Ethnic Rhinoplasty in Indianapolis
One of the most sought after operations in non-Caucasians is that of rhinoplasty. (nose reshaping) Certain ethnic groups have features to their noses that are different from the more Caucasian ‘Roman’ nose. It is necessary, therefore, to approach each ethnic group’s nose individually and aim to have a better balance of the nose to the rest of the face, rather than a standard or ‘cookie-cutter-type’ nasal appearance. It is also important to appreciate that most ethnic patients do not want a Caucasian-looking nose, rather than want a nose that is consistent with their race but in better balance.
Ethnic rhinoplasty is challenging to do. One of the challenges in ethnic rhinoplasty is the thick and oily skin that most African-Americans, Asians, and Hispanics have. This thick skin imposes a disadvantage, a small delicate look to the nose can not be surgically created. One advantage to thick skin, however, is that any irregularities of the underlying bone and cartilage will not be easily seen. The ethnic rhinoplasty patient almost always has broader and flatter nasal bones and nasal tips that are more wide and less defined. Unlike the Caucasian rhinoplasty who often will have higher and narrower nasal bridges and less wide nasal tips, ethnic noses usually need to be built up with either cartilage grafts or synthetic implants. While implants are easier to use, since they come ‘off-the-shelf’, there is always an increased risk of implant infection, changing position after surgery causing asymmetry, and even possibly eroding through the skin. Cartilage and bone grafts require a donor site, are harder to work with, and generally do not produce as much change nor as easily as implants. However, infections with grafts from your own body are much less likely. The bridge and tip of most ethnic noses need to lifted and narrowed. The ethnic nose’s nostrils are frequently wide or flared and may also need to be narrowed. This is done through small incisions just inside the nostrils which leaves little to no visible scar.
Rhinoplasty in the ethnic patient can be very rewarding and help harmonize the facial features. The surgery must be approached, however, with a good understanding of the underlying anatomy and what the patient’s nasal goals are. Pre-surgical computer imaging is critical in communicating what can and what cannot be achieved by rhinoplasty surgery.
Dr Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana