinoplasty, a specialized approach can mean the difference between successful results and a disaster.

The Definition of Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a fairly straightforward concept and exactly what you’d expect. It is a branch of rhinoplasty procedures designed specifically to preserve the ethnic identifiers and characteristics of a patient. Ethnic rhinoplasty includes many different ethnicities, including Asian, African American, Middle Eastern, and more.

Every ethnic group has its own features common to its noses. In the field of ethnic rhinoplasty, surgeons aim to make the corrections requested by the patient without taking away any of these characteristics. The features of each type of ethnic nose will vary based on the ethnic group. Well-trained surgeons with experience in ethnic rhinoplasty have familiarized themselves with each group’s common features and how to work around them.

The Importance of Ethnic Rhinoplasty

When rhinoplasty was originally developed as a facial plastic surgery, it was based around the characteristics and features of the traditional Caucasian nose. At the time, those were the patients seeking treatment and so that is where facial plastic surgeons logged all of their training hours. Today, however, prospective rhinoplasty patients come from all different backgrounds. The United States is a great mixture of races, cultures, ethnicities, and facial features now. That means a one-size-fits-all approach is definitely not possible.

As their clientele are shifting, facial plastic surgeons are gaining more experience with ethnic rhinoplasty procedures. Once the key differences are understood between the various types of ethnic groups, it becomes clear that mixing and matching just won’t work. For example, shaping an African-American nose for a Scandinavian face would look disproportionate and out of place. Likewise, a Native American nasal bridge probably wouldn’t work on a Middle Eastern face. The reason behind this isn’t discrimination; it’s purely a way to preserve the natural aesthetic value of a face with complimentary features.

The Methods of Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Surgically speaking, ethnic rhinoplasty works in much the same way as traditional rhinoplasty. The same type of sedation will be used; the same placements of incisions, either inside the nostrils or on the bridge between the nostrils, are available options for your facial plastic surgeon. The differences truly lie in your surgeon’s techniques once he has access to the structure of your nose.

These differences begin during your consultation, where your surgeon will carefully examine your nose and take note of the features that help it to complement the rest of your facial structure. Preserving these ethnic characteristics will become a part of your surgical plan, unless you want them to be altered as part of your surgery.

Now, during the actual surgery, your surgeon will make changes that may be different from those made to a Caucasian nose. Typically, most ethnic rhinoplasties involve some narrowing of the nostrils and/or an extension of the nasal tip, sometimes using a synthetic implant. The shape of the bone and the cartilage will be changed as needed to achieve the desired results. Ethnic rhinoplasty tends to be slightly more involved and last a little longer, but the quality of results is every bit as good as traditional rhinoplasty.

Learn More About Ethnic Rhinoplasty

If you might be a good candidate for an ethnic rhinoplasty surgery, consult with a recognized expert in facial plastic surgery to guarantee your best results. Dr. Andrew Frankel is board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Ear Nose and Throat). He is exceptionally well trained in the field of nasal surgery and has been recognized for his original research regarding vasculature to the nose and rhinoplasty’s effect on it. Schedule your appointment today with a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon to guarantee your best rhinoplasty results. Contact Dr. Frankel’s office, located at 201 Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills, California, by calling (310) 552-2173.