Ethnic Nose

The concept of an ethnic nose
actually refers to the nasal structure based on origin. In other words, everyone’s
nose is ethnic.
Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Caucasian, African, or Asian noses fall into this
group.
However, in everyday use, when “ethnic nose” is mentioned, it usually refers to
African and partly Asian noses.
These nose types generally have:
Wide nostrils
Flat nasal bridge
Thick skin (especially in African noses)
Short and rounded nasal tip.
These types of noses mostly require augmentation (lifting).

Surgical Approach

The use of protective (preservation) techniques in ethnic nose surgery also
provides significant advantages. There are basically two approaches:
Classic technique
Preservative (conservation) technique

Classic Technique

In the classic technique, the nasal bones are broken and the nasal dorsum is
opened. The bones from the sides are
mobilized and the nasal dorsum is reshaped.
In this method, to raise the nasal dorsum, the following are usually used:
Ribe cartilage (in block form)
Or fragmented cartilage tissue called “Turkish delight”.
In this technique:
There is a greater need for extra cartilage
The intervention is more extensive
The healing time may be longer
The risk of complications is relatively higher in the long term

Preservative (Conservation) Technique

The aim of the conservative technique is to reshape the nasal anatomy without
disrupting it as much as possible.
In this method:
The septum is located.
The nasal pyramid is freed from the lateral joints.
However, the bone and cartilage structure is preserved in its en bloc state.
After the septum is separated from its upper part, it is raised, and thus the nasal
dorsum is also raised.
The nose can be narrowed with controlled compressions from the sides.
Sometimes, using a small piece of cartilage (wedge) is sufficient to raise the
septum.
Therefore, extra cartilage is not always needed. However, in some cases,
additional cartilage support may be required.

Nasal Tip and Support Mechanism

In both techniques, the nasal tip is created by shaping the soft cartilage with
sutures.
The most important point here is ensuring a strong connection between the nasal
tip and the septum.
Normally, there are natural support mechanisms between these structures.
By strengthening these mechanisms, we reduce the risk of problems such as:
Dropping of the nasal tip
Collapse
Axis deviation
Inverted V deformity

Conclusion

Ethnic nose surgery, unlike standard rhinoplasty, generally requires elevation and
restructuring.
In surgeries performed with the correct technique and strong support mechanisms:
More natural
More balanced
More stable results in the long term are obtained.