What is the Ethnic Rhinoplasty Procedure for?
The rhinoplasty procedure (more informally referred to as a nose job) refers to a plastic surgery treatment used to alter the appearance of the nose. Ethnic rhinoplasty is a variation of traditional rhinoplasty. However, the two treatments differ significantly in that traditional rhinoplasty involves nose reduction, which includes the removal of bone in cartilage, usually in Caucasian patients.
While ethnic rhinoplasty surgery has the same overarching goal as traditional rhinoplasty (i.e., refining the appearance of the patient’s nose), individuals from Middle Eastern, Asian, Hispanic, and African descent typically have different nasal structures than individuals of various other ethnic backgrounds. As such, the ethnic rhinoplasty procedure involves nose augmentation, which includes adding cartilage and structure, for individuals wishing to correct flaring nostrils, a flattened nose, or other characteristics typical to various ethnicities. Ethnic rhinoplasty may go by other names depending on the patients being served, such as:
- African American Rhinoplasty
- Asian Rhinoplasty
- Hispanic/Latino Rhinoplasty
- Middle Eastern Rhinoplasty
- Persian Rhinoplasty
Many individuals from these various ethnic backgrounds are looking to refine the appearance of their noses through rhinoplasty without stripping away their nationality, ethnic heritage, or personality. These patients want a natural looking nose that will not compromise on who they are. Patients falling into this category therefore require a more specialized form of rhinoplasty carried out by an experienced plastic surgeon.
At Face Miami, we ensure all of our patients are seen by our board certified plastic surgeons so our patients achieve the results they desire. Dr. Brandon Kallman is a highly skilled rhinoplasty surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience.
Who is a Candidate for Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
Any healthy adult of African, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or another non-Caucasian ethnic background - and who is self-conscious of the size, shape, or angle of their nose - may be a good candidate for ethnic rhinoplasty. Be sure to share any and all pertinent medical information, including medications (prescription and over-the-counter), potential pregnancy, past surgeries, and anything else that will help Dr. Kallman ensure this procedure is right for you. Ethnic rhinoplasty is not recommended for individuals who have not stopped physically growing or for those who may not be psychologically fit to cope with the physical changes after surgery.
How is Ethnic Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?
Initial Consultation
The ethnic rhinoplasty procedure begins with an initial consultation with our expert rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. Brandon Kallman. During this consultation, you will discuss your surgery goals with Dr. Kallman as well as your medical information and whether or not you have had an previous surgeries or treatments to determine whether you are a good candidate for this surgery. This information will allow Dr. Kallman to formulate a custom treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Dr. Kallman may also take images of your nose to help you visualize post-surgery results.
During this consultation, Dr. Kallman will conduct an in-depth examination of the patient’s nose to determine skin thickness as well as the structure of the nasal base, dorsum, and caudal septal area before moving forward with the procedure.
This consultation is also a good time to speak to Dr. Kallman about additional procedures you may be interested in.
Preparing for Surgery
Before your surgery, it is important to:
- Cease taking any blood thinning medications, including aspirin, for up to two weeks prior to the procedure.
- Patients should also refrain from smoking approximately two weeks pre- and post-surgery.
- Limit sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything six hours before your scheduled surgery as general anesthetic is typically used for this procedure.
- Ensure you have purchased any recommended recovery items before your appointment. Be sure to ask for recommendations during your consultation.
The Surgery
Rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can return home on the same day as the surgery. The procedure takes around three to four hours to complete. Depending on the patient’s ethnicity, nose structure, and surgery goals, there are several different techniques that may be used during the procedure. For example, bridge augmentation and nasal base reduction are quite common techniques used in ethnic rhinoplasty.
Regardless of the type of rhinoplasty being carried out (i.e., open versus closed), both general and local anesthesia are typically used to numb the target area and sedate the patient. It is therefore important to have a family member or a close friend drive you home following the procedure.
Open Rhinoplasty vs Closed Rhinoplasty
(1) Open Rhinoplasty
If an open approach is used for this procedure, an incision will be made at the columella of the nose. The columella is the tissue links the nasal tip to the nasal base and it acts to separate the nares, which is another name for nostrils. In other words, the incision will be made just under the tip of the nose.
From here, the nose is retracted backwards and the nose is carefully dissected so as not to damage the medial crura, which is the cartilage separating the nostrils. The flap of skin will then be raised off the nose to allow better access for the surgeon. Work is then done to reshape the nasal tip, nasal bridge, nostrils, and/or septum repair.
Upon completion of the reshaping process, the surgeon will deposition the flap of skin over the nasal bones. Any external contouring or shaping is completed at this point. Below is a summary of open rhinoplasty:
- Patient is given general and/or local anesthesia with sedation.
- An incision is made right under the tip of the nose.
- The nose is retracted backwards thereby dissecting the nose cartilage.
- The flap is raised away from the nose to provide the surgeon with maximum exposure.
- The nose is reshaped or refined.
- The flap is placed back over the nasal bones.
- Sutures are used to close the incisions.
- An external splint or cast will be placed over the nose.
(2) Closed Rhinoplasty
In contrast, if a closed approach is used, the incisions will be made inside of the nose. While this approach decreases the visualization of the nose structure needed by the surgeon since the nasal structure will not be exposed, this approach is more effective in hiding any postoperative scarring. Closed rhinoplasty surgery may also involve the use of an endoscope to allow the surgeon to better visualize the patient’s nasal structure, creating a perfect nose job.
Upon completion of repairs made to the nose, the incision will be closed with sutures. In addition, your surgeon will likely place an external splint or cast over the nose. Below is a summary of closed rhinoplasty ( read the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty ) :
- Patient is given general and/or local anesthesia with sedation.
- Incisions are made inside the nose on the nasal membrane. Incision locations vary depending on which parts of the nose the surgeon needs access to.
- The nose is shaped and refined.
- Sutures are used to close the incisions.
- An external splint or cast will be placed over the nose.
BOARD CERTIFIED SURGEON IN MIAMI
Face Miami’s very own Dr. Kallman specializes in Aesthetic Surgical procedures. These include Rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, eyelid and eyebrow lift surgeries, fat transfers and more. Watch the video to learn more!
Dr. Kallman is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He re-certified his Plastic Surgery Board Certification in April 2005 and 2015- one of the first doctors in South Florida with this recertification.
An active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and The Greater Miami Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, he’s in an elite class.
Because of this wealth of knowledge and passion for cosmetic surgery, he has lectured extensively around the world- particularly on the intricacies of primary, secondary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.
An avid researcher, he continues to study innovations in lip augmentation, brow lifts, state of the art blepharoplasty, fat transfer surgery, breast surgery, nasal reconstruction, and anti-aging therapeutics.
Potential Side Effects
The following is a list of potential side effects associated with ethnic rhinoplasty surgery: Facial bruising and numbness (especially of the teeth). Nosebleeds. Swelling. Bursting of small blood vessels on the skin's surface. Permanent nerve damage. Under or over correction of the nose structure that may require revision rhinoplasty.
Recovering from Ethnic Rhinoplasty Surgery
Immediately after undergoing rhinoplasty procedures, patients will experience some facial bruising as well as swelling around the nose, cheeks, and eyes. Recovery times will vary depending on what rhinoplasty techniques were used on the patient. It should be noted that closed rhinoplasties typically heal more rapidly than open rhinoplasties.
Recovery Timeline and Tips
Outlined below is rough timeline of the recovery process, what you can expect at each stage, and how you can ensure you have a healthy recovery.
1-2 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Some bruising and swelling still present.
- Avoid blowing your nose for two weeks following the procedure.
- Ensure the inside of your nose remains moist by using a nasal spray.
- Eat lightly or regularly, as tolerated.
3 Weeks Post-Surgery and Beyond
- Avoid any strenuous activities and exercise for at least 3 weeks following the treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 6 weeks following the treatment.
Associated Surgical Risks
The following is a list of the potential risks associated with ethnic rhinoplasty. Please be sure do talk to your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.
- Scarring.
- Keloid formation.
- Prolonged edema.
- Alar base asymmetry.
- Tip necrosis.
- Racial incongruity and other social or psychological impacts.
Additional post-operative complications associated with rhinoplasty include:
- Excessive bleeding.
- Infection.
- Trouble breathing.
- Anesthetic-related issues.
- Implant-related problems.
- Pigment abnormalities.
- The need for corrective rhinoplasty revision surgery.
- Septal perforation.
How Long do the Results Typically Last?
Individual results may vary. However, it should be noted that the results of rhinoplasty are permanent with the end results taking up to one year to emerge.
What can you expect from Miami's Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon?
Miami’s Best Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kallman has always been ahead of trends in digital imaging for cosmetic surgery consultation. Now more than ever, in the wake of Covid-19, his advanced digital skills mean your virtual experience is just as informative, interactive and accurate as meeting in person!
If you choose to have your initial rhinoplasty consultation online, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. That includes providing a video of photo instructions. Additionally, we’ll use Mirror digital morphing simulation to show you a variety of personalized rhinoplasty options.
Once you’re scheduled for plastic surgery, we’ll arrange for you to visit with us safely and privately. At that time, you’ll receive professional photos, detailed procedure information and other preparatory paperwork. We require certain medical conditions, including bloodwork, to be completed before plastic surgery as well.
Alternative to rhinoplasty
A liquid nose job is a non-surgical alternative to ethnic rhinoplasty. This non-invasive cosmetic procedure uses injectable fillers composed of hyaluronic acid (e.g., Restylane, Juvéderm). These fillers are injected into various areas of the nose to fill, narrow, even out, or otherwise enhance the nose. BOTOX may also be used to aid in nose enhancement. This procedure typically requires a board certified facial plastic surgeon to perform.
DR. BRANDON KALLMAN, Miami's Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Face Miami’s Dr. Brandon Kallman, MD. is Miami’s best rhinoplasty surgeon. He brings over 27 years of experience as an Aesthetic, Cosmetic, and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to his prestigious practice. Miami men and women trust his extensive expertise in a diverse range of facial cosmetic procedures, and he’s renowned as a rhinoplasty specialist.
When choosing a board certified surgeon, it is important to select a doctor with skill and experience. Dr. Brandon Kallman is rated 5 stars on ratemd, healthgrade, vitals, and real self, can help you create a result that fits in with your other features and looks natural. He can also help you understand the benefits and limitations of your chosen procedure, so that you can make the decision that is right for you.
