How Is Ethnic Rhinoplasty Different from Traditional Rhinoplasty?

Each of your features, including your nose, is shaped by your rich genetic history. Certain nasal characteristics are common amongst different ancestries. If you inherited your grandma’s dreaded nose, come see us. Ethnic rhinoplasty can reshape the specific the ethnic attributes of your nose, creating a look that honors your heritage, coordinates with your other features, and meets your aesthetic goals. Whether you want to preserve or significantly change the ethnic characteristics of your nose, ethnic rhinoplasty can help you discover a nose that looks and functions at its best.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty vs. Traditional Rhinoplasty- What’s the Difference?

Ethnic rhinoplasty is just another type of rhinoplasty. Basically speaking, ethnic rhinoplasty is rhinoplasty performed on a patient with ethnic features. If your nose is part of your ethnic identity, you may be a good candidate for ethnic rhinoplasty.

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a broad term that describes many types of rhinoplasty including:

  • African American rhinoplasty
  • Middle Eastern rhinoplasty
  • Persian rhinoplasty
  • Iranian rhinoplasty
  • Asian rhinoplasty

What Cosmetic Changes Are Possible with Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

Ethnic rhinoplasty can transform the appearance of your nose. Is your nose too flat? Too big? Too wide? If you love your nose, keep it, but if you’re unhappy with the way it looks, come see us. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes the appearance of the nose by correcting common nasal complaints including:

  • Too long
  • Too short
  • Wide or flat
  • Hump on the nasal bridge
  • Hooked nose
  • Upturned or downturned tip
  • Large nostrils
  • Broken nose
  • Crooked nose

There is nothing intrinsically good or bad about any of these features, unless you dislike them. We want you to like your look and ethnic rhinoplasty can help you achieve a nose you love. Keep what you love and perfect the rest. With rhinoplasty, the goal isn’t to create a perfect, one-size-fits-all nose. We want to create a nose that complements and balances with your other facial features.

Functional Rhinoplasty for Ethnic Noses

If you want to improve your breathing, functional rhinoplasty can help. This can be performed on its own or paired with an ethnic rhinoplasty. Functional rhinoplasty can address a variety of airway obstructions including:

  • Nasal valve correction
  • Septoplasty for a deviated septum
  • Turbinate reduction for enlarged turbinates.

Functional rhinoplasty can restore health and improve quality of life. Patients often experience a decrease in uncomfortable symptoms like frequent headaches, bad breath, noisy breathing, nosebleeds, and nasal congestion after functional rhinoplasty.

Choosing a Surgeon for Your Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a highly complex procedure. Ethnic rhinoplasty can be one of the most complex types of rhinoplasty. Advanced techniques, like cartilage grafting, are often needed to reshape and reform the nose. These tips will help you choose an experienced plastic surgeon for your ethnic rhinoplasty:

  • Look for a Surgeon that Has Worked on Similar Patients- No two noses are exactly the same, but often characteristics are similar throughout ethnic groups. Look for a surgeon that has worked extensively on patients of your ethnicity.
  • Good Communication– You and your surgeon will need to work closely together to create your ideal nose. Choose a surgeon that you can easily communicate with. Dr. Epstein uses computer imaging to make communication easier. You’ll be able to see your new nose before you have rhinoplasty surgery. With computer imaging, you’ll know that you and your surgeon have the same end-goal in mind.
  • Don’t Forget About Function– Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes the appearance of the nose, but it is important to think about function too. Often, cosmetic changes will impact the overall structure of the nose. This can lead to breathing difficulties if your surgeon doesn’t actively address functional issues as they arise. Choose a surgeon that understands both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty for the best results.
  • Lots of Rhinoplasty Experience– Rhinoplasty is a very complex surgery. Choose a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience. Dr. Epstein is passionate about rhinoplasty and is a member of the Rhinoplasty Society.
  • Focus on Quality- Rhinoplasty isn’t a place to cut costs and save money. If you choose an inexperienced, inexpensive surgeon, you run the risk of your surgery yielding undesirable results. Revision rhinoplasty is much more complex and expensive than a first-time rhinoplasty. Focus on finding the right surgeon so you can avoid common rhinoplasty complications. Rhinoplasty is an investment in your appearance.

If you’re thinking about ethnic rhinoplasty, come see Dr. Epstein, one of Chicago’s top rhinoplasty and ethnic rhinoplasty surgeons. We’ll work together to reshape your nose, removing or preserving its ethnic features as you desire. Contact us today to schedule your ethnic rhinoplasty consultation.