What region of the world is best African American rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I'm an African American female w/ a bulbous tip and wide bridge. I've been doing my research on nose jobs and I have to say I have yet to find a decent job on African American women when it comes to a nose job. It always comes out looking fake and "Michael Jackson" like, with the exaggerated pinched tip. I'm honestly considering having my sugery in a different part of the world where the doctors have more experience with my type of nose structure such as Africa or Asia. Any advice?

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thanks for your question. I would say that each major city in the US has specialists in Ethnic rhinoplasty. My rhinoplasty practice here in Denver is made up of 70% Ethnic rhinoplasty patients. I have experience with patients from all over the world, with their specific anatomic, psychological, and cultural issues. Africa is not an known rhinoplasty destination so I would avoid going there. In Asia, they have an amazing experience with Asian rhinoplasty but little experience with African American rhinoplasty as few AA patients travel abroad for surgery to Asia.African Americans have a significant variety of nose types so surgery for them is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Limitations due to skin thickness, oily skin, and scarring can make for suboptimal results as you complain about seeing during your research. Every patient should have realistic expectations when it comes to their results and not measure their results by the experiences of other patients. Revision rates for rhinoplasty can be as high as 30-50%, with ethnic rhinoplasty patients experiencing more dissatisfaction than Caucasian patients. In my practice, my overall revision rate is 9% with most of my revision requests coming from my Ethnic rhinoplasty patients. If you are looking for a significant change, then you will have a higher likelihood of a fake looking nose than if you are looking for a more natural, achievable nose. However, if you work with a surgeon who has an eye for natural outcomes, you stand a great chance of loving the results. I would be happy to speak with you further by Skype/FaceTime if you'd like.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Catherine Winslow, MD · Answer

Hello! The treatment of a platyrrhine/ African-American nose is well discussed in facial plastic circles in America. The trick is to find a SURGEON with experience, not a country. Personally I would never willingly travel to a region with poor government oversight and regulations. Some of the worst complications I have seen have come from Asia. Good luck!

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,
You are right to look for someone who has had experience with African American Rhinoplasties. I would recommend consulting with at least 2 board certified facial plastic surgeons who specialize in ethnic rhinoplasty, specifically for African-American patients. You can look through the before/after photos of their patients to see if you like their work, and also see if there is a similar nose you would like. It is important to also ask to get your photos imaged when you go for a consult. This will allow both you and the surgeon to be on the same page when the surgery comes around, and you know what results you can expect. 
Best,
Dr. S.

What region of the world is best African American rhinoplasty? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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What region of the world is best African American rhinoplasty? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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