Rhinoplasty: Q&A

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Is African American Rhinoplasty Too Complex?

I'm a black American female who is considering Rhinoplasty. I went to a well accredited doctor that told me I should not get it done as it would be close to impossible for me to have a narrower nose.

I have high nostrils that are also very large and he said it would be a very complex procedure and if done the result would be minimal. I really would like my nostrils to be oval shaped and dramatically narrower. So is this true? Should I give up or do I have hope?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by shyvixx in new york

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African American Rhinoplasty can be very difficult but not impossible

Some of the characteristics of African American nasal skin are increased thickness and increased fatty content, especially at the tip. The base of the nose can also be quite wide with flaring of the nostrils. It is not easy to adjust all these areas without extensive surgery because the skin can prevent a lot of detail from showing through. The trap you want to avoid falling into is going overboard with your expectations. You can't make a Caucasian nose out of an African American nose no... more

African American Rhinoplasty

Hi, African american rhinoplasty is a subspecialty of rhinoplasty in my mind. The african american nose differs from any other nose because the anatomy is different. The birdge is typically low and wide, the tip is bulbous with an amorphous quality and the nostrils tend to flare. There are many variations of African American noses which range from the almost caucasion looking Halle Barry nose to a more traditional African Amreican nose. Depending on what a patient wants, the nose can be... more

Feminization and refinement of nose is possible

In considering an African-American rhinoplasty, there are many things that can be done with a tipped bridge to effect a change such as feminization and refinement, yet still keeping the African-American ethnicity to the nose. Narrowing of the nasal bridge, along with refinement of the tip, and alarplasties to reduce the size of the nostril show can all be performed at the time of the operation to maintain the ethnicity.

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Don't give it up!

See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does good black noses. It is a complex operation for a surgeon who does only an occasional black nose. But for doctors who do large numbers and good subtle black noses, it is not complex.

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

See a Physician who knows african-american rhinoplasty

I would seek out a physician who is comfortable and has done a number of African-American rhinoplasties. These are not more difficult, just different in the techniques used. Excellent results can be obtained by a well qualified "rhinoplasty" surgeon.

He might be right

You can't always get what you want. Look at Michael Jackson -- I don't believe that his nose is much of an improvement over what he started with. You don't have to give up after one consultation, but see someone who has a lot of experience in noses and african american noses. They are a specific challenge. Nostrils can be narrowed a bit and sometimes the tip can be narrowed too - but there is a limit. Good Luck.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.