Most people are familiar with the term rhinoplasty and know this medical term refers to what’s more commonly called a “nose job”. Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure used to reshape and sometimes reconstruct the nose, making it more aesthetically appealing and bringing balance and proportion to the face.
What Does Rhinoplasty Correct?
Rhinoplasty can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as reshaping the nose or correcting the size or shape of the nostrils. It’s also useful in eliminating unsightly humps and improving nasal tips that are hooked, upturned, bulbous or drooping. Other patient issues can include a wide or overly flattened bridge of the nose.
Rhinoplasty surgery also helps correct facial balance and restore, as much as possible, symmetry in the facial features. Everyone’s face is a bit asymmetrical, but some people have a bigger discrepancy between their features and often a nose job alleviates the issue.
In addition to the cosmetic benefits to your appearance, rhinoplasty can successfully resolve a variety of health-related issues. Breathing problems can occur for a number of reasons, but one very common cause is a deviated septum, and rhinoplasty can correct that. Other functional benefits include stopping or reducing snoring, improved sinus issues and increased levels of self-confidence.
What is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
The term ethnic rhinoplasty refers to rhinoplasty surgery performed on patients from a variety of ethnic descents, such as African, Middle Eastern, Asian, and others. The goal of the surgery is the same as with any rhinoplasty patient, to improve their appearance or the function of the nose.
The difference with ethnic rhinoplasty is that it has the added goal of achieving improved appearance or enhanced performance while still preserving the patient’s natural, unique characteristics.
The surgery can correct all the same problems as regular rhinoplasty surgery and in many ways, the procedures are very similar, but with ethnic rhinoplasty, slightly different techniques may be needed.
Skin that is darker may be slightly thicker and often has a tendency to scar more easily.
The precise creation and placement of incisions becomes even more critical in order to achieve the most optimal results.
Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Some ethnic characteristics can present a challenge for surgeons who don’t have adequate experience doing ethnic rhinoplasty surgeries. The surgeon you choose needs to be familiar with the subtle differences between regular rhinoplasty and the additional nuances associated with ethnic rhinoplasty.
The results you get from ethnic rhinoplasty will be directly related to how much knowledge and experience your plastic surgeon has with performing those surgeries.
Some rhinoplasty surgeons, particularly those who perform ethnic rhinoplasty on a regular basis, can offer computer imaging during the consultation that allows you to see what the improvements might look like following your rhinoplasty procedure.
At the Body Sculpting Center, Dr. Philpott is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an extensive background in cosmetic surgical procedures. His patient base includes widely diverse ethnicities including Caucasian, Asian, Latin, African-American, and Middle Eastern.
If you’re seeking changes in your facial appearance, and specifically would like to discuss having work done on your nose, contact our office and we’ll be happy to schedule a free consultation with the doctor.
