Ethnic rhinoplasty and normal rhinoplasty (often referred to as Western or Caucasian rhinoplasty) are both surgical procedures that aim to reshape the nose. Still, they differ in their goals, techniques, and considerations. This type of cosmetic nose surgery is for people who want to address cosmetic concerns in the nose without compromising their ethnic identity.
How does an Ethnic Rhinoplasty Differ from a Traditional Rhinoplasty in Australia?
Goals
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty: The primary goal of ethnic rhinoplasty is to change the appearance of the nose while preserving the patient’s ethnic or cultural features. Patients of various ethnic backgrounds seek this procedure to address concerns about their noses’ size, shape, or proportions while maintaining their unique ethnic characteristics.
- Normal (Caucasian) Rhinoplasty: Traditional rhinoplasty, often referred to as Western or Caucasian rhinoplasty, may involve reducing the size of the nose, changing the nasal tip, and addressing nasal asymmetry.
Cultural Considerations
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Surgeons performing ethnic rhinoplasty take into account the patient’s cultural background and aesthetic preferences. They strive to achieve a result that aligns with the patient’s cultural identity and maintains the ethnic characteristics of the nose.
- Normal (Caucasian) Rhinoplasty: Traditional rhinoplasty involves reducing the size of the nose and altering its proportions.
Techniques
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty: This type of rhinoplasty requires techniques that are tailored to the patient’s ethnicity. Surgeons aim to make changes to the nose, such as changing the nasal tip, narrowing the bridge, or addressing specific ethnic features, without erasing the individual’s ethnic identity.
- Normal (Caucasian) Rhinoplasty: Traditional rhinoplasty techniques are more standardised and often involve reducing the size of the nose, changing the nasal tip, and addressing issues like a dorsal hump.
It’s important to note that the distinctions between ethnic and normal rhinoplasty are not rigid, and the approach can vary widely depending on the surgeon’s expertise, the patient’s goals, and the specific case.
Performing ethnic rhinoplasty goes beyond making the nose smaller, thinner, or taller. Plastic surgeons performing this cosmetic surgery need an in-depth knowledge of ethnic-specific nasal features and facial balance.
What are the Features of Ethnic Noses?
Caucasian noses are structurally different from non-Caucasian noses and usually have the following features:
- Tall and thin
- Narrow nose bridge
- Thin nasal skin and soft tissue
- Pointy nose tip
- High nasal bridge
On the other hand, compared to Caucasians, non-Caucasians generally have noses that are:
- Shorter
- Wider
- May have a nasal hump or bump
- Rounded or enlarged nasal tip
How is Ethnic Rhinoplasty Different from Conventional Rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty is similar to traditional rhinoplasty in that any rhinoplasty involves some form of bone and tissue manipulation.
Both ethnic and regular rhinoplasty may involve the following:
- Adjusting or shaving the nasal bones
- Bone or cartilage grafting
- Straightening a deviated septum
- Cartilage manipulation
The main difference between ethnic rhinoplasty and traditional rhinoplasty is that ethnic rhinoplasty pays special attention to the unique structural features of an ethnic nose.
Dr Turner utilises the Vectra 3D Imaging System which allows him to show you the potential changes to your nasal structures that the rhinoplasty procedure can achieve.
How is Ethnic Rhinoplasty Performed?
Dr Turner will plan your ethnic rhinoplasty surgery based on your unique nose anatomy, cosmetic concerns, and aesthetic goals.
- First, you’ll receive general anaesthesia. The type of anaesthesia will depend on your nose condition and overall health.
- Next, your surgeon will make an incision either on the inside of the nose (closed rhinoplasty), or the outside of the nose on the groove of tissue separating the nostrils (open rhinoplasty).
- After, the nasal skin layer is carefully separated from the underlying nasal bone and cartilage.
Then, depending on the nature of your ethnic rhinoplasty, Dr Turner might perform the following:
- Cartilage and bone removal: This is more common in Middle Eastern rhinoplasty. Bone and cartilage are removed from the nose to make it smaller and less projecting. This helps bring a protruding nose closer to the face. It is also done to reduce a nose bump or dorsal hump.
- Cartilage grafting: Cartilage grafting is commonly performed in Asian rhinoplasty. Cartilage is harvested from the septum, ear, or rib and added to the flat areas of the nose. This adds height to the nasal bridge and makes the nose stick farther from the face. A splint may also be used.
- Cartilage rearrangement: Instead of removing from or adding to your nose, Dr Turner can rearrange your nasal cartilage to narrow your nostrils, change your nasal tip, and give your nose more length. Your plastic surgeon can also correct a deviated septum to straighten the nose and address breathing problems.
Dr Turner might perform a combination of these procedures depending on your nose anatomy, cosmetic concerns, and aesthetic goals.
