Rhinoplasty in the African American patient can be a more challenging procedure for various reasons. There are several factors that need to be considered to obtain the best possible result
Skin Quality
The skin envelope may be a bit thicker and this can make the changes in the cartilage and bone structure less apparent after surgery. It may also require more time to see these results as the thicker skin envelope swells for a longer time.
To address this, the envelope can be thinned judiciously at the time of surgery. This has to be done very carefully so as to not interrupt the blood supply to the tip of the skin. To reduce postop swelling, the use of oral and injectable steroids can be used to limit the inflammatory process. Taping the the nose for a slightly longer period can also accelerate the resolution of swelling. We would caution patient’s at risk of swelling to expect a slightly longer recovery period. Final results may not be evident for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Structural Support
Frequently, these patients will benefit from added bridge and tip projection. This requires additional cartilage to help build up these areas. Unfortunately, in these patients, the lack of adequate septal cartilage from the nose may require accessing ear or rib cartilage which can add to the recovery of these patients.
To address the need for cartilage to build more tip or dorsal bridge projection, there is always the option to use rib cartilage. This, however, involves and additional surgical site, with associated pain and recovery. A new option that has revolutionized the rhinoplasty field is the availability of cadaveric fresh frozen cartilage. This is ordered prior to the procedure and provides ample cartilage to reconstruct a tip and bridge projection.
Healing
Finally, due to increased width of the tip and nose base, reducing the alar base with skin excision can lead to more scarring and risk for hypertrophic scars.
To avoid hypertrophic scarring, the careful suturing of alar base skin excisions can result in almost imperceptible scars. Using careful suturing and cinching techniques, a narrower alar base can be obtained with minimal scarring.
African American Rhinoplasty Costs
The cost for rhinoplasty surgery varies if the complexity of the surgery means it may require more time to accomplish. Only with a complete history and physical exam will a proper understanding of the surgery needed is possible. The average cost of rhinoplasty is $5,483, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Successful Outcomes can be Obtained
With this understanding, an african american rhinoplasty can result in satisfying and predictable results for our patients. See this article for more information on how to learn more about obtaining a rhinoplasty and the process from beginning to end.
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