Can African American Rhinoplasty Be Achieved with a More Nautral Ethnic Look?

rodoz0778,

When rhinoplasty is performed today, ethnic variations should be considered and preserved.  Let's face it, a Caucasian nose does not look natural on an Asian individual.  What is crucial is to find a surgeon with experience in African-American rhinoplasty.  Not only is every nose different, every ethnicity is different.  In general, I am not a fan of nasal implants.  Your body recognizes this material as foreign.  This can work out perfectly, or it can lead to scarring and/or implant extrusion.  The best tissue is your own tissue.  If you need nasal augmentation, your own cartilage (obtained from your nasal septum or ear) will usually work well.  Above all, find someone who routinely achieves the results that your seek.  The best referral is a personal referral.  Next, check credentails and the state medical board licence records.  Finally, go with your gut.  Best of luck! 

Hi from Istanbul,

Thanks for your question. The short answer is yes! You can get a rhinoplasty and still have a natural look. I perform hundreds of ethnic rhinoplasties every year, and while some patients want a very sleek look, others, like yourself, prefer a more natural appearance. We take into consideration the wishes of our patients and sculpt in the best way possible, considering each patient's anatomy.

We mostly use rib cartilage grafts to augment the bridge, which creates a defined look. Nasal bones need to be shaped, but not to the point you describe as unnaturally narrow. We avoid over-refinement by pinching the nose too much, creating a tip that is too small or upturned, or excessively reducing nostrils. We focus on creating a proportional and balanced appearance that maintains your ethnic features.

Hope this helps. Best of luck to you!

Hello,
In general, the African-American nose is flat, wide and short relative to the Caucasian nose while the skin is thicker and the cartilages are weaker. The goal in African-American rhinoplasty should never be to anglicize the nose, it should be to harmonize the nose to the rest of the face. Also, because of the quality of the skin and the cartilages many special graft will be necessary to get the desires results. Your concerns are typical and a soft cartilage graft over the bridge with give height and improve your profile (and make your nose look narrower from the front). You will need a firm graft for the tip to give it more support - that will present your nose from collapsing and widening when you smile. 
Hope this answer helps,
Mehdi Sina, MD