With review and feedback from CEENTA facial plastic specialist Jewel Greywoode, MD (Uptown)
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape of the nose to improve the aesthetic appearance and oftentimes the function of the nose. If you are having difficulty breathing through your nose or don’t like its shape, a rhinoplasty might be right for you. However, before you undergo the procedure, you will want to find a physician who understands the unique differences of rhinoplasty across all ethnicities to give you the desired function and aesthetic outcome.
The importance of ethnic considerations
Dr. Jewel Greywoode
Every person’s nose is different and one size does not fit all. Many factors come into play when reshaping a person’s nose. The thickness of your nasal skin, the length of the underlying skeletal structure, the size of your face, and even the proportion of your chin to your face is crucial to a desirable rhinoplasty outcome. For many years, rhinoplasty techniques were based on the “ideal Caucasian nose”. However, this doesn’t take into account the natural beauty and physical differences of non-Caucasian noses. Fortunately, many surgeons now understand that each individual’s needs are different.
“Taking care of rhinoplasty patients is one of the most rewarding experiences in my practice,” CEENTA facial plastic surgery specialist Jewel Greywoode, MD, said. “One of my favorite moments is when we remove the dressings and the patient takes that first clear breath through their nose and sees their new nose for the first time.”
Other points to consider
Your ethnic background is not the only factor in how your nose looks. Age, gender, geographical location and cultural identity have an impact too.
Rhinoplasty in African-American patients
Thicker skin and wider nasal structures are two of the more important considerations for many African-American patients. Having thicker skin means additional techniques may be necessary to achieve slimmer definition. Additionally, African-American patients can often have shorter, wider nasal bones and broader, thinner nasal tip cartilages, resulting in the potential for poor support to the nasal tip. One of the most important considerations is the potential for notable scars, especially when changing the shape of your nostrils.
Rhinoplasty in Asian patients
Those of Asian descent tend to have nasal features similar to African-American patients. Some important differences include smaller, shorter nasal bones, shorter nasal length, a lower nasal bridge and skin of a medium thickness that could be susceptible to hyperpigmentation – when patches of skin become darker than surrounding skin.
Rhinoplasty in Caucasian patients
Caucasian patients usually have thin or medium-thickness skin with longer nasal bones and cartilages. Thinner skin has the advantage of achieving slimmer definition. However, there is also a higher chance of irregularities from abnormal scarring being visible. On the other hand, those with thicker skin can have swelling that lasts longer, but the irregularities from abnormal scarring are less visible. Lastly, the size and shape of the nasal tip cartilages tend to protect against droopy tips.
Rhinoplasty in Hispanic/Latinx patients
Patients with Hispanic or Latino/Latina heritage may have shorter noses, wider nostrils, a broader and droopier nasal tip, and thicker skin similar to African and Asian-American patients. Hyperpigmentation and abnormal scarring is also a potential problem. For some Hispanic/Latinx individuals, they may have thinner skin as well as longer nasal bones and cartilages similar to that of a Caucasian nose.
Rhinoplasty in Middle Eastern patients
Patients of Middle Eastern descent can have a variety of features that combine characteristics of African, Caucasian and Asian noses. This can range from large humps to lower profiles, as well as thin skin with longer nasal tips, or even bulbous tips, thicker skin, and wider nostrils.
Rhinoplasty in South Asian patients
Individuals from South Asia (e.g. India and Pakistan) have diverse features similar to those of Middle Eastern descent.
Rhinoplasty at CEENTA
No matter what your ethnicity, CEENTA’s facial plastic surgery specialist can give you the nose that best suits your medical and aesthetic needs. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointment online with Dr. Greywoode or any of our facial plastic specialists in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
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