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Tip Definition Via Rhinoplasty Difficult for Ethnic Nose?

Is it difficult to get definition via Rhinoplasty with a bulbous ethnic nose? How much change in appearance can one expect if it looks round and the desired look is a pointy one?

Asked 29 months ago by calicorey in San Diego

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See a rhinoplasty specialist.

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.

Doctor's Website

Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Tip definition via Rhinoplasty for ethnic nose

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 and the less pliable the skin (such as in Black or Mexican-Mestizo noses), the less it will drape gracefully over the frame work. In rhinoplasty, tip refinement can be done by narrowing the... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Nasal tip definition with ethnic noses

Calicorey, the word 'difficult' is a relative term when it comes to rhinoplasty. Less experienced surgeons may find this type of change quite challenging. Surgeons with extensive training and experience in rhinoplasty should be able to provide you with a noticeable esthetic improvement. Most ethnic noses tend to have thicker overlying skin, which necessitates specialized maneuvers to create more tip definition. The underlying cartilage structure will also be an important factor. In... more

Doctor's Website

John M. Hilinski, MD

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

Tip Definition Via Rhinoplasty Difficult for Ethnic Nose?

Tip definition can be enhanced in an ethnic nose, and the aesthetic results depend on your anatomy and skin thickness. Computer imaging can preview the results. Make sure you consult with a few surgeons experienced in ethnic rhinoplasty and look at plenty of their b/a pictures.

Ramtin Kassir, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

With ethnic rhinoplasty it is difficult to create a pointed nose due to thicker skin,

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 thinned with a rhinoplasty or a tip plasty operation. Thick skin will always cover up and blunt the sculpting that is done on the tip.

Doctor's Website

William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Tip Definition in Bulbous Ethnic Nose

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; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Improved tip definition in an ethnic rhinoplasty

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 surgeon, but don't expect to see significant tip definition right away after surgery as we would expect in say a rhinoplasty on a Caucasian with very thin tip skin. It may take several months or... more

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Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Nasal tip refinement

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 that there is a person beneath it. So if you have very thick nasal tip skin, your refined nasal tip will not show through. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Achieving a pointy (defined and projecting) nasal tip with a round bulbous ethnic type nose job

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 the nose to tent the thick skin and create the illusion of a pointy nose. This may require cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, or rib. Although it is not popular in the USA,... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Bulbous tip definition

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.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Rhinoplasty; Can Tip be Changed from Round to "Pointy"?

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 underlying cartilaginous structure. Best for you to consult with an experienced rhinoplasty specialist. Do not usethe term "pointy" during your consultation to avoid miscommunication... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nasal tip definition can be acheived with ethnic rhinoplasty

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 aesthetics to how an individual identifies themself and how they relate to others. The cosmetic results should be matched to provide overall facial balance. Concerning the nasal tip,... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Des Plaines Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

You can achieve a lot of definition through Rhinoplasty

Many ethnic noses tend to have thicker skin. Achieving the definition, narrowing, and refinement you desire has everything to do with how that thick skin wraps around the cartilage structure underneath. If the cartilage structure is well-defined and well-supported, you can achieve excellent definition. If the cartilage lacks shape, your tip will look the same--bulbous, wide, full, and lacking in shape. On top of that, ethnic patients often have a thicker layer of tissue under the skin that... more

Jason Litner, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Tip Definition in an Ethnic Nose

It is not difficult. If you have very thick skin then it can be hard but still possible. You have to be careful not to make it to pointy as it will not go along with an ethnic face. Regards

Tanveer Janjua, MD

Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Only the examination can give you an answer

The examination at consultation is critical since the doctor has to evaluate thin thickness, texture, the stiffness or weakness of the cartilage, even the activity of the muscle that tends to drag the tip down. Also, must take into account the thickness of the nostril walls and even the structure of the bridge of the nose. From your description, much thought is needed before the cosmetic surgeon can say "Go" or " No go". Sometimes, "when in doubt, do without"... more

Robert Kotler, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Defining the nasal tip through Ethnic Rhinoplasty

One of the most common issues in "ethnic" patients seeking rhinoplasty is increased nasal tip definition. The cause of less defined nose is thicker nasal skin coupled with weaker cartilaginous support. Think of the analogy of a tent with a thicker canvas and weak support versus one of thinner canvas and very stiff support. The thin canvas and stiff poles will show a crisper tent outline than the heavy canvas poor supporting tent poles. Achieving the desired shape surgically... more