African-American Rhinoplasty

Increased width, loss of definition, and lack of projection characterize the stereotypical African-American nose. Early rhinoplasty surgeons attempted strict adherence to neoclassical aesthetic ideals. However, in reality, the anatomy and aesthetic desires of these patients are much more complex. Building dorsal height, achieving nasal tip definition amidst thick skin, and producing a more aesthetically pleasing alar base are the major challenges. Surgical planning should be sensitive to both individual and cultural differences in aesthetic perception and expectations. Here we describe the techniques used by the senior author (R.W.H.K.).