Rhinoplasty

The standards of beauty are changing and many people seek to preserve what makes them unique. This is where ethnic rhinoplasty comes in.

What does ethnic rhinoplasty mean?

Ethnic rhinoplasty is the term used to describe rhinoplasty performed on people who are not of Western European, Caucasian descent. It is a funny term because it implies that non-Caucasian people differ from some standard. A better term is probably, non-Caucasian rhinoplasty. So, why call it a different name if it is still nose surgery? One of the reasons is that ethnic rhinoplasty requires a certain set of expertise and the techniques that may not necessarily be applicable to people of color or even Caucasians with thicker skin types.

It is true, however, that ethnic groups (African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern or even Caucasian) tend to have some common nasal characteristics. For example, a person who is not of Caucasian descent may have weaker tip cartilages that require adding support. Some may have wider or flatter nasal bones. The surgeon must adapt the procedure based on the individual characteristics of the patient -- enhancing beauty without erasing ethnic features. 

What are the methods used in ethnic rhinoplasty?

The surgeon will listen carefully to your goals and after examining your nose will inform you of what changes can be made and perhaps what changes are not possible to help you achieve your goal, or something close to it.

In some cases of non-Caucasian rhinoplasty, the nostrils will be reduced in size. In other cases the bridge of the nose will require building up with cartilage or an artificial material.  Other non-Caucasian noses are excessively long and require shortening.

So, if you would like to know if you are a candidate for ethnic rhinoplasty, be sure to consult with an expert in the field. Dr. Charles Thorne is an expert who has been practicing, writing, and teaching aesthetic rhinoplasty for more than 30 years now. He has also held leadership positions in plastic surgery organizations such as President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. When you choose him, you will be in good hands.