Why do we refer to it as African American Rhinoplasty?
We have found in most cases that patients will search the internet using the phrase “African American Rhinoplasty” and “Ethnic Rhinoplasty”. While we understand there is no difference in structure of the nose, culturally there are certain things to take into account such as scarring, keloids, etc.
Rhinoplasty surgery also known as nose surgery is the most common procedure for African Americans today. Some patients are dissatisfied with the noses they were born with or with the way that aging has changed their nose. Other patients may be seeking an improvement in breathing or correction of an injury which has distorted the nose.
The nose is the most defining characteristic of the face. Even the slightest alterations to the nose can greatly improve one’s appearance. Because it is located right in the center of the face, the nose can create an aesthetic imbalance between other facial features when it is too large, too small, or otherwise does not harmonize with the other features. Rhinoplasty, a popular surgical nose reshaping procedure, can help patients fix aspects of their noses that they do not like and achieve improved facial balance and aesthetics. However, rhinoplasty is not a one-size-fits-all type of procedure. African-American noses have distinct characteristics that require specialized knowledge and experience to reshape. Dr. Louis DeJoseph of Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Atlanta, GA, is experienced in the nuances and techniques of African-American rhinoplasty and works to ensure each patient’s procedure is customized to meet their specific needs.
Why Patients Choose African American Rhinoplasty
Dr. DeJoseph specialized in refining the nose so that it better flatters your face while keeping the feature looking natural to your ethnic background. Typically noses of African descent are wider and more flat looking. At Premier Image, we want to give you the look you desire by refining the nose and the tip to even out “humps” and make your nostrils narrower.
The nose can be surgically improved in a number of ways. At Premier Image, we take pride in achieving a natural rhinoplasty result without that tell-tale “surgical” look.
An African America Rhinoplasty Can:
- Add height to a flat nose
- Increase or decrease the overall size of the nose
- Narrow the base and width of the nostrils
- Remove an unwanted hump
- Improve projection of the nose
- Refine the tip of the nose
- Change the angle between the nose and upper lip
These are just a few of the ways a rhinoplasty can help to improve the nose. Each procedure is customized to suit the patient’s individual needs. By undergoing an African-American rhinoplasty, patients can dramatically improve facial balance and aesthetics, boosting their confidence levels as a result.
What Makes African-American Noses Unique?
- African-Americans usually have a smaller and lower nasal bridge, which is the upper bony part of the nose. Dr. DeJoseph can augment the nasal bridge so that it becomes more proportional with the rest of the face. Once he achieves the ideal position and shape of the nose, he’ll sculpt the rest of the nose to harmonize with the tip.
- In many cases, African-American noses are wider at the base and nostrils. Since this can make the nose appear larger than desired, Dr. DeJoseph can use various techniques to narrow or thin out the nostrils.
Good Candidates for an African-American Rhinoplasty
African-American men and women who are unhappy with the size, shape, or function of their nose may be good candidates for African-American rhinoplasty. In order to undergo an African-American rhinoplasty, patients must also be in good health, non-smokers or willing to quit, and have realistic expectations.
Patients typically must wait until their nose has stopped growing and they are done with puberty before undergoing nose surgery. Ideally, rhinoplasty should be performed after ages 15 to 17.
What to Expect During an African-American Rhinoplasty Consultation
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, you’ll want to know how the surgery is performed and how it can improve your looks, self-confidence, or health. During a consultation, Dr. DeJoseph can provide answers to many of the questions you may have. He will evaluate their nose and the effect it has on their facial appearance, learn more about their medical history, and determine whether they are a good candidate for African-American rhinoplasty. The consultation is also a when Dr. DeJoseph will outline the process of an African-American rhinoplasty and address any questions or concerns. Good rapport between the patient and surgeon is essential to a successful facial plastic surgery outcome. It is during the consulting stages prior to surgery that trust, based on realistic expectation and exacting medical expertise, develops. Dr. DeJoseph is an expert triple-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and can answer specific questions about your needs and concerns.
It is also critical that the patient understands nasal surgery. Because there is no ideal in nasal surgery, Dr. DeJoseph strives to improve the nose aesthetically while also creating better harmony with the other facial features.
Recovering from African-American Rhinoplasty
The recovery process for an African-American rhinoplasty varies from patient to patient. After the procedure, a splint will be used to hold the new nasal structures in place. Fortunately, swelling can be reduced with cold compresses. Most swelling will fade within 4 to 6 weeks and reveal the new nose. The nose may take up to a year to refine itself.
Patients will be able to return their everyday activities with within 7 to 10 days, but strenuous exercise and other activities should be avoided until three weeks post-surgery. Dr. DeJoseph will help patients keep their nasal bones as stable as possible as they continue to heal and reveal the new and improved nose.
Frequently Asked Questions About African-American Rhinoplasty
What are the alternatives to African-American rhinoplasty?
There are no permanent alternatives to rhinoplasty for African-American patients who would like to improve the appearance of their nose.
Are most patients pleased with the results of an African-American rhinoplasty surgery?
Patients who have realistic expectations and choose a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon are almost always happy with the new shape and appearance of their nose. A number of factors such as the patient’s age, facial shape, nasal bone and cartilage structure, and the thickness of their skin all play a role in the results.
Can Dr. DeJoseph help determine what the best new look for a nose should be?
Some patients know exactly how they would like their new nose to look. Others, however, are unsure of what the final shape and size of their nose should be. Fortunately, Dr. DeJoseph can assist with this by providing recommendations and helping patients make decisions through a cutting-edge computer imaging program.
What types of feelings do patients experience immediately after African-American rhinoplasty?
Right after African-American rhinoplasty, patients may feel like they have a stuffy and achy cold. They may experience stuffy breathing. It is important for patients to avoid sneezing and blowing their nose during the first few weeks after surgery.
How does an African-American rhinoplasty affect a sense of smell?
The swelling of the internal nasal structures may cause a nose job to change a patient’s sense of smell. Fortunately, their normal sense of smell should return as their swelling starts to go away. Some patients actually note an improved sense of smell after the procedure because of their opened nasal passages.
What are the risks of an African-American rhinoplasty?
Since an African-American rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, there are some possible risks, including bleeding, infection, poor implant placement, or excessive cartilage removal. Fortunately, Dr. DeJoseph has performed a large number of African-American rhinoplasty procedures without any complications.
Does African-American rhinoplasty hurt?
Pain is common in surgeries that involve the stomach or limbs. However, since patients don’t typically move their nasal bones, they usually experience little pain after an African-American rhinoplasty. They may notice a congested nose that will gradually improve as their swelling fades. Pain medication will be prescribed in case of any discomfort.
Will everyone know that African-American rhinoplasty has been performed?
At Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, we perform African-American rhinoplasty procedures to help patients bring out their best features. We pledge to give them a natural look so that it’s not obvious that they received a nose job. Dr. DeJoseph will discuss each patient’s vision and bring it to life.
Will the nose be packed with gauze after surgery?
In previous years, surgeons would pack the nose with gauze in order to prevent bleeding after an African-American rhinoplasty. Dr. DeJoseph uses advanced techniques and self-dissolving materials to avoid packing.
How long does bruising last after African-American rhinoplasty?
Bruising is a common side effect of all types of rhinoplasty surgeries. It will take a few weeks to go away. If possible, patients should stay out of the sun as the harmful UV rays will darken bruises and make it longer for them to fade away. It’s important to note that the severity of bruising varies from patient to patient.
How long will it take for swelling to fade after the procedure?
The majority of the swelling will resolve in about 3 to 4 months following the procedure. Any remaining swelling will slowly go away in a year.
Does an African-American rhinoplasty help breathing issues?
An African-American rhinoplasty can resolve any breathing issues that are caused by the nasal airway obstruction.
How long does it take to notice results with an African-American rhinoplasty?
The results of an African-American rhinoplasty will become noticeable when the nasal tissues start to heal several weeks after the procedure. When all of their swellings has diminished and all of the tissues have completely healed, the final results will be visible.
Are the results of an African-American rhinoplasty permanent?
The majority of plastic surgery procedures last for about 10 to 15 years and may require repeat surgeries down the road. Fortunately, rhinoplasty achieves permanent results.
Is there a difference between a male and female rhinoplasty?
While the African-American rhinoplasty procedure is similar for males and females, there are subtle differences. Dr. DeJoseph makes it a point to ensure that all patients who undergo this procedure are left with the look they prefer.
Can an African-American nose job be combined with other procedures?
Some patients may find that a weak or receding chin makes their nose looks bigger. In these cases, patients should consider combining a chin implant with their rhinoplasty to achieve a better facial balance.
Will an African-American rhinoplasty remove ethnic features?
One of the main goals of an African-American rhinoplasty is to enhance the nose so that the final result is a nose that is refined and enhanced but still retains its ethnic features.
Interested in an African-American Rhinoplasty? Schedule a Private Consultation
If you believe that you are a good candidate for an African-American rhinoplasty and you are ready to improve the appearance of your nose, don’t hesitate to schedule a private consultation with a triple board-certified plastic surgeon and African-American rhinoplasty expert Dr. Louis DeJoseph of Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. Call us at 770-457-6303 or toll-free at 888-455-FACE to make an appointment.