Patient question:
I am an African American Woman who wants rhinoplasty, to narrow my nose and make it look more Caucasian. I don´t want a Michael Jackson Nose.
Dr. Solomon Answer:
This should not be construed as medical advice. I am a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. And Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
In general, African American and Asian noses have lower bridges and wider thicker nasal bases. There is also a common lack on nasal tip support: weaker nasal tip cartilages and thicker skin. The goal of rhinoplasty surgery generally is to strengthen the nasal tip and add definition to the nose. Other features that may be refined include the boney and nasal base width. Over operating on a black nose (something like Michael Jackson had) can ruin the natural beauty of the face. Balancing the nose and refining its features should be the goal of rhinoplasty, not to make it look Caucasian. Unreasonable expectations also can result in an unhappy patient.
Jul 12th 2007