Ethnic
Rhinoplasty
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Due to genetic differences, the nasal structure of individuals of African or East Asian descent often doesn't align with classical rhinoplasty techniques. In these groups, the nasal bridge is typically low, and the nasal tip is wide and more voluminous. While this anatomy reflects the natural features of the nose, some patients may desire a more slender, elegant, and defined nasal appearance.
This is where ethnic rhinoplasty becomes a special approach that requires personalized planning. Unlike standard rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty usually needs additional cartilage support to define and augment the nasal shape. This is because the existing cartilage in these types of noses is often insufficient to create the desired new shape.
Cartilage Grafting: Rib or Cadaver?
The necessary cartilage support in ethnic rhinoplasty can be obtained in two ways:
1) Cartilage harvested from the patient's own rib,
2) Commercially available cadaver cartilage (sterile, FDA-approved, safe materials).
If we opt to use the patient's own tissue, I typically perform this procedure through an approximately 3 cm incision under the right breast fold. This incision is made at the junction of the chest and abdominal muscles to reach the rib without cutting through muscle. The amount of cartilage taken is limited; the entire rib is not removed. When the area is closed according to its anatomical layers, no deformity occurs. Furthermore, since the incision scar is hidden in the inframammary fold, it is not visible and heals very aesthetically.
When rib cartilage is harvested, we generally expect some pain with deep breathing or coughing for the first week. These complaints then subside, and the recovery process proceeds comfortably.
If the patient prefers not to use their own tissue, we can use cadaver cartilage. This incurs an additional cost, but its effects are equivalent to using the patient's own rib cartilage. Both methods are safe and neither is superior to the other in terms of surgical success.
Why is Additional Cartilage Needed?
During ethnic rhinoplasty, it is necessary to:
Augment the nasal bridge,
Shape and narrow the nasal tip,
Reduce and support the nasal wings (alae).
All these steps require strong and solid cartilage structures. This is because, especially with thick and loose skin, the skin must sit tightly over the newly shaped framework for the nose to achieve the desired form. The additional cartilage grafts create this "foundation."
Recovery Process After Ethnic Rhinoplasty
The recovery process is generally more comfortable compared to classic rhinoplasty. This is because these surgeries involve less intervention on the bones, which reduces swelling and bruising.
On the fifth day post-surgery:
The grooved silicone splints inside the nose are removed,
The plastic cast on top is taken off,
Special taping is applied to prevent the nose from swelling,
The patient is given special silicone devices called "nostril retainers" to shape the nasal wings.
After the fifth-day check-up, the patient can safely return to their social life, including air travel.
In Conclusion:
Ethnic rhinoplasty aims to achieve a more elegant and aesthetic appearance while preserving the natural structure of the nose and the individual's ethnic identity. Performed with the right technique and personalized planning, these surgeries yield results that are both natural and satisfying. The most crucial element is a detailed pre-operative assessment and a clear understanding of the patient's expectations.