Ethnic Rhinoplasty (African, Hispanic, Asian)
Among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures across peoples of all ethnicities is rhinoplasty. While nose jobs are performed in the same manner regardless of the patient’s ethnic background, the aesthetic goals of the patient may differ. Today, more and more people are seeking out rhinoplasty that is tailored to their specific facial features. It is particularly popular among those of Asian and African descent. Many of these patients feel that the bridge of their nose is too flat, or that their nostrils are too wide. Some of these patients seek to ‘Westernize’ their facial features through surgery, while others simply want a more defined nose to bring balance to their face.
Are you a good candidate?
Ideal candidates for ethnic rhinoplasty dissatisfied with the shape or size of their nose. If you wish to change the shape of nasal features which happen to be common in people of your particular ethnicity, then ethnic rhinoplasty may be ideal for you. Ethnic rhinoplasty serves to alter features of the nose that are common in people of certain ethnicities, such as a weak nasal bridge or flared nostrils. As with traditional rhinoplasty, good candidates for surgery are adults who are in good overall health. You can undergo rhinoplasty by itself, or in combination with other facial procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery and chin augmentation.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Procedure
The goal of ethnic rhinoplasty is to alter the shape of the nose by reshaping the underlying cartilage and bone. Patients of different ethnicities have different needs when it comes to nasal reshaping. Many African-American and Asian-American patients have their noses reshaped using techniques that include trimming the size of each nostril, shrinking the tip of the nose, or augmenting the bridge of the nose through the use of cartilage or silicone grafts in order to give the nose increased definition. Once the surgeon has sculpted the nose to its desired appearance, it is held together with splints or tape so that it heals in the correct position.
Complications & Risks
Ethnic rhinoplasty carries the same risks as traditional rhinoplasty, including reactions to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection, temporary or permanent skin numbness, and airway passage obstruction due to structural changes in the nose. There is also the possibility of dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results achieved, even when no medical complications are experienced during the surgery or recovery.
Recovery Time
Most patients are able to leave the surgical center on the same day of their procedure, and take about a week away from work and other obligations. During this recovery time, common side effects include swelling and bruising, which may extend upwards to give the patient “black eyes.” Temporary numbness, peeling of the skin, and bleeding are also possible side effects following ethnic rhinoplasty. You can expect to feel some degree of tenderness and discomfort in the area of the face surrounding the nose. During this time, the nose will be held together with tape or splints, and may be packed with gauze, which can cause uncomfortable pressure. During this time, you will only be able to breathe from your mouth. It is important to keep your head elevated and to avoid bumping the nose as it heals, or it may be pushed out of alignment.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Cost
The cost of ethnic rhinoplasty is about the same as that of traditional rhinoplasty, although no two nose jobs are exactly alike. Some surgeons do specialize in ethnic surgery; in this case, the cost may be slightly higher due to the surgeon’s high experience level performing procedures tailored to a particular ethnic group. The total ethnic rhinoplasty cost usually ranges between $4,000 and $8,000, a figure that takes into account the surgeon’s fee, the cost of anesthesia, and the hospital fees.