Ethnic Rhinoplasty

What is an ethnic rhinoplasty?

An ethnic rhinoplasty is a type of facial plastic surgery and cosmetic procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to create a nose takes differences in nasal anatomy and perceptions of beauty between cultures into account when determining the ideal shape, size, and aesthetic of the nose.

The Anatomy of the Nose

While it may have once involved creating a more 'western' appearing nose by adding more height, changing the nose profile, altering the nostril shape, narrowing the nose, and/or sharpening the tip of the nose, it is now focused on honoring the anatomy (i.e. skin thickness) and aesthetic of goals of the patient.

Commonly, an ethnic rhinoplasty involves harvesting cartilage from the ear or rib to add to the nose. An open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty approach can be utilized depending on the patient and plastic surgeon.

What cosmetic concerns does an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure treat?

1. Nose Shape: Characteristics, like height, narrowness, and sharpness can be created through an ethnic rhinoplasty to make the shape of the nose more consistent with certain ethnic characteristics.
2. Nose Size: Narrower nostrils and overall slimmer size of the nose is considered consistent with a typical Western nose appearance and profile, but the size of the nose can be manipulated in various ways.
3. Nose Angle: Genetics or nasal trauma (think: a nasal fracture) can cause a crooked nose, nasal deviation, or concerns with the angle of the nose, and those concerns can be addressed with surgical intervention.
4. Nose Bump: For people dealing with structural dorsal humps, both non-surgical and surgical rhinoplasty may be able to address them.

Who is the ideal candidate for an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure?

An ideal candidate for an ethnic rhinoplasty is seeking to alter the appearance of the nose to be more consistent with a certain cultural or ethic profile. Candidates are usually not of Caucasian descent. This rhinoplasty is not performed in individuals under the age of 18.

What is the average recovery associated with an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure?

The recovery associated with an ethnic rhinoplasty is dependent on the approach. An open rhinoplasty will be the most invasive and have two to three weeks of initial healing (meaning resolution of bruising and swelling). A closed rhinoplasty typically has one to two weeks of recovery. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are associated with all procedures. Candidates will wear a splint or cast for the first week and can return to most activities within one to two weeks.

To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to rhinoplasty recovery.

What are the potential side effects of an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure?

General side effects associated with all ethnic rhinoplasties include numbness, nerve damage , blood vessel damage, and nosebleeds. An open rhinoplasty has a significantly higher risk of visible scarring.

What can someone expect from the results of an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure?

The results of an ethnic rhinoplasty are permanent and evolve over the course of 12 to 18 months.

What is the average cost of an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure?

An ethnic rhinoplasty surgical procedure can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. The actual cost of the procedure is dependent upon location, surgeon, and length and involvement of the surgery. To learn more, check out our [complete guide to rhinoplasty cost](https://aedit.com/procedure/rhinoplasty-nose-job/cost).