Tip definition via Rhinoplasty difficult for ethnic nose?

With ethnic rhinoplasty it is sometimes difficult to give a pointed nose due to excess thick, oily, sebaceous skin. Certainly, the ethnic tip can be refined. The rhinoplasty operation is a sculpting of both bone and cartilage for refinement purposes. It is not skin surgery. The skin itself cannot be... more

Yes, it is difficult to get good tip definition in a bulbous ethnic nose, but improvement can  be achieved, whether the appearance is due to thick skin or weak cartilages. During consultation with an experienced surgeon you will be able to establish reasonable expectations. Until that time, be optomistic;... more

 While it is more difficult to see immediate significant differences in tip definition after rhinoplasty on folks with thicker skin, it can be done, but the final result will take some time to see and may require a second, minor in-office procedure.  The key is to be patient and work with your... more

Hi Corey, Naturally, in all races the nasal tip skin is much thicker than the skin at the root of the nose (between the brows). For the shape of the nasal framework to be seen by the outside world, the overlying skin has to be both thin enough and pliable enough to DRAPE over the framework.  The thicker... more

Corey, The problem with refining an ethnic nasal tip is getting the refinement to project externally.  The usually thick ethnic nasal skin covers the surgically refined tip cartilage much like a thick blanket  being thrown over your body.  If the blanket is thick enough, you may not even know... more

Despite the best efforts to "sculpt" the tip of the nose, the thickness of the skin may be the limiting factor and prevent one from achieving a pointy nose. It is very difficult to thin the skin without complications (this probably occurred with Michael Jackson's nose). The alternative is to build up... more

Each patient is different. Yes, if the skin is very oily and thick, it may be difficult to really accentuate the tip. If the tip is thinner, than the bulbosity can be improved more easily.

Hi Cali, It is necessary to examine the individual nose to be able to predict the amount of refinement and definition that can be given to a round bulbous tip with a rhinoplasty on an ethnic nose.  It depends on the nature of the skin (thick, oily, etc) as well as the presence and strength of the... more

The shape of the nasal tip after rhinoplasty is determined by the thickness of the skin, and the support under the tip skin. In the US today, or in the Chicago area where our practice is located, 'ethnic' is a relative term as we see a mix of patients from all over the globe. The importance is matching the... more

 It really depends on how thick the skin is. There are many differences in "ethnic" noses. See an experienced rhinoplasty specialist to determine how realistic your goals are to achieve.