Rhinoplasty Directory

Rhinoplasties (or nose jobs) are becoming increasingly popular among the African American population. This rise has been attributed by some critics as being due to the Western media defining the ?ideal? nose as being one which is straight, has a narrow bridge, a defined tip and small, refined nostrils. The African American nose is markedly different from this beauty stereotype and it is important that the rhinoplasty surgeon, while taking the patients requests into account, strives to produce a nose which compliments the ethnicity of the face, rather than a ?Westernized? nose which may not suit the patient.

The main differences between an African American nose and the typical Caucasian nose, (sometimes referred to as a ?Roman? nose), is that they are naturally wider and the tip is less defined, giving the nose a flatter appearance. Skin thickness has a bearing on the results of rhinoplasty surgery, and African Americans characteristically have thicker skin than Caucasians.

African American rhinoplasty patients frequently request surgery to narrow the appearance of their nose. This can be achieved by gently fracturing the nose and meticulously resetting it. This procedure also adds subtle projection to the nose, although some patients prefer a more marked difference and may also require an implant to define the tip of the nose.

The definition of the dorsum and the increasing of the projection of the nose is the most requested nose job procedure among this ethnic group. The implants can be made from silicone, but many surgeons favour the use of tissue grafted from elsewhere on the patient?s body, as the body is less likely to reject the implant. Typically, this tissue is taken from the septum (inner nose) or the ear.

Sometimes, the nose may have a pronounced ?hump?. If it is very prominent, cartilage can be removed to produce a straighter nose. If the bump is minor then it may simply require filing down.

In non-Caucasian rhinoplasty it is extremely beneficial to seek out a surgeon with experience of operating on ethnic groups. An experienced and highly skilled practitioner is essential for ensuring that the final result is a nose which meets the patient?s wishes, but also which compliments the other facial features. Some rhinoplasty patients have difficulty adjusting to their new look nose, sometimes leading to depression or revision rhinoplasty to restore the nose to its former appearance. The risk of adverse psychological effect is increased if the face loses its ethnicity due to a surgeon producing a nose which is too ?Westernised? in its appearance.

Whatever the media may suggest, there is no ?ideal? when it comes to a beautiful nose. The most stunning nose is one that looks harmonious with the rest of the face, and this can be achieved through thorough discussions with your rhinoplasty surgeon before undergoing the operation.

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