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  • A "Washed Out" Bridge and Thick Skin Are Two Unique Challenges Posed by Ethnic Rhinoplasties
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I'm Dr. Andrew Miller. Ethnic rhinoplasty which includes African-American rhinoplasty or Asian rhinoplasty usually present different challenges that are found in typical Caucasian rhinoplasty.

First of all, the bridge of an ethnic rhinoplasty patient is typically low and appears washed out. This makes the tip look relatively bigger than it actually is. At the same time, the skin of the tip is often thick and along with this thickness, the cartilage itself is usually thin and weak.

Rhinoplasty can correct these things. First of all, a dorsal graft can be constructed which creates a much better dorsal line. At the same time, the skin of the tip can be thinned out and the tip cartilages themselves can be reshaped usually with sutures and cartilage grafts can be added so that the tip has better projection and support. At times, additional Weir incisions are needed in the nostrils to make them appear thinner as well.

Over time, the rhinoplasty result will continue to improve as the skin of the tip continues to thin and tighten down around the newly constructed cartilage. It's important to understand that you can never turn thick skin of the tip into thin skin but great improvements can always be made. It's important to consult a rhinoplasty specialist in considering surgery of this type. Together the two of you can go over all expectations and goals, and create a plan which will make you happy while creating a natural result at the same time.

A "Washed Out" Bridge and Thick Skin Are Two Unique Challenges Posed by Ethnic Rhinoplasties

African American and Asian rhinoplasties present different problems than a Western nose and these differences and methods of correction are discussed.