Recent studies gathered by the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) revealed a 10% increase in facial plastic surgery for African American, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino patients with rhinoplasty as the most popular procedure. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Whiteman has served the Atlanta area for over 20 years and understands the importance of achieving long-lasting, natural results specific to his patient’s aesthetic goals and body structure.
He has developed a natural “implantless rhinoplasty technique” to achieve the best results tailored to complement the different cultural traits among his ethnic patients. To help patients learn more about his natural technique, he’s answered a few frequently asked questions about ethnic rhinoplasty:
Q.) What is an “implantless technique” for rhinoplasty?
Instead of using silicone implants or other artificial materials, I graft my patient’s own skin, bone, and tissue to augment areas of their nose. Using the patient’s own materials significantly reduces the risk of complications and provides a more natural-looking result. Ethnic patients’ nose structures are all different so implants may be ineffective. For example, Hispanic patients have slightly weaker nasal bridges and African-American patients have more fibrous tissue, which both may not effectively support a facial implant.
Q.) Why is using my own tissue better than implants for facial plastic surgery?
By using your own tissue, your risk of post-operative complications is greatly reduced. Instead of using a foreign substance, the body’s natural bone, cartilage, fat, and tissue can be used without high risk of infection or rejection. Also, rhinoplasty results tend to be more subtle and natural-looking than those created with an implant.
Q.) Will my downtime be shorter by avoiding implants in rhinoplasty?
The risk of complications is reduced, but the downtime associated with your procedure is dependent on your individual rhinoplasty procedure. By following prescribed aftercare instructions, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activity, many patients can gradually return to regular activity after a week.
Q.) Are there any non-surgical options to restore areas of lost volume?
To address lost volume for the face, we provide minimally invasive facial fillers including Juvéderm®, Expression® and Restylane® to restore thinning areas that show wrinkles and fine lines with little to no downtime. Fillers can improve the appearance of nasolabial folds and the cheeks for a more balanced, youthful result. They can also be administered to the nasal dorsum as a non-surgical alternative for rhinoplasty. As an alternative to grafting cartilage for the nose, facial fillers can be used to restore the same volume.
If you’re interested in facial plastic surgery or other procedures, please contact us today. Also be sure to connect with Southern Plastic Surgery on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news and updates.