The Caucasian standard of beauty was once the standard for rhinoplasty. That’s how plastic surgeons were trained, and if you were undergoing rhinoplasty, that’s the type of nose you received. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Just because you are unhappy with the shape or size of your nose does not mean you must either live with it or subject yourself to a Caucasian-type nose. Dr. Charles S. Lee of Enhance® Medical Center in Beverly Hills explains how ethnic rhinoplasty makes your nose look better without making it look traditionally Caucasian.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty preserves the patient’s cultural heritage while improving the nose’s appearance. The nose should match the rest of the patient’s face, which for people of color does not mean the Caucasian look.
Facial anatomy, including the nose, differs according to ethnicity. While each person’s face is unique, there are differences in skin thickness, nasal shape and other subtleties according to ethnic background. There is often a difference in the type of nose correction sought. For instance, many Asian patients have a flat nose bridge and want a stronger one. African American patients may desire a reduction in overly large nostrils. Those are generalizations but what neither type of patient wants is the classic narrow, long, thin Caucasian nose that does not fit their face. (Of course, some elements of rhinoplasty are universal, such as removing bumps on the nose or deviated septum repair.)
Keep in mind that the goal of rhinoplasty is a natural look, not one that screams “nose job.” That’s what ethnic rhinoplasty with a truly talented surgeon can achieve.
Breathing Issues
Besides aesthetics, there’s another reason non-white people must choose a plastic surgeon skilled in performing ethnic rhinoplasties. For some patients, receiving a Caucasian-type nose when they are of another ethnicity can result in breathing problems. In such cases, revisional rhinoplasty is necessary not only to achieve a culturally appropriate look for the patient but to simply allow them to breathe freely.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Candidates
Candidates for ethnic rhinoplasty are those of Asian, African American, Hispanic and Middle Eastern heritage seeking to improve the appearance of their nose while respecting their cultural heritage. All patients seeking rhinoplasty must be in good health and realistic about the outcome of their surgeries.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Consultation
During an ethnic rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Lee learns about the patient’s aesthetic ideas and what they want in an improved nose. He also conducts a thorough physical examination of the nose.
Make an Appointment
If you would like more information about ethnic rhinoplasty and how to get the right nose for your face and background, schedule a consultation online with the team at Enhance® Medical Center.
