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Many patients assume that all rhinoplasties can be performed in much the same way without added difficulty, but this simply isn’t the case. In reality, every surgery is different, especially if you’re working with different nasal features. Since most beauty in the US is judged against the ideals of European descent, those requiring an ethnic rhinoplasty are stuck in the middle. The contours of a European style nose won’t look right against the features of their natural ethnicity. This is just the beginning of some of the challenges faced by Dr. Schoenfelds performing ethnic rhinoplasty procedures.
Why Ethnic Rhinoplasty Matters Today
As mentioned above, the standards of beauty haven’t shifted even though the world’s population has. The United States has always been a mixed community of different ethnicities learning to live and work together. Now, it seems that the beauty ideal has some catching up to do. The right look for a woman of Middle Eastern descent, for example, is not to have a nose that looks like it is more German in descent. This is not a question of racism; it’s simply a matter of aesthetic. To be a success, the results of your rhinoplasty surgery should appear natural and in proportion to the rest of your face. Putting the nose of one ethnicity onto another will cause problems. The reverse is also true; consider how an African American nasal shape would appear on the face of a person of Scandinavian descent. With so many patients of different ethnicities looking for rhinoplasty, it is essential for a surgeon to understand the intricacies of each ethnic type of nose.
Groups Requiring Ethnic Rhinoplasty
In the plastic surgery industry, most Caucasian ethnicities fall under the umbrella of plain old, regular rhinoplasty. For these patients, the techniques have been developed and honed for decades. Most Dr. Schoenfelds are well versed in the features common to the Caucasian nose. While changes are still made on a patient by patient basis, the approach to surgery is very similar.
For individuals of Asian, African American, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern descent, however, the techniques may need to be altered. Noses typical among these individual groups have their own common features, proportions, and shapes. In many cases, significant alteration of the internal structures may be required to change the external appearance. Typically, noses on patients of these ethnicities tend to be more rounded and bulbous, with nasal tips that are less protrusive. Wider nostrils and a greater degree of nostril flare are also common concerns.
The Approach to Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Perhaps the first great challenge in an ethnic rhinoplasty occurs during the consultation. While most patients have an understanding of their ethnic features, some want to create an entirely new nose inspired by someone of a different ethnicity. Having realistic goals for your rhinoplasty is a must, whether these results are constrained by ethnicity or not. A surgeon’s first job is to work with patients who may need to adjust their expectations.
Once it’s time for surgery, Dr. Schoenfeld will face a slightly different nasal structure than the traditional Caucasian nose might have. The changes made to the nose will also be different, as more ethnic rhinoplasties will involve narrowing of the nostrils and extension of the tip. During the procedure,Dr. Schoenfeld will likely change the shape of both bone and cartilage inside the nose to begin the external reshaping. This extra step can add on time to the procedure, as well as a certain level of difficulty. At this point, the nostrils can be narrowed and your surgeon may even graft cartilage from another location of the body in order to extend the tip of the nose. Other surgeons may opt to use synthetic implants to achieve the desired result, but it depends on your case what will be used.
While the procedure can be somewhat more involved than other rhinoplasty surgeries, ethnic procedures are becoming much more common in plastic surgery clinics across the country. As these requests gain in popularity, so too do surgeons gain in their experience with these unique challenges. To discuss your options for rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgery offering ethnic rhinoplasty at his practice.
Book Your Consultation Today
Visit Renu Med Spa to speak with founder and Medical Director Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, a board certified facial Dr. Schoenfeld with experience in various ethnic rhinoplasty techniques. He takes a keen interest in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, having practiced in Washington, DC since 1994. A proven track record for excellence and a personal dedication to excellence and aesthetics have earned him a significant reputation among his peers. He was voted one of America’s Top Doctors in 2013 by Castle Connolly. Contact the Renu Med Spa, located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 1625 in Chevy Chase, Maryland, by calling (301) 652-(RENU, 7368. Book your appointment with Dr. Shoenfeld today to see if chin augmentation is the right choice for you.
