Ethnic Rhinoplasty
THE PREOPERATIVE FEATURES
- There are distinctive features of ethnic noses that have created an
entire subspecialty of Ethnic Rhinoplasty. There are specific planning
issues, techniques, implants, and recovery that are unique to the planning
and performance of rhinoplasty in ethnic patients and patients of color.
- The desire to change the nose but retain some ethnic features OR the
desire to have a more Caucasian appearance.
- Focusing on typical ethnic features such as a low flat top of the nose,
a vague bulbous tip, a plunging or "hooked over" tip and wide flared
nostrils, or a short nose or any combination of these.
- A nose that is too large or long or wide in comparison to the rest of
the face.
- The presence of difficulty in breathing, or continued sinus drainage.
- Desire for a softened, delicate, and balanced nasal appearance.
THE PROCEDURE
- Anesthesia can be local or general and the surgery takes one to two
hours.
- Very well concealed incisions are made inside the nostrils, and
occasionally across the lower midsection.
- Excess bone and cartilage is removed, reshaped, or redistributed. The
skin molds down around this rearranged framework to arrive at the final
cosmetic appearance.
- An implant may be needed to raise the top (dorsum) of the nose. Your own
cartilage, or silicone may be used. If an implant is needed, I prefer a
material called Medpor (porous polyethylene).
- Tip elevation or more support is provided in the form of cartilage
grafts or struts.
- Excessively large or flared nostrils and a wide nasal base is corrected
by removing a wedge of the skin at the junction of the nostrils and face
(Weir excisions).
- An implant is placed beneath the base (nostrils) of the nose to raise
the tip.
- The septal cartilage in the middle of the nose is removed or molded to
allow for better breathing.
- No packing is required.
- A splint is applied over the nose for a week to hold the tissues in
place and decrease swelling.
- Taping of the nose is done for 4-6 weeks afterwards to retain the
desired shape.
- A chin implant often compliments this procedure and improves the
profile.
- This can be combined with other surgeries.
THE RECOVERY
- You can go home after several hours.
- You can shower on the second day after surgery.
- Minimal pain that is mostly gone by the second or third day and easily
controlled by medications.
- Some congestion and nasal drip for two to three days.
- Swelling which is mild to moderate and peaks at two to three days then
disappears rapidly over the next three weeks. Insignificant swelling that
slowly resolves over the next six to twelve months.
- Minimal bruising between the eyes and onto the cheeks which is greatest
at two days then disappears rapidly by three to five days.
- Resume many activities within the first week, and most by at least three
weeks.
- No stitches to remove. They are all dissolvable.
- Off of work for three to seven days.
THE RESULT
- Your can retain your ethnic features, or often have these changed
dramatically depending on your wishes, focus, and anatomy.
A very natural result not scooped out or bobbed up too much.
- A softened and beautiful balance to compliment your other facial
features and proportions.
- Lasts the rest of your life and always looks better than if you didn't
do it.
- Natural and presentable appearance after the first week that just gets
better over the next three to six months.
For before and after images of this procedure click here
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further information or to schedule an appointment. |