What Makes an African American Noses So Much Different from Other Noses?

The skin of African Americans and Asians and some Caucasians can be thick and difficult to show cartilage detail below the thick skin.  It does NOT grow back once properly removed.  These noses require an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon so choose wisely. 

This is an interesting question!  Historically African American noses have been treated very differently with aggressive procedures aimed primarily at reducing the size of the nasal tip and nostrils.  Unfortunately, many of these rhinoplasties resulted in unnatural looking noses and caused some stigma against rhinoplasty in the African American community.

Fortunately, we have since learned that on the contrary, African American noses need to be augmented to add definition, not reduced.

In general African American noses have the following anatomic characteristics:
    1. Thicker skin
    2. Lower bony bridge
    3. Softer tip cartilage

The combination of thicker skin, lower bridges and softer cartilage can make the nose look wider or less defined.  The key however is to add structure to increase definition.  This can be done very well with Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty techniques.

Good luck in your search for information.

Every nose is different and each one requires a different "playbook" to achieve the goals of the various patients.  It is best to go for a consultation to be evaluated. Good luck.