Male Rhinoplasty

African American rhinoplasty, or nasal surgery, is becoming increasingly popular among African Americans. For reasons ranging from cosmetic to medical, more and more members of our community are opting to re-sculpt and re-shape their nasal features with procedures such as narrowing the nostrils and tip, augmenting or reducing the nasal dorsum or bridge and reducing nasal humps while also repairing internal problems which may impair the ability to breathe normally.

Most patients do not want a drastic change, but a slight refinement of one or two features while still maintaining their ethnicity. The number of male rhinoplasty patients is increasing, and people of both sexes are starting to see that this is a safe option that they have for getting a new nose.

The ethnic rhinoplasty, in this case African American rhinoplasty, procedure actually begins in the consultation room when the surgeon and the patient discuss their expectations for the outcome of the surgery. The aid of a video imaging machine in this process can illustrate potential results. The changes “forecasted” on-screen should be as natural looking as possible while also in harmony with the client’s other facial features, i.e. men should maintain a strong bridge and taller individuals should have a slightly longer nose with a conservative upward rotation of the tip.

Another important matter to consider in this initial period is the client’s susceptibility to scarring. Through examination of existing scars, the surgeon should be able to gauge the patient’s susceptibility to keloids, or thick scars resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue. An internal method of operation is preferable wherein the incisions are placed inside the nose and hidden from view, further reducing the occurrence of visible scarring and keloids.

The new techniques in anesthesia allow African American rhinoplasty surgery to be performed under a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation. An external splint is applied after the procedure to keep the nasal bones stable and can be removed in one week. During rhinoplasty recovery post-operative pain, bruising and swelling are minimized by pain medications and cold compresses applied to the nose. After six weeks, the nasal bones are usually stable.

African American rhinoplasty should be performed by a board certified surgeon experienced in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat surgery) or a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this area. The initial consultation should be an ideal opportunity for you to establish a rapport with the physician. Speaking openly with the surgeon ensures there is a “meeting of minds” with regard to expectations and realistic results. If you work together with your doctor then you will be able to create a more positive self image and get results that you are very happy with.