What is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty aims to provide people from different ethnic backgrounds with natural, aesthetic-looking noses suitable for their facial features. Unlike traditional aesthetic nose surgeries, ethnic rhinoplasty takes a personalized approach by taking into account the ethnic origin, facial shape, and anatomical features of the patient without disrupting the ethnic origin of the nose. In other words, it is a different procedure from classical rhinoplasty. Thus, it aims to obtain a natural and balanced nose compatible with the patient’s face.
Why is Ethnic Rhinoplasty Important?
While classical rhinoplasty techniques usually give ideal results for people of Caucasian origin, they may be insufficient for patients of African, Asian and Latin origin. In Ethnic Rhinoplasty, the surgeon examines the nasal structure and facial features specific to the patient’s ethnic origin in detail and makes a personalized plan. In this way, a natural and ethnic rhinoplasty is achieved.
Who Can Undergo Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty is performed on all individuals who want rhinoplasty but do not want to look different from their ethnic identity. Ethnic rhinoplasty is mainly applied to people of African-American and Asian origin. The nasal structures of these ethnic origins show different features compared to other noses. For example;
– The nasal structure in patients of African-American origin is usually broader and flatter. The nasal dorsum and root are low in these patients, and the nasal tip, wings, and bone base are wide. The projection is short.
The nasal bones are short, and the nasal skin is thick.
– In patients of Asian origin, the nasal structure is usually smaller and flatter, and the nasal structure is similar to that of African-American noses, but the skin is less flexible.
– In patients of Latin origin, the noses are usually arched and wide.
Choosing a Doctor in Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty has different dynamics compared to classical rhinoplasty. For this reason, it is essential to choose doctors experienced in ethnic rhinoplasty. In addition, due to the necessity of rib cartilage, a doctor with experience in this field should be selected. Patients who have decided on ethnic rhinoplasty should have a preliminary interview with the relevant doctor before deciding on the choice of physician.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Preoperative Preparation
Patients with ethnic noses are advised to avoid aspirin and foods containing acetylsalicylic acid before surgery. Before ethnic rhinoplasty, the patient’s nose photos are taken from different angles. Simulations made together with the patient are evaluated. General problems in ethnic noses (low radix, low bridge, broad alar base, low projection, bulbous nasal type, retracted columella-labial angle) are evaluated individually with the patient. Planning is made according to the patient’s request. Preoperative anaesthesia tests and anaesthesia consultations are performed.
How is Ethnic Rhinoplasty Performed?
Ethnic rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia, similar to other rhinoplasty surgeries. The duration of the surgery varies according to the patient’s nasal structure and the procedures to be performed. Before the procedure, the doctor makes the necessary preoperative evaluations and simulations, taking into account the patient’s ethnicity-specific nasal structure, and makes the necessary arrangements. During the surgery, he used special techniques for ethnic rhinoplasty, adhering to the basic rhinoplasty rules. Rib cartilage is needed in almost all ethnic nose surgeries.
How Long Does Ethnic Rhinoplasty Surgery Take?
Ethnic rhinoplasty surgery may take a little longer than classical rhinoplasty due to the need for rib cartilage. The average operation time is 2 – 4 hours.
What are the problems in the nose in ethnic rhinoplasty?
While classical rhinoplasty usually aims to reduce volume, ethnic rhinoplasty seeks to narrow the nose and obtain a more prominent nose from the profile. A nose is designed according to the patient’s wishes. Generally, in ethnic rhinoplasty, patients prefer natural, attractive, face-compatible noses while preserving their ethnicity. Since nasal cartilage is weak and insufficient in ethnic noses, rib cartilage is usually needed.
The parts of the nose that patients with ethnic noses do not like should be discussed individually with the patient, and planning should be made according to the patient’s request; that is, the same ethnic nose surgery should not be performed on every patient.
General problems in the ethnic nose:
– Wide nasal tip (bulbous nasal type)
– Wide nose wings (broad alar base)
– Low projection
– Low nasal root (low radix)
– Low nasal bridge (low bridge)
– Deep nasolabial angle (retracted columella-labial angle)
– Thick skin
– Weak and insufficient cartilage (short and weak septal cartilage)
– Short nasal bones (short nasal bone)
Methods and Technologies Used in Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires surgical skill and experience. Therefore, it is important for people considering this surgery to choose a doctor experienced in ethnic rhinoplasty.
Different technologies have been used to shape the nasal bones in recent years. This depends on the surgeon’s experience and preference. Classical surgical instruments such as hand files and bone cutters have been replaced mainly by piezoelectric (ultrasonic method) and micromotor devices.
Simulation is especially important for adjusting the height of the nasal root (radix) and nasal dorsum (dorsum) from the profile and understanding the wishes of the patient with an ethnic nose.
– Open Technique Rhinoplasty;
The nose structures are reached by making an incision from the columella.
All nasal structures are perfectly mastered, and much easier and more precise procedures are performed.
– Closed Technique Rhinoplasty;
Nasal structures are reached through intranasal incisions without any incision in the columella; this technique is difficult to manipulate. The only advantage is that there is no incision scar in the columella.
Differences During Surgery in Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty has some differences from classical rhinoplasty. Since the cartilage of patients with ethnic noses is weak and insufficient, rib cartilage is usually used. Skin elevation is the same. Rib cartilage grafts are used to narrow the nose and increase the definition. Bone incisions (osteotomies) are often incomplete with piezoelectric devices. Since the dorsum of the nose is usually low, no tissue is removed from the dorsum of the nose.
On the contrary, the dorsum and the root of the nose (radix) are elevated according to the patient’s wishes. This elevation is done with diced cartilage prepared from rib or block cartilage. Since the skin is thick in ethnic rhinoplasty, subcutaneous fat tissue is often removed during surgery. The wings of the nose are broad, and the wings of the nose are mostly narrowed. Patients with ethnic noses especially want more oval and round nostrils.
Recovery Process After Ethnic Rhinoplasty
The healing process after ethnic rhinoplasty is longer than that after classical rhinoplasty operations. It is usual for swelling and bruising to occur in the patient’s nose after Ethnic Rhinoplasty Surgery. These bruises usually disappear within one or two weeks, but the swelling resolves in a more extended period. Full recovery is at least one year. During this period, it is essential for patients to follow the instructions of the ethnic rhinoplasty doctor fully and to have the necessary controls.
Follow-up after ethnic rhinoplasty
Care after ethnic rhinoplasty differs from classical rhinoplasty. Patients with ethnic noses should have regular check-ups. Due to the use of rib cartilage, longer antibiotics may be recommended to reduce the risk of infection. Long-term splinting and plastering are recommended for rapid regression of oedema. Cortisone injections may be recommended to reduce scar tissue.
Retinoid acid derivatives may make the skin look fresher and thinner, especially on oily skin.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Results
Swelling and bruising after ethnic rhinoplasty are average. These complaints resolve spontaneously over time, but follow-up is essential.
Patients are generally delighted with the results of ethnic rhinoplasty. Thanks to the surgery, they not only have a natural and aesthetic nose that matches their ethnic identity but also significantly increases their self-confidence and quality of life.
What is the Revision Rate in Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
In ethnic rhinoplasty, the revision rate is between 5% and 20%, as in classical rhinoplasty. This rate varies according to the surgeon’s experience in ethnic rhinoplasty. The success of revision surgery depends on the degree of deformation in the nose and the experience of the surgeon. Sometimes, revision of ethnic rhinoplasty can take a very short time, while in other cases, it can take a long time.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Prices
Ethnic rhinoplasty prices may vary depending on the procedures to be performed on patients, the specialist’s experience and the hospital’s location.
Ethnic rhinoplasty prices in Istanbul vary between 4000 and 10000 EU.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethnic Rhinoplasty
– Is it possible to have a European nose with ethnic rhinoplasty?
It is often not possible to have a European-type nose with ethnic rhinoplasty. Patients with ethnic noses want to have a natural, narrower and defined aesthetic-looking nose without disturbing their ethnic origin.
– Is revision surgery required after ethnic rhinoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, ethnic rhinoplasty may require revision rhinoplasty between 5% and 20%. Depending on the size of the deformity and the surgeon’s experience, problems can be corrected with a revision of ethnic rhinoplasty.
– Will there be a scar on the nose after ethnic rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty surgeries are usually performed using the open technique. Therefore, some scars may remain, and less scarring suture materials can be used to reduce these scars during surgery. Appropriate surgical closure techniques should be emphasized. Some scar removal creams are recommended after surgery.
– Is ethnic rhinoplasty a permanent solution?
Yes, ethnic rhinoplasty is a permanent solution if the surgery is successful. However, factors such as ageing and trauma can change the shape of the nose over time.
– Is rib cartilage necessary for ethnic rhinoplasty?
Since the cartilage of patients with ethnic noses is insufficient and weak, rib cartilage is needed in almost all ethnic rhinoplasty surgeries.
– What is the price of ethnic rhinoplasty?
Due to the need for rib cartilage and surgical experience in ethnic rhinoplasty, prices may differ from classical rhinoplasty. The average ethnic rhinoplasty price varies between 4000 and 10,000 EU.