African American Rhinoplasty: Q&A

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I Would Like My Nose to Look More African; Is This Possible?

I would like a slight curve in my nose and slight widening and a less sharp tip is this possible? i have a slightly straight 'caucasian' nose shape and as i identify as a black man it makes me quite self consious. Ive looked and reasearched for this topic on 'Ethnic rhinoplasty' sites but noone has mentioned this topic yet to my knowledge. Im of east indian and african decent, i would like an opinion on photos of mine but i would like to keep the pictures private.

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Sharp widen

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by iKNO

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Ethnic rhinoplasty is a procedure that takes special expertise

Ethnic rhinoplasty not only helps a patient maintain their cultural identity, but it is also a procedure that takes special expertise and consideration for a patient’s unique bone structure and skin type. Typically, African-American patients have wider nasal bases and a flatter tip, so enlarging the nose may be required to achieve these results. Bone, tissue, and cartilage can be grafted from other areas of the patient’s body to reshape the nose. By using materials from the patient’s... more

Since you have not had surgery previously, this is probably possible.

Plastic surgery requires skills being innovative. This is not the usual request, but should be possible. As long as we know what the goal is. In this case we would want to reduce the tip projection by separating the tip cartilages, this would also widen the appearance of the nose. We may want to reduce dorsal projection which is a fairly standard maneuver in rhinoplasty.. Feel free to send the photos.

Make Nose look 'More' African

This is not a typical request but certainly not an unreasonable request. Widening of the nose to some degree can be accomplished. Most importantly would be the need to establish how much change you're looking for and if it appears reasonable to the surgeon. Best of luck Dr Harrell

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African Rhinoplasty

Without seeing your pictures, it is difficult to say what one can and cannot do. However, some procedures can be done more easily than the others.

Rhinoplasty

What you are describing is basically a reverse rhinoplasty. The basic changes required would be widening and flattening of the bridge, rounding of the tip and widening of the nostril base. There are a few ways to do this. You are probably better off widening the bridge with grafts so that in case you do not like it you can remove the grafts. The tip changes could mostly be achieved by unrolling the 2 tip cartilages and holding them in place with sutures. Widening the nostril base is not so... more

Rhinoplasty

Hello, your request sounds possible but in order for anyone to advise you a photo will be necessary. Please feel free to send your photo to my office so I can advise you. I will need a front view, both sides of your profile and one with your head tilted back looking up into the nostrils. If you are not comfortable doing this schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

David Alessi, MD

6 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facialinstitute.com

Reverse Rhino

Platyrrhinization can be accomplished via reverse rhinoplasty techniques! However, you need to discuss "realistic expectations" with your Cosmetic Surgeon first. Best to you.

Rhinoplasty issues

Flattening of the dorsum in an otherwise straight nose is not very common but can be performed. As for the tip, this refinement may be possible as well, but an exam in person would be essential.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Making Nose Look More African

A nose can be enlarged; when doing revision rhinoplasty we frequently add cartilage or soft tissue to replace what was taken during the original procedure. If you are concerned about privacy you can E-mail your pictures to physicians who participate on this site.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

10 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

While the changes you are describing are not common requests, this does not mean they can not be done. In fact, most of them are the reverse of a typical rhinoplasty by making a hump and having less tip projection and broader domal width. They can certainly be technically done other than the nostril widening. This is the one maneuver where skin has to be added and that is not possible. It would be necessary to evaluate some photos for a final opinion however.

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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.