African American Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty for people of African descent requires a a unique set of skills and understanding of the African ethnic nasal anatomy. Some common techniques used in Caucasian patients, when applied to the African American, could result in an unnatural, over-done nose and a very unhappy patient.
What are the most common reasons African Americans seek rhinoplasty?
- Wide nostrils
- Wide nasal tips
- Low bridge of the nose
- Lack of tip definition
- Breathing problems
As with any patient seeking rhinoplasty, the goal is to establish balance by refining all aspects of the nose. Since the nose is so prominent, even a slight imbalance can have a profound effect on overall appearance.
Dr. Simoni sees the nose not just as one structure, but as a collection of subtle relationships which must be artfully brought into balance. Whether his patients require tip refinement, reducing the width of the nostril flare or raising the bridge, his final result reflects his superior ability to blend the parts to create a balanced and harmonious appearance.
Why is African American rhinoplasty different?
African Americans have come from very genetically distinctive regions of the world and as such have nasal structures consistent with their heritage. As the nose is the focal point of the face, the goal for African American rhinoplasty is to create harmony, balance and symmetry while preserving unique ethnic characteristics.
Dr. Simoni’s African American patients may have low nasal bridges, while some may have short nasal bones with a rounded tip. Others might have a high bridge and wide nostrils with a defined tip.
Skin density can be different as well with some patients having thick skin over the nasal structure while others have very thin skin. Other differences are:
- Skin is more prone to scarring
- Nose cartilages are weak
- Nasal bones are short and can easily lead to complications if not properly handled
- Thicker skin
Am I a good candidate for African-American rhinoplasty?
Candidates for African-American rhinoplasty are unhappy with the size, shape or functioning of their nose yet wish to maintain the ethnic defining characteristics of their appearance.
Candidates should be in good general health and either be a non-smoker or be willing to completely give it up for at least two weeks before and after surgery. This is very important as smoking interferes with blood circulation and smoking can create serious complications with healing.
Candidates must be able to take two to three weeks off from their job, possibly longer if they are engaged in physically demanding activities. Also, candidates should not have a major event planned (such as a wedding) within four weeks of surgery to allow sufficient time to heal. Stress can hinder healing.
Additionally, good candidates have realistic expectation on what their final outcome will be and the recovery process. Dr. Simoni strives to create the greatest facial symmetry and balance possible with each patient. This process will differ according to their unique facial structure. He has an experienced eye gained from performing thousands of facial procedures and scores of rhinoplasty surgeries.
He works tirelessly to help his patients achieve their goals, but won’t substitute good judgment in order to provide his patients with a nose that does not suit their face.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Recovery for African-American rhinoplasty follows essentially the same time frame as general rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty can take a little longer. The biggest component of a smooth recovery is the skill of the surgeon. Gentle handling of tissues and delicate technique is less traumatic and therefore easier for the body to recover from.
The second most important component is the patient. Genetics play a part in all recovery as this regulates healing and other issues. However, patient compliance with postoperative instructions is vital to the final outcome. Patients will be well monitored throughout their recovery period, but it is the day-to-day routine that sets up the correct healing environment for the nose.
Choosing a top African-American rhinoplasty surgeon
Rhinoplasty is very challenging surgery, encompassing a three dimensional architectural structure along with a vital internal structure that regulates breathing. Adding in the unique qualities of the ethnic nasal structure increases the need for a surgeon who understands these differences and can incorporate them into a successful surgical plan.
Dr. Simoni is a dual board certified facial and reconstructive surgeon and is acknowledged as a top African-American rhinoplasty surgeon. As well as certification as a facial and reconstructive surgeon, he has been certified in the subspecialty of Otolaryngology which is head and neck surgery. He is among the most qualified rhinoplasty surgeons in the country and has many A-list celebrity clients. His results speak for themselves and he is happy to provide prospective patients with his gallery of before and after photographs of his patients.
His Beverly Hills practice treats a very diverse ethnic population seeking to refine or eliminate an unwanted physical characteristic. He finds his African American patients don’t want to change who they are; they just want to establish balance consistent to their heritage.
Consulting with Dr. Payman Simoni
Dr. Simoni cautions anyone looking for an African-American rhinoplasty surgeon to take the time to become educated on the process and to ask many questions. He feels that no question is silly or too minor to ask. His goal is to assist his patients with this important decision so they are confident in moving ahead.
To preserve the ethnic uniqueness of your nose, Dr. Simoni will spend ample time with you discussing your desires and explaining how the changes you desire will affect other features of your nose and face. By carefully preserving ethnic characteristics, your nose will blend more aesthetically with your face and not appear overly refined. Dr. Simoni will use computer imaging to help you visualize your nose and other facial features, and as an aid in surgical planning