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

Question

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.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

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 easy and may not be worth the possible visible scarring and/or pigmentation changes.
	
	My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Rodney A. Green, MD · Answer

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.

David Whiteman, MD · Answer

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 own body, the risk of complication is decreased and results will be more natural-looking. It is important for your surgeon to be experienced and knowledgeable working with different ethnicities. An in-person consultation is necessary to discuss your cosmetic goals. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with both traditional and ethnic rhinoplasty to help determine what techniques will achieve your goals.

Jon F. Harrell, DO, FACS · Answer

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

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

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.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Make Nose look 'More' African

Answer: Make Nose look 'More' African

Answer: African Rhinoplasty

Answer: African Rhinoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Make Nose look 'More' African

Answer: Make Nose look 'More' African

Answer: African Rhinoplasty

Answer: African 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.