Rhinoplasty Surgery has been performed for decades, but for Dr. Philip Solomon, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to your average nose job in Canada. It’s not a one-size- fits-all approach. Here’s how ethnicity is playing a role in this life-altering procedure. Byline: Karine Ewart
“Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and that makes rhinoplasty, to me as a doctor, very exciting,” says Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon, practicing Facial Plastic Surgery, with an office in uptown Toronto in Old Thornhill, as well a clinic in downtown Toronto, in the heart of Bloor/Yorkville. “We see faces from different ethnic populations and that allows me to help people in a variety of ways.”
Rhinoplasty, as you know, is a facial procedure that alters the look of one’s nose. “There are nose jobs that are performed for purely cosmetic reasons, then there are medical and restorative reasons. It’s important to me to ensure our patients are happy with their results. But what we are finding now is that ethnicity is playing a large role in the varied requests from new a wider range of patients.” What Dr. Solomon is referring to is how he has honed his experience and skill to provide his patients with an outcome that looks natural, keeps their ethnic heritage and enhances their beauty.”
The two largest categories, according to Dr. Solomon (who performs about 350 rhinoplasty procedures a year), are reduction rhinoplasty and augmentation rhinoplasty. “Reduction rhinoplasty is often sought out by Caucasian patients who are looking to make their nose smaller or to remove a dorsal bump or bulbous or drooping tip. But we are seeing a lot of African-Canadian and Asian clients who are seeking augmentation where we need to build up the bridge of the nose to make it higher and more slender.”
Dr. Solomon also adds the other beautiful, mixed-ethnic clients who he treats have more unique situations that require him to use his skills to ensure he enhances and respects their backgrounds. “Technological advancements are also key. We are now using medical-grade synthetic implants known as Gore-Tex and Medpore as building materials for augmentation procedures. But we also use natural sources like cartilage from the patient’s ear or ribcage.”
For reduction rhinoplasty, the method of treatment is a completely different. “Reduction rhinoplasty involves reshaping a nose and using files and chisels among other tools, to reshape and restructure,” he says. When asked which procedure is easier, reduction or augmentation rhinoplasty, he had this to say: “In my practice, being able to provide a range of options to help my patients is my priority. I encourage everyone interested in rhinoplasty surgery to do their research before undergoing surgery. Rhinoplasty in particular is a very complex procedure that can dramatically improve someone’s facial appearance. You need to ensure that you choose a surgeon with the skill and experience that you require to achieve your goal.”
May 17th 2021
