We were recently asked why aren’t more plastic surgeons interested in Ethnic rhinoplasty?

Facial Plastic Surgeons should be more interested in ethnic rhinoplasty because the number of interested African Americans, East Asians, and Hispanics is rising dramatically! It still represents a minority of most rhinoplasty practices, though. Ethnic rhinoplasty requires a totally different view of aesthetics, principles, and tools to achieve appropriate augmentation and definition. A dramatic change in a profile pic after shaving down a big bump is probably the easiest thing to do in rhinoplasty. So, you see surgeons’ websites full of these examples. (Hint: look for a surgeon who shows you the other views too…the front view and three quarter views are often the most important because that is how the world sees you). The differences in skin thickness, cartilage consistency, and other factors in ethnic patients can often mean that it is harder to achieve a dramatic change. Most ethnic patients have a tendency towards thicker skin combined with softer, less distinct cartilage. A lot more grafting is required than in a typical primary reduction rhinoplasty that makes a nose smaller. But, if you see a rhinoplasty specialist, the type of pleasing, balanced result you are looking for should be achievable. You just might have to dig a little deeper to find a surgeon with lots of experience in Augmentation Rhinoplasty.