Archive for September 2nd, 2009

Achieving definition in ethnic rhinoplasty

We often see ethnic patients wanting a more defined nose. Many ethnic noses tend to have thicker skin. Achieving the definition, narrowing, and refinement you desire has everything to do with how that thick skin wraps around the cartilage structure underneath. If the cartilage structure is well-defined and well-supported, you can achieve excellent definition. If the cartilage lacks shape, your tip will look the same- bulbous, wide, full, and lacking in shape. On top of that, ethnic patients often have a thicker layer of tissue under the skin that lays on top of the tip cartilage. In these cases, it is necessary to carefully ‘thin out’ the thicker pad of tissue under your skin so that the newly-defined cartilage can show through.

Ethnic rhinoplasty depends more on cartilage grafting (using your own cartilage to create definition where it is lacking) than does traditional rhinoplasty. So, you should see a rhinoplasty expert who has experience in ethnic rhinoplasty to ensure your chances at a great result. We have found that a combination of tip cartilage suturing/grafting and soft tissue thinning, along with augmentation of your bridge and nostril narrowing, if required, can produce a beautiful and natural result. You’ll see some examples of the results you can achieve on our website.

Achieving definition in an ethnic nose job

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