Moving forward with rhinoplasty is an exciting experience, but it can also be nerve-wracking, no matter who you are. The nose is a dominant facial feature that can affect the look of the entire face, and many prospective patients are anxious about their eventual results meeting expectations. The surgery is a complex procedure, requiring a custom approach to each case from an expert. Non-Caucasian patients often have an additional worry: retaining their ethnic identity after rhinoplasty. If you are considering ethnic rhinoplasty and have similar worries, read on for some strategies for retaining your ethnic identity and having a positive rhinoplasty experience.
What Is Ethnic Identity in Rhinoplasty?
Ethnic identity has a different meaning to everyone, and this meaning can change depending on the context. When it comes to rhinoplasty, retention of ethnic identity usually has to do with maintaining features that make the patient visually and/or emotionally connected to their heritage and background. Additionally, it has to do with facial harmony. Rhinoplasty should always strive to make the nose look natural and “fit” with the other features. Treating each nose the same can have harmful consequences. The loss of ethnic identity in rhinoplasty generally occurs when not enough attention is paid to the individuality of the patient or there is a lack of understanding of different nose types. This is why it is so important to be proactive in retaining your ethnic identity when planning your surgery–to help prevent problems. Here are some ways to help you get the outcome you want.
Choose Your Surgeon Carefully
Selecting the right facial plastic surgeon to perform your procedure is important for any rhinoplasty, but particularly for ethnic rhinoplasty patients. The success of ethnic rhinoplasty will depend greatly on the skills, knowledge, and creativity of the surgeon performing the surgery. Many rhinoplasty specialists have a great deal of experience working with diverse patients, and have the flexibility to work with all different types of noses.
You will need to do a lot of research and meet with surgeons before making your decision about whom to trust with creating your new nose.Only board certified, highly trained facial plastic surgeons are qualified to perform rhinoplasty, as it is an extremely complex procedure with both aesthetic and functional aspects. It is best to meet only with surgeons who have dedicated years to rhinoplasty and are well-versed in ethnic rhinoplasty techniques. Do extensive research on each potential surgeon you consider, and make sure to take a look at before and after photos of patients with features similar to yours.
Know What You Want
You will not be able to retain your ethnic identity if you are not entirely sure about what you want out of your rhinoplasty. Find some examples of noses you like from people with similar ethnic backgrounds to you. This will give you a communication tool and also help you plan your surgery with your surgeon. It is not possible nor advisable to copy someone’s nose, but photos can help give you and your surgeon a starting point. Remember, your new nose will probably make your face look quite different overall, as rhinoplasty will change facial balance and proportions. Knowing what you want is important, but it is also important to keep in mind that your nose will not look exactly as you picture it in your head. Keep your expectations realistic, and you are likely to be very pleased with the results of your rhinoplasty.
Communicate Clearly
Your surgeon cannot help you if you do not communicate clearly about what you do and do not want from surgery. Bring in your reference photos, and speak up when necessary. Prospective surgeons will almost always use imaging software to give you a preview of potential results. This is a great starting point for discussion, and should help you and your surgeon get on the same page. Remember, the planning phase of your rhinoplasty is no time to be shy! It is your nose, and the goal of everyone involved will be to get you the results you want.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Aside from the surgeon’s skill, the healing process has the largest role in the outcome of aesthetic nasal surgery. Skilled rhinoplasty surgeons are very good at predicting outcomes, but this is only possible if the patient attends to pre- and post-operative care. Poor healing can affect the appearance and function of the nose, so it is vital to follow all of your doctor’s instructions, no matter how unpleasant or inconvenient they may seem. Remember, a good rhinoplasty will last a lifetime. It is worth a few weeks of inconvenience to help ensure you get a good result from the procedure you worked so hard planning.
Beginning Your Search
The search for the right surgeon can seem daunting, but it is extremely important not to skimp on this step in the process. Establishing rapport with your surgeon is vital, and he or she must also possess the proper qualifications, experience, and skill. If you are seeking ethnic rhinoplasty services in the Boston area, consider beginning your search with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stuart Bentkover. Dr. Bentkover specializes in rhinoplasty, and has expertise with a wide range of nasal features and techniques. With decades of experience in nasal surgery, Dr. Bentkover offers patients beautiful, natural results that promote facial balance and harmony. To schedule your consultation at Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery, call either the Worcester(508-363-6500) or Stoneham(617-247-0033) locations today.