Ethnic Rhinoplasty Chicago
Ethnic rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure performed to correct both functional and aesthetic issues in the nose of a patient of Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic or African American descent. Aesthetic beauty ideals and facial features can be vastly different between races and therefore, it is important to consider ethnic differences when planning and performing ethnic rhinoplasty. The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago understands that there is no catch-all approach to rhinoplasty; every nose is unique, which is why each patient at our practice receives personalized care, an individualized course of treatment, and the safest and most innovative techniques.
Surgical ethnic rhinoplasty can also be useful to treat:
- A nasal profile with a depression or hump on the bridge of the nose
- A flat and wide nasal dorsum
- An asymmetrical nose
- Large or wide nostrils
- An enlarged, poorly defined, or drooping nasal tip
- Breathing issues from a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY?
If you have breathing issues due to an airway obstruction or an abnormality in the nasal structure, you may be a candidate for functional ethnic rhinoplasty. If you are unhappy with the size, shape, or contours of your nose, aesthetic ethnic rhinoplasty may be an option for you. Having realistic expectations and communicating well with your plastic surgeon about your goals is important for a successful outcome from surgery.
Patients who smoke or are otherwise not in good physical health are typically not ideal candidates for ethnic rhinoplasty. This procedure is only carried out on patients whose facial growth is complete.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION
Any medical center or practice you choose should be willing to sit down with you and take the time to explain all aspects of the procedure beforehand, including associated risks and recovery. At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we thoroughly review your medical history, speak with you about your expectations, and provide you with an extensive overview of both functional and aesthetic details of ethnic rhinoplasty surgery. Our objective from the consultation is to be able to understand your aesthetic goals and to be able to plan a surgery that gets you as close to that outcome as possible. Bringing photos of noses that you admire to the consultation can be helpful in the planning process.
HOW IS ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY PERFORMED?
First, patients are placed under anesthesia in order to ensure safety and comfort during the procedure. Next, incisions are made to allow the surgeon access to the nose.
Ethnic rhinoplasty can be performed by either an open procedure or a closed procedure. In an open procedure, an incision is made along the columella, the thin bridge of tissue that connects the nostrils. In a closed procedure, the incision is hidden inside the nasal cavity.
Surgical modifications are then made, which may involve removing cartilage, using sutures to reshape cartilage, bone contouring, or placement of cartilage grafts. Skin can be thinned and removed to make the nose smaller and more narrow if required. In a functional rhinoplasty procedure, airway obstructions or breathing issues would be amended; the focus of treatment may be enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. It is worth mentioning, however, that both functional and cosmetic ethnic rhinoplasty seek to optimize appearance and breathing.
Lastly, once the necessary corrections are made, sutures are placed to close the incisions and the nose is bandaged appropriately.
RECOVERY AFTER ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY
Although ethnic rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, patients are required to remain at the surgical facility until anesthesia wears off. It is also necessary to have another adult bring you home after an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure.
Recovery on the day of surgery should involve lying in a comfortable position, a lot of rest, liquids, soft foods, and prescribed medications. Immediately after surgery, the nose and the area under the eyes will typically be swollen and bruised. The swelling will go down within a few weeks. Patients should avoid any arduous physical activity right after surgery, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
It is very important to follow all instructions issued by the plastic surgeon and to attend follow-up appointments so that your plastic surgeon can check your healing progress and let you know when it is safe to return to a normal activity and work schedule.
The results of successful ethnic rhinoplasty are usually visible around two weeks after surgery; however, since the nose will not be completely healed, the full effects of the procedure will not be visible for several months, until the nose takes its new shape. Swelling of the nose can take up to 1-2 years to fully resolve.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY
Patients should be aware that ethnic rhinoplasty, as with any medical procedure, come with potential risks. Each individual should consider both the benefits and known risks before making the decision to have an ethnic rhinoplasty. Such risks may include:
- Skin discoloration
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Altered sensation in affected area
- Breathing obstructions
- Asymmetries
- Need for revision surgery
Always make sure that the surgeon performing the procedure is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and that the surgery is being carried out in an accredited surgical facility.
WHAT DOES ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY COST?
The cost of this type of procedure is going to fluctuate based on location, surgeon, surgical center, and the individual patient’s needs. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of rhinoplasty in the U.S. is around $5,000, though it can range up to $15,000. This does not include other costs such as anesthesia and facility fees.
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago always provides a detailed breakdown of costs after an initial consultation. Depending on the motivation for ethnic rhinoplasty and your doctor’s assessment, your health insurance may cover a portion of the procedure; for example, if the surgery is to correct an airway obstruction or breathing problem, or if an abnormality was caused by injury or trauma. You should contact your insurance company before scheduling an appointment with us.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago welcomes any questions from both potential patients and returning patients regarding any of the procedures that we offer. We are committed not only to excellent patient care, but thorough patient education; our professional staff will answer any questions you have and ensure that you understand every step of the process. If you are interested in looking and feeling like the best version of yourself, call us today for a consultation.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.