An ethnic rhinoplasty is plastic surgery of the nose for the express purpose of enhancing a patient’s appearance without altering his or her ethnic identity. Patients of different races and ethnic backgrounds have differing ideals of beauty and, therefore, different goals when they pursue rhinoplasty. Double board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Schwartz has performed numerous ethnic rhinoplasty procedures and is an expert at identifying the techniques that will work best to achieve your desired results.
Before and After Gallery
* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
Why Choose Dr. Schwartz?
With over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Schwartz is an expert in facial plastic surgery. But what sets him apart from other plastic surgeons is his ability to create aesthetically beautiful results while ensuring full proper functionality of the nose. As a double board certified doctor, Dr. Schwartz is not just a talented facial plastic surgeon but also a skilled ENT. With Dr. Schwartz you can achieve the look you want with the comfort of knowing that the air passages within the nose will not be affected. Often times, Dr. Schwartz performs revision rhinoplasties to amend surgeries performed by other doctors that either aesthetically missed the clients desires or caused breathing issues post-surgery. As an ENT, Dr. Schwartz knows how to achieve the right design without any interference with breathing. You can trust Dr. Schwartz with your surgery. Call the practice today to schedule your consultation, 561-655-5562 in West Palm Beach, FL.
Introduction
The exact answer to that question depends on the racial identity of the individual patient. A patient with an African American heritage, for example, has less cartilage in tip of the nose, a wider bridge and larger nostrils. This patient might pursue surgery to raise the nasal bridge and to add cartilage to the tip of the nose. Patients with Asian features are often looking to raise a very flattened nose bridge. Hispanic patients, on the other hand, may have a drooping nose tip that they find unattractive and also an arched bridge. A retracted columella – or lack of visible septum – is another common complaint among Hispanic patients, as this can make the nose appear pulled in. When patients of Middle Eastern descent pursue rhinoplasty, it is often to address a pronounced dorsal hump.
The Procedure
The ethnic rhinoplasty procedure depends on what features are present and what the patient wants changed. Dr. Schwartz is familiar with all features and after consulting with you to learn about your expectations will advise on the techniques needed to achieve your new look. In cases where the bridge of the nose is to be raised or the tip lengthened, tissue from other parts of the nose – or sometimes the ears or ribs – will be used to build up or strengthen these areas. If the bridge of the nose is to be lowered or the tip is to be shortened, then tissue will be removed instead of added. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under either general anesthesia or IV sedation and can take from one to two hours.
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Are you a candidate?
The qualifications that make a patient a good candidate for ethnic rhinoplasty are similar to those for any other cosmetic procedure. The patient should be in good general health, should not smoke and should be at least 13 years of age. In addition, the patient should have realistic expectations for what the surgical outcome will be and should be making the choice for personal reasons, not because of pressure from family or friends.
What are the benefits of the procedure?
Ethnic rhinoplasty is often done for cosmetic reasons, but there are possible health benefits as well. If the procedure includes the repair of a deviated septum, many patients will notice an improvement in their ability to breathe.
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Ethnic Rhinoplasty FAQs
No. The term “ethnic” rhinoplasty is used more to describe the type of surgical maneuvers that are best suited to your individual goals and ethnic appearance. It does not denote a longer or more invasive procedure requiring longer recovery. Most patients experience some puffiness and bruising immediately after their procedure. Some pain and stuffiness is also to be expected, but most patients will feel well enough to return to work within a week.
Because most rhinoplasties are done for cosmetic reasons, they are not usually covered by medical insurance. If, however, the procedure also addresses health concerns such as problems with breathing, part of the surgery may be paid for by insurance.
Unless they are very close to you, most people will not be able to tell you have had rhinoplasty. Modern surgical techniques are very advanced. Your procedure will be customized to your specific needs and will also leave little or no visible scarring.
Many ethnic noses have flat wide bridges. Often augmentation grafting to build them up and create the visual effect of narrowing is needed with or without osteotomies to bring the bones in as well.
Not from a technical point of view. It’s more about understanding and communicating how much change is desired.
Actually my concept of the term “ethnic rhinoplasty” is the complete opposite. In my mind it refers to patients seeking refinement without targeting westernization. Ultimately I try to achieve what changes the patient is looking for and not apply a standard approach.
This is a question of personal desire. If you are Asian, Latin, Afican American, or Middle Eastern, is your desire to look like a Nordic Caucasian or do you just want to improve your looks and maintain your background? I find that in todays multicultural mix of people that most just want to look a little better and not do away with their heritage. If seeking rhinoplasty you need to find a doctor that understands this and will incorporate it into the surgical plan for you. Pre operative computer imaging is very helpful in this regard in seeing that you are both on the same page before the procedure.
Standards of beauty and appearance differ throughout the world and in every culture. In the US until 1990 or so these primarily were those that might apply to Caucasian males and females of Northern European descent. As our country and the world has become more multi cultural we have learned to recognize and appreciate these differences. The term “ethnic rhinoplasty” usually refers to patients of afro American, Latin, Middle Eastern, Indian or Asian heritage who wish to see refinement of their appearance without loss of the specific features which define their own racial heritage. A different approach and understanding by the surgeon is necessary to achieve this.
Rhinoplasty success is based on creating a new supporting framework which the skin must shrink and conform to. The presence of thick skin tends to sometimes prevent the ability of the framework shape to come through. This is true in all patients, ethnic or not. Because of that, it is sometimes necessary to add cartilage to strengthen the framework and enhance the result.
Obviously there are anatomical differences in the way noses look between Caucasian people and other ethnicities. There are structural differences and often skin thickness and texture differences. Ethnic noses tend to have shorter, flatter nasal bones, absent caudal septal cartilage, flatter tip cartilages with weak medial crura and thicker skin with increased subcutaneous fat in the tip. Nostril width is often increased as well. All these factors need to be considered in planning for the surgical result.
You have no greater risk than anyone else. However you need to be sure your expectations match your surgeon’s plan for you. Be sure to communicate how much of a change or ethnic alteration you are or aren’t looking for.
The best way is for you to come in and have a consult with computer imaging. I find that to be invaluable in being on the same page with what the patient is looking for. It will also allow you to see what different kinds of changes would look on your face before the surgery.
You do need someone who has rhinoplasty experience and interest and understanding of what you wish to achieve relative to preserving or changing your ethnic characteristics.
Why choose Dr. Schwartz?
- Dr. Michael Schwartz is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology.
- MD from Baylor College of Medicine, where he completed his General Surgery Residency at Beth Israel Medical Center and ENT Residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
- He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons.
- Dr. Schwartz is an active staff member with Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Florida.
- He has over 30 years of experience as a surgeon and is extensively trained in the latest advancements in facial plastic surgery.
