Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty is a special type of rhinoplasty performed for patients with different ethnic origins and therefore different facial features and understanding of beauty. Unlike maneuvers such as belt removal and nose tip lifting, which are mostly applied in traditional rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty patients take into account the patient’s nose and facial anatomy and cultural differences. A special surgery plan should be made for the patient, taking this into account. Under the heading of ethnic rhinoplasty, we can evaluate patients of African origin, Hispanic, Asian and Middle Eastern origin.
Importance of Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty should not be considered just a nose surgery. When planning the surgery, the patient’s appearance and ethnic identity should be respected and cultural differences in understanding of beauty should not be overlooked. With the personalized surgery design, the patient’s expectations are met while his ethnic identity is preserved. Thus, a surgical result that is compatible with the patient’s face is achieved. is done.
Surgical Procedure
Ethnic rhinoplasty procedures are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, for example; Since the nasal arch is very low in most patients of African origin, the nose is both wider and has less definition, however, the skin of the patients in this group is mostly thick and has high elasticity. In Asian patients, the radix area is very low and as a result, the dorsum of the nose appears wide. However, although the skin is thick, skin elasticity is generally low. In patients of Middle Eastern origin, a hump on the back of the nose, a wide nasal tip and thick skin characteristics are observed. It should not be forgotten that these general definitions are not always valid and each patient should be evaluated individually.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 2-3 hours. After the procedure, a protective cast can be placed on the nose and tampons to support healing in the nose. The cast and tampon are removed 5-7 days after the surgery. Dissolvable stitches are placed on the tip of the nose, nostrils and inside the nose. are used and these stitches mostly fall out within the first 10 days.
Since the majority of ethnic rhinoplasty patients need to elevate the nasal dorsum, it may be necessary to use biological and non-biological materials in the surgery. While non-biological materials are used for advantages such as not requiring additional incisions, they are being used less and less due to annoying complications such as rejection reactions and infection. Biological materials are more compatible and are The most reliable one is the use of the patient’s own tissues, and here the patient’s own rib cartilage; It stands out because it is abundant and smoother pieces can be obtained. In our practice, we use patients’ own fascia and rib cartilage. In this way, we reshape the nose with a highly biocompatible and long-lasting material that is not likely to bend with a single incision.
Basic Considerations in Ethnic Rhinoplasty
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Anatomical Differences
Surgeons specializing in ethnic rhinoplasty need a deep understanding of the anatomical differences between various ethnic groups. For example, African and Asian patients may have thicker skin and softer nasal cartilage than white patients, and the nasal dorsum is lower in this group of patients, which may affect the surgical technique and results.
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Aesthetic Goals
Aesthetic preferences vary significantly across different cultures and ethnicities. While some people are looking for a more defined nose bridge, others may want to preserve the natural lines of their nose. An experienced surgeon will work closely with the patient to understand the patient’s aesthetic goals and develop a customized surgical plan.
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Protection of Ethnic Identity
One of the main goals of ethnic rhinoplasty is to beautify the appearance of the patient without distorting his or her ethnic characteristics. It involves a sensitive approach that respects the patient’s heritage and aims to achieve results that are both beautiful and ethnically harmonious.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in ethnic rhinoplasty is the most important step for a good outcome. A rhinoplasty surgeon who specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty and can achieve natural-looking results for patients with different anatomical characteristics and expectations, and whose portfolio you like, will be the appropriate option for you. Also, do not forget that the rhinoplasty journey is a long journey and therefore surgeon-patient communication is very valuable.
Result
Ethnic rhinoplasty offers individuals from various ethnic backgrounds the opportunity to improve their nose shape and thus achieve a better appearance, while respecting their cultural differences. Since each patient’s unique anatomical features and aesthetic understanding are individually evaluated, ethnic rhinoplasty produces a result that is compatible with the person’s face and expectations and reflects their ethnic identity. If you are considering ethnic rhinoplasty, it is a good idea to choose a surgeon who is experienced in ethnic rhinoplasty and who understands the different anatomical features between ethnic groups. It is the most important step for the result.