According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 1.3 million cosmetic surgeries were performed on ethnic patients in 2004, an increase of 44 percent since 2000. Among African American, Hispanic and Asian American patients, Rhinoplasty was one of the most commonly requested procedures.
"As Jews became more and more unwelcome in Germany before WWII, Dr. Joseph offered to perform a free Rhinoplasty for any of his fellow Jews who didn’t want to stand out in German society."
— Article in the Jewish Review, 2004 |
In the majority of cases, and unlike times past when aesthetic surgery was tailored to Caucasian faces, the majority of these patients wish to enhance their appearance while maintaining their ethnic identity. As fashion changed, and ethnic models began gracing the cover of magazines in the 1970’s, blondes weren’t the only ones having fun anymore! Patients began seeking enhancement, while maintaining their unique racial and ethnic profile.
In short, no longer do skilled plastic surgeons do the same operation for all ethnicities. Rather, an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon will be aware of how ideals of beauty differ between various ethnic groups. Whereas fifteen years ago, a Rhinoplasty was "one size fits all," with surgeons giving a similar nose to all of their patients, today we thrive to maintain facial harmony while enhancing the ethnic nose.
While each patient is unique, there are specific features characteristic of "ethnic" noses.
Mediterranean Patients
These include patients of Persian, Arab, Jewish, Italian or Greek heritage. Many of them have a dorsal hump (the dorsum is the region between the tip and the forehead) and a drooping nose tip. In these cases, the plastic surgeon will elevate and narrow the tip, while lowering and narrowing the dorsum.
African American Patients
African American patients often have little or no cartilage in the tip of the nose, lack of nasal bridge projection, flared and large nostrils.
African American Rhinoplasty is very different than that performed on other ethnic groups. It focuses on building up the bridge of the nose and also on the reduction of the nostrils. Rather than removing cartilage or bone, the plastic surgeon builds up the nose tissue. This might be done through nasal implants, made of silicone or gortex, or through grafts made of cartilage from the patient's septum or ear. Surgery elevates the dorsum, and narrows and projects the tip. Sometimes, the plastic surgeon uses cartilage from the septum or the ear to build up the dorsum or project the tip.
Asian Patients
Unlike Caucasians who usually require reduction, Asians generally require augmentation of the nose. Many Asian patients have a low or flat bridge, which needs to be built up. Often, tissues are taken from the patient's septum, and used to build up the dorsum, or modify and enhance the tip. Where no tissue is available from the septum, the surgeon may take tissue from the ear or the scalp. Sometimes, the surgeon will use a nasal implant.
Hispanic Patients
Many Hispanic patients have a weak broad drooping tip that hangs over the upper lip, a dorsal hump, and a retracted columella. The plastic surgeon will elevate and narrow the tip, while removing the bump.
Dr. Younai is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with experience in all aspects of Facial Cosmetic Surgery including that of the Nose, Sinuses, Eyes, Ears, Chin, Cheek, etc. He is skilled and experienced in all techniques of Rhinoplasty and Sinus Surgery, and strives to create the nose that is natural looking and harmonious with the rest of your face. In doing so, he tries to preserve patient's Ethnic Features while enhancing their overall facial appearance.
During your consultation he will discuss all details including: if you are a good candidate, surgical options and techniques, potential risks and complications of surgery, pre- and post-operative instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect after surgery. At that time Dr. Younai will also show you before-and-after pictures of other patients with Rhinoplasty and Facial Cosmetic Surgery, who might be similar to you.
"I didn't hate my original nose. But, as is the case with many Asians, its bridge was quite low. By having the bridge raised and the tip more defined, I feel that my whole face looks better, and my profile does too. Yet, it's very natural looking. None of my acquaintances could tell that I had a nose job!"
— Li , age 27 |
Dr. Younai performs Cosmetic and Restorative Nasal Surgery at the California Center for Plastic Surgery. He receives patients from the Northern as well as the Southern California region. Some of these cities include Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Pasadena, Glendale, Valencia, Palmdale, Fresno, and Oxnard.
