African American Rhinoplasty

African American rhinoplasty is any nasal surgery that specifically addresses the distinct characteristics of the African American nose. It is performed to achieve a pleasing nasal structure that suits the rest of the patient’s face, but in a way that retains their distinguishing African American features.

BEFORE & AFTER

In most cases, patients desire positive changes to their appearance without erasing their racial identity and heritage. Like other ethnicities, African Americans possess inherent facial characteristics that must be taken into consideration, which is why a successful surgery should yield the desired shape and size of the nose while preserving the qualities that make the face unique.
Woman holding her arms while smiling big

REASONS TO UNDERGO THIS PROCEDURE

Aesthetic concerns are usually the most common reasons why patients seek rhinoplasty, although some also undergo the procedure for functional problems. African Americans seeking rhinoplasty often want the bridge of the nose raised, the width of the nostrils reduced, and the projection of the nasal tip-enhanced to create a more harmonious and balanced appearance, as well as a more attractive nasal profile.

The procedure addresses other distinct characteristics of African American noses, including:

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Every ethnicity has its own unique facial characteristics, which is why patients need a surgeon who understands these nuances and can make optimum enhancements without compromising the defining aspects of the patient’s ethnic heritage.
Dr. Jacob Sedgh is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon who has worked with innumerable rhinoplasty patients over the past decade. This has allowed him to gain full mastery of both cosmetic and reconstructive nasal surgery, which is reflected in the superb results that he creates for all of his patients. African American rhinoplasty offers the following benefits:

OUR PRACTICE

When you’re undergoing plastic surgery, it’s important to find comfort. At our practice, every element is designed around you. From the moment you enter our doors, each step is met with complete responsiveness from our team. Schedule a consultation, and discover why our practice is right for you.
Teenage Rhinoplasty
The success of your surgery depends not only on your surgeon’s skills, but also on his understanding of the aesthetic goals and expectations discussed during your initial consultation. Therefore, it is important to clearly communicate your desired results with Dr. Sedgh to ensure the desired outcome. Aside from understanding your surgical goals, he will also perform a thorough evaluation of your nasal structure to determine the proper techniques to utilize for the procedure. A rhinoplasty consultation usually involves the following:
Dr. Sedgh also conducts consultations via video conferencing for prospective patients who live outside Los Angeles or abroad. For patients who need to travel to undergo the surgery, his office can provide comprehensive travel assistance for a more comfortable and hassle-free surgical experience.

AFRICAN AMERICAN RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE

African American rhinoplasty generally follows the same procedure as any other type of nose surgery. However, the distinction lies in the unique characteristics of African American noses, such as shorter nasal bones, wide and low bridges, and wider nostrils. To address these common concerns, several strategic techniques can be used to allow the surgeon to create visibly different yet natural-looking results. Along with his board certifications in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) and facial plastic surgery, Dr. Sedgh’s extensive experience in working with patients of different ethnicities enables him to perform optimum nasal refinements that satisfy each patient’s individual needs.
Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general or local anesthesia. To make the necessary alterations, Dr. Sedgh will use either the open (external) or closed (endonasal) approach. The former involves an incision across the strip of tissue between your nostrils along with additional incisions inside the nose, while the latter involves incisions hidden inside the nostrils. The open approach is generally recommended for more complex cases, as it allows better visibility and optimum access to the inner nasal structure.
Once he has made the necessary incisions, Dr. Sedgh will then reshape the structure of the nose using advanced surgical techniques that are tailored to effectively address the patient’s specific concerns. Some of the most common rhinoplasty techniques used for African American nose enhancement include alar base narrowing to reduce nostril width, tip plasty to reshape a wide or bulbous nasal tip, and cartilage grafting, which involves the use of cartilage harvested from the septum or another source, such as the ear or rib, to reshape the nasal tip or bridge.

RECOVERY

African American rhinoplasty is commonly done as an outpatient procedure. After the surgery, you may experience postoperative side effects such as swelling, bruising, nasal congestion and some minor pain and discomfort. It is important to take the prescribed medications and follow all aftercare instructions to effectively manage such side effects and ensure a more comfortable recovery.

It normally takes about two weeks for the patient to look “socially presentable” and resume their daily activities after a nose job, although they are technically able to return to work within a week.

Dr. Sedgh believes in personally monitoring his patients throughout the entire duration of the recovery period, beginning from the first day after the operation up to a year after. This requires regular follow-up appointments, which will allow him to observe and evaluate your healing progress and secure the integrity of your final results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is it different from regular rhinoplasty?

African American rhinoplasty differs from traditional rhinoplasty in that it is designed to accentuate the unique features found in African American facial structure. This structure typically includes the nasal shape of wide nostrils, a low nasal bridge, and minimal projection of the nasal tip. Under the artistic eye of your surgeon, these features will be accentuated and enhanced to give you your desired appearance, while producing a natural looking result.

Are all plastic surgeons qualified to perform African American rhinoplasty?

While all plastic surgeons are qualified to perform this procedure, it’s best to find a trusted surgeon that specializes in the type you wish to have performed. Mastering African American rhinoplasty requires skill and practice to produce a natural looking result, as every facial structure is unique. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with examples of their previous work on patients with a similar facial structure and shape to yours. When choosing your plastic surgeon, consider their previous work and attention to detail, especially on previous African American rhinoplasty procedures.

COMFORT & TRANSPARENCY FROM START TO FINISH

When under our care, Dr. Sedgh always ensures you feel comfortable, cared for, well-informed about every aspect of your upcoming treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. With an approach which focuses on achieving refreshed, natural-looking results, Dr. Sedgh prides himself on always acting with transparency, honesty, and the highest level of ethical treatment, from start to finish.