Will My Nostrils Look Bigger After Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

For some people, it’s crucial to retain elements of their ethnic heritage when having rhinoplasty. If you're looking to change the shape of your nose but want a surgeon who respects your ethnic background, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony E. Brissett performs ethnic rhinoplasty at Brissett Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX.

Keep reading to learn more about the procedure and what you can expect from the results of ethnic rhinoplasty.

What is ethnic rhinoplasty?

Patients of African American, Latino, Asian, or Middle Eastern heritage often have concerns about getting their nose issues surgically repaired or having cosmetic improvements done. That's because many photos of "ideal" noses come from Caucasian models. By finding an experienced doctor that performs ethnic rhinoplasty, patients from any background can rest assured that their unique facial structure will be taken into account to give them the most natural results possible.

Even within ethnic groups, there are regional differences. Some patients want to be sure their nose is repaired or enhanced with those characteristics in mind.

Since nasal structures can vary between ethnicities, cosmetic surgeons need to ensure the nasal structure is respected and unique issues are addressed. For example, during an ethnic rhinoplasty, Dr. Brissett will consider a person's unique:

• Dorsal bridge height

• Nostril shape and size

• Skin thickness

• Nose width

• Size of the nasal top

• Lack of definition

• Protrusion of the nose

• Weak or thin cartilage

• Nose shape (for example, a bump may be reduced but not removed)

In order to give patients the most customized service possible, it's important for surgeons to have open and honest conversations about how a particular technique may change the overall appearance of a person's face. The goal is always to complement a person's other facial features.

Will my nostrils look bigger after ethnic rhinoplasty?

At your first meeting, you will speak with Dr. Brissett about your aesthetic goals so he can design a plan that improves your nose aesthetically while preserving the elements that make you unique.

Nostril size does not necessarily increase during a rhinoplasty. In fact, unless a person has trouble breathing and wants to increase the size of their nostrils, it's not a side effect of having nasal surgery.

An ethnic rhinoplasty typically addresses one of the following issues:

• Asymmetry of the nose

• Nose size

• Nasal bridge width

• Bumps in the bridge of the nose

• Deviated septum

• Snoring

• Previously unsatisfactory rhinoplasty results

• Bulbous tips of the nose

• Upturned nose

How will my nose look after ethnic rhinoplasty?

Occasionally, when the tip of the nose is altered, it can change the size or shape of the nostrils. However, after a consultation, Dr. Brissett can tell you what to expect from your unique surgical plan.

For patients concerned about some aspect of their nose getting bigger after surgery, rest assured that this is typically a result of post-surgical swelling that will subside in the weeks following your procedure.

Find out more about ethnic rhinoplasty in Houston, TX

When you get a rhinoplasty (or "nose job"), you want to be sure your surgeon is well-versed in the anatomy of people from different ethnic backgrounds. This is particularly important if you want to retain certain ethnic features while addressing other issues.

To discuss your options and any concerns you have about getting ethnic rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony E. Brissett at Brissett, Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX.