Rhinoplasty (nose job) is, by far, the most popular facial cosmetic procedure. In fact, it is the second most-often performed cosmetic surgical procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 252,000 rhinoplasty procedures were performed in 2010, second only to breast implant procedures, which came in at 296,000.
It should be rather self-evident that no two rhinoplasty patients will be exactly alike. This is particularly true for African-American patients, who make up anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of those rhinoplasty procedures. However, there are some unique challenges that a cosmetic surgeon will face when performing rhinoplasties on African-American patients due to certain similarities in the nose size and shape of these patients. Dr. Marin believes that the key to working with such patients is keeping the features as natural looking as possible.
What Are Some of the Common Features of the African-American Nose?
Wide nostrils: One common feature of African-American noses is wide, flat nostrils with thick skin. In cases such as this, the goal is to narrow the nostrils horizontally and give them a more defined, open shape.
Wide, flat, or bulbous nasal tip: Like the shape of the actual nostrils, the nasal tip can often be wide, flat, or bulbous. The skin in this area of the nose can also be thick.
Wide or low nasal bridge: Some African-American patients have nasal bridges that may be too wide or low. The typical treatment for this would be to break the nose’s bridge (osteotomy) to reshape it. However, for African-American patients, this may lead to the bridge appearing too narrow, emphasizing the nasal tip’s size even more.
African-American Rhinoplasty Procedure
Procedures for an African-American rhinoplasty will vary, depending upon the patient’s desired goal for the nose’s shape. A series of small incisions are made on the inside of the nose not to be visible. In some cases, an incision may be needed across the septum (the cartilage separating the nostrils), but this should heal with no visible scarring.
Dr. Marin prefers to reshape the nasal tip or nostrils and reshape the entire lower third of the nose. This will provide a much more natural look to the face. Reshaping the nostrils or nasal tip may require either removing cartilage or, in some cases, reshaping it with grafts taken from elsewhere. The most common graft site is from behind the ear, which will leave minimal scarring.
Recovery and Results
Rhinoplasties are done on an outpatient basis. The patient will be sent home with the nose in a splint to help the bones and cartilage set into its new shape.
This should be kept on for at least a week following the procedure. The most common side effects of rhinoplasty are swelling and bruising. Ice packs or cold compresses applied to the nose will help reduce bruising and swelling, as will taking the herb Arnica montana. It may take two to three weeks for the nose to set into its final shape once all the bruising and swelling goes down.
The nose is the most prominent feature on the face. As such, a properly shaped nose will provide a good balance for all of the facial features. Dr. Marin can help African-American patients achieve that facial balance without sacrificing the unique qualities of their nasal shape and size.
Contact Marin Aesthetics to schedule an appointment.
*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.
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