I have a wide, flat nose. I don't know if I have an Asian or an African nose, advice?

Question

I have been very unhappy with my nose for years and have wanted rhinoplasty for a while now although I am just confused if you can call my nose Asian or Africa nose. (I'm half Asian, half African). It is wide and almost have no bridge and with no cartilage on the point. I want a thinner nose with ABIT of definition on the bridge. I do not want my nose to be completely different and fake. With that being said, how would you define my nose? and what should l do?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

I think that you would be very happy with a rhinoplasty that adds more tip definition and more height to your nasal bridge. This can be done without making the nose look fake or like it has obviously had surgery. You will likely need to have grafts taken from elsewhere in the body, such as the rib. The cartilage from your septum or ear could be used, but I suspect that the septal cartilage and the ear cartilage in your case is not likely to be strong enough to provide good, long-term support. Look for an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon in your area.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Your concerns are very common. Many patients desire better nasal tip definition and to build up the bridge of the nose to improve definition there as well. These can be performed using your own cartilage harvested either from the nasal septum, ear, or rib, or using implant material, which is also a great option for many patients and can work quite well. Computer simulation imaging is something that I provide for my patients at no cost and can be really helpful to improve communication between the patient and surgeon about what types of changes are possible and desired. Rhinoplasty results should look natural and not fake, and this is totally possible.Be sure to see a rhinoplasty expert to discuss all of your concerns in person.All the best,

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend starting with a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty surgery to discuss if rhinoplasty can address your concerns. 
I would recommend writing down the following questions before scheduling your consultation:
1. Are you unhappy with the tip of your nose? 
2. Do you feel that your nose is too wide? 
3. Do you want to make your nostrils smaller in appearance? 
4. Are you looking to decrease the general size of your nose?
I hope some of these questions will help you pinpoint what it is that you don't like about your nose.  Cost will vary due to many factors including: facilities fee and anesthesia fee. I wish you the best as you research your options when scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Your nose could be improved with rhinoplasty, which would give permanent improvements in symmetry and shape. When you meet with a facial plastic surgeon, he or she will consider your nose in balance with your other features. You can bring the photos of noses that you think would be flattering to your face and these can be discussed.  I hope this helps.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,
Based on the photos you provided, you  have a bulbous nasal tip with wider bridge and nostrils than you would like. The bulbous tip would need to be reshaped; grafts may need to be used for tip support.  You would benefit from nostril narrowing as well.  Ethnic and African American Rhinoplasty are by far the most challenging cosmetic operations in cosmetic surgery. This because the anatomy and skin thickness requires special techniques to achieve desired results. Do your research online and try to choose a surgeon that can deliver results that you seek. They should have numerous before and after photos with results you like and seek. Choosing the right surgeon who has experience is imperative; you want to avoid any revision in the future. You can send me your photos for computer imaging.Best,Dr.S.

I have a wide, flat nose. I don't know if I have an Asian or an African nose, advice?

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty Candidate

Answer: Rhinoplasty Candidate

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have a wide, flat nose. I don't know if I have an Asian or an African nose, advice?

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty Candidate

Answer: Rhinoplasty Candidate

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.