Can African American Rhinoplasty Be Achieved with a More Nautral Ethnic Look?

rodoz0778,

When rhinoplasty is performed today, ethnic variations should be considered and preserved.  Let's face it, a Caucasian nose does not look natural on an Asian individual.  What is crucial is to find a surgeon with experience in African-American rhinoplasty.  Not only is every nose different, every ethnicity is different.  In general, I am not a fan of nasal implants.  Your body recognizes this material as foreign.  This can work out perfectly, or it can lead to scarring and/or implant extrusion.  The best tissue is your own tissue.  If you need nasal augmentation, your own cartilage (obtained from your nasal septum or ear) will usually work well.  Above all, find someone who routinely achieves the results that your seek.  The best referral is a personal referral.  Next, check credentails and the state medical board licence records.  Finally, go with your gut.  Best of luck! 

Hello,
In general, the African-American nose is flat, wide and short relative to the Caucasian nose while the skin is thicker and the cartilages are weaker. The goal in African-American rhinoplasty should never be to anglicize the nose, it should be to harmonize the nose to the rest of the face. Also, because of the quality of the skin and the cartilages many special graft will be necessary to get the desires results. Your concerns are typical and a soft cartilage graft over the bridge with give height and improve your profile (and make your nose look narrower from the front). You will need a firm graft for the tip to give it more support - that will present your nose from collapsing and widening when you smile. 
Hope this answer helps,
Mehdi Sina, MD

Surgery should be customized to your personal needs and your desires.  For many African-American patient's the goals include nostril reduction, enhancement of the bridge, or nasal dorsum, and some form of increased tip projection.  Some doctors prefer using implants to improve the tip and bridge of the nose, but in my practice I recommend using autologous tissue like septal or ear cartilage.  Sometimes, the results with autologous cartilage are more natural in my opinion and tend to be more durable - this is because there is a much lower risk of infection or extrusion when you use your own native tissue.  Discussed her case with the specialist and perhaps consider a second opinion as well, prior to making a final decision.  Best of luck.