The nose is an incredibly noticeable part of a person’s face. After all, it does draw a lot of attention by sitting right in the center of the face. With that said, it’s not surprising that rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is among the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures for the face. Statistics collected by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2016 indicate that over 148,000 rhinoplasty procedures were performed in the US just last year.
As the years have gone on and surgical techniques have become more precise, we have seen numerous breakthroughs in the ways cosmetic surgeries can be customized to a patient’s specific preferences. Ethnic rhinoplasty is a term used to describe cosmetic nose surgery performed on patients of ethnic groups other than Caucasian. Specialized rhinoplasty techniques have become more in-demand in recent years as cosmetic surgery has become more popular among ethnic minorities.
In the past, standards for the “perfect” nose were based on the facial characteristics of Caucasian men and women. But societal preferences have changed and the approach to rhinoplasty for many plastic surgeons has too. Today, many patients actually prefer to preserve and enhance their ethnic features. Here at Southern Plastic Surgery, I utilize expert precision to preserve cultural characteristics that each individual possesses during each ethnic rhinoplasty procedure.
African American
African American noses tend to be thicker with a wide tip, flat bridge and flared nostrils. To reduce the appearance of a flat nose, I focus on rebuilding the bridge of the nose to create a more defined appearance. It’s common for African American patients to have noses that contain weaker cartilage and shorter nasal bones that must be handled with extra precision. Additionally, African American skin is thicker and darker, meaning it is more susceptible to scarring, so I take special care and utilizes precise techniques to minimize scarring.
Asian
Many Asian rhinoplasty patients have smaller or shorter noses that have thicker skin and relatively lower bridges and wide bases. Asian rhinoplasty can also help resolve breathing problems that result from the natural structures of the nose that may obstruct breathing.
Latino
Latino rhinoplasty patients have their own unique features that must be considered in order to preserve their appearance. These patients typically have wider nasal bridges and weaker cartilage that creates a slightly wider nose with a low tip. Some Latino facial features can also appear larger than most other patients, so it is important to make sure that the new nose fits proportionately into a more rounded face.
If you are considering modifying your nasal features, you may be a candidate for rhinoplasty or ethnic rhinoplasty at Southern Plastic Surgery. Before any rhinoplasty, I provide all my patients with a complimentary consultation where we will discuss your concerns and help you determine the correct cosmetic surgery path for you. To schedule your plastic surgery consultation, please contact Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery today. For more information, special offers, and more you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.