Ethnic rhinoplasty explored
Rhinoplasty surgery is continually evolving, and one emerging trend is ethnic rhinoplasty. The ethos of ethnic rhinoplasty is that it respects and enhances the unique features of the patient’s ethnic background while addressing their aesthetic concerns or specific functional issues.
Supermodel Bella Hadid, who is of Palestinian descent, underwent rhinoplasty surgery at the age of 14. In an interview with Vogue magazine last year, she said, “I wish I had kept the nose of my ancestors… I think I would have grown into it.”
“I don’t like using the term ethnic rhinoplasty as all rhinoplasty operations should take into account and respect patient’s cultural and ethnic background,” Mr Annakan Navaratnam explains.
“Unfortunately, much of our surgical training typically focussed on ideal Caucasian aesthetic features of a slightly over-rotated nose, very defined tip, narrowed nostrils and a flat or slightly concave bridge. Now, though, many of my Asian patients no longer want this identikit, Caucasian nose.
“The idea that one nose fits all is largely obsolete. As a surgeon, you must take functional and aesthetic considerations into account. It is crucial to establish how the nose fits with the rest of your facial features, ethnicity, skin type, and how this may change over time.”
Why the rhinoplasty consultation is critical
“The consultation with the surgeon is critical. It is essential that I explain the procedure in detail as well as the recovery timeline patient’s can expect.
“Patients are often concerned about any external incisions and whether they will have scarring. So, I show examples of the incisions we use and how this can differ for different skin types. If you have darker skin, you may experience more prominent scarring, whereas if you have a lighter skin type, it may be quite red initially before it settles down.
“Their skin type might also affect how I execute the procedure. Patients from the Middle East or South Asia often have very thick skin, and I may need to position the nose slightly higher than I would with other patients, as I know that the skin density will press the nose down until it gets to its final position.
“I try to show my patients before and after images, specific to their skin type and ethnicity if possible, and then explain what timeline they can expect.”
Ethnic rhinoplasty vs traditional rhinoplasty
“In the 1980s and 90s, many surgeons typically performed a reduction rhinoplasty which would just reduce everything to make the nose smaller. There were two issues with this. One is that it might not fit with the rest of the patient’s facial features. Secondly, it often leads to a nose that functions poorly. In my practice, I do a lot of revision surgery for patients that have had cosmetic rhinoplasty and ended up with a smaller or concave nose which has significantly compromised their nasal airways.
“I often see this in patients that have undergone a de-hump without adequate reconstruction. They are initially happy as the swelling masks gives the bridge of the nose a smooth appearance, but after about six months to a year, they’ll notice the structure has dropped, compromising both the aesthetic and functional outcome.
“In general terms, we now make smaller, more subtle changes that enhance their other facial features rather than drastic ones. If someone asks me for a tiny, petite nose that doesn’t fit with their face and is likely to compromise functionality, then I would counsel them properly, and, in the end, I might not be the right surgeon for them.”
To discuss your aesthetic concerns, call +44 (0)203 627 2918 or email secretary@annakan.co.uk to arrange a rhinoplasty consultation.
