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The term rhinoplasty refers to a plastic surgery procedure that modifies the shape and size of the nose. Some of the other terms that refer to this procedure include nose-reshaping surgery and nose surgery. An ethnic rhinoplasty refers to the procedure plastic surgeons use when modifying nose characteristics that relate to an individual’s ethnicity. One ethnic rhinoplasty that surgeons perform in Miami is the African American rhinoplasty.
An African American Rhinoplasty With Dr. Nirmal Nathan in Miami
Although the physical characteristics of each person’s nose varies, there are specific traits frequently seen in those of African descent.
When compared to the Caucasian nose, the characteristics frequently seen in men and women with African ancestry include a nose that:
- Has less cartilage in its tip.
- Is flat and short.
- Has larger nostrils and a wider bridge.
- Lacks definition.
In addition, the cartilages of the nose are weaker, and the skin is thicker.
What Causes the Variances Seen in the African Nose?
The specific country of origin from which an individual’s ancestry stems causes the different nose characteristics seen throughout the African American community.
Although rhinoplasty techniques are similar, when addressing the distinctive nose characteristics associated with a specific ethnicity, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is the key to attaining a beautiful, natural-looking result.
What Is the Goal of an African American Rhinoplasty in Miami?
African patients may decide to have nose-reshaping surgery to reduce the size of their nostrils and base, define their nasal tip and raise the bridge using their own cartilage.
While the thin skin of a Caucasian nose shows every change the surgeon makes to its structure, the thicker skin of the African nose helps muffle any changes the plastic surgeon makes during surgery. Furthermore, this muffling provides the patient with results that appear natural while maintaining the unique ethnic characteristics that he or she desires to keep.
Ethnic nose-reshaping procedures should aim to achieve harmony with the rest of the patient’s face, not as a means to modify the nose so that it has the characteristics associated with another ethnicity.
Good Candidates for an African American Rhinoplasty in Miami
The potential patient needs to have an interest in modifying the nose characteristics that relate to his or her ancestry.
Individuals undergoing any nose-reshaping procedure in Miami must be in good health. In addition, he or she must be at least 13 years of age.
To attain the best results, Dr. Nathan recommends that individuals with an interest in having an ethnic rhinoplasty undergo the procedure before they reach 40 years of age. He makes this recommendation because having nose surgery after age 40 can lead to a longer recovery time and negatively affect the patient’s ethnic rhinoplasty results.
The potential patient should have realistic expectations as to what changes Dr. Nathan can make during his or her African American nose-reshaping procedure.
Characteristics that Dr. Nathan corrects during an African American nose-reshaping procedure include the:
- Width of the nose.
- Nose profile.
- Shape of the nose.
- Size of the nose.
- Balance between the characteristics of the nose and the patient’s other facial features.
Anyone who is interested in making these changes may want to consider having a nose-reshaping procedure with Dr. Nathan in Miami.
Other issues that Dr. Nirmal Nathan can address during an ethnic nose-reshaping procedure include:
- A deviated septum.
- A nose injury.
- Certain types of disfigurement.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum refers to the misplacement of the piece of bone and cartilage (i.e., the septum) that separates the nasal passages. When the septum is not straight, it can make breathing difficult. Breathing difficulty occurs because the crooked septum is blocking the airflow moving through the nasal passages. During an African American rhinoplasty in Miami, Dr. Nathan can correct a deviated septum with a septoplasty so that the patient can breathe freely again. When Dr. Nathan performs a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty during the same surgical session, the name of the procedure is septorhinoplasty.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
A crooked septum can result from a nose injury, or it can be an inherited trait.
What Symptoms Does Someone With a Deviated Septum Experience?
Besides having breathing difficulties, an individual with a crooked septum experiences a variety of symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with a deviated septum include:
- Nosebleeds.
- Headaches.
- Snoring.
- Facial pain.
- Chronic sinus infections.
- Nasal congestion.
- Loud breathing.
- Postnasal drip.
An individual’s health insurance will not cover any aesthetic nose-reshaping procedures, however, when an individual is having problems breathing due to a crooked septum, health insurance may cover a portion of the charges that relate to this issue.
Potential Patients Should Not Use Products That Contain Nicotine
Ideally, the potential patient should not use any product that contains nicotine, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. If an individual using these products would like to have an African American rhinoplasty, he or she needs to stop using products that contain nicotine for at least four weeks before and four weeks after nose-reshaping surgery in Miami.
The Importance of Discontinuing Nicotine Use
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it causes the blood vessels to contract. These contractions make it difficult for the nutritious, oxygenated blood to move through the patient’s circulatory system. The delay these contracted blood vessels cause slows the healing process, which puts the patient at a higher risk for developing an infection, suffering with an open wound or experiencing skin necrosis (i.e., skin death).
Benefits of an African American Nose-reshaping Procedure in Miami
An individual frequently has an ethnic rhinoplasty to address aesthetic issues; however, if Dr. Nathan addresses a deviated septum with a septoplasty during a patient’s nose-reshaping procedure, he or she also receives the health benefit of being able to breathe freely.
Dr. Nathan Tailors Each Surgical Plan to Meet the Needs of a Specific Patient
Since every individual is unique, Dr. Nirmal Nathan takes the time to create each of his patients a customized ethnic rhinoplasty procedure plan.
Common African American Rhinoplasty Techniques
Although each patient’s case is unique, there are nose-reshaping techniques that Dr. Nirmal Nathan frequently uses when he is addressing the characteristics associated with a specific ethnicity.
Techniques Dr. Nathan typically uses during an African American nose-reshaping procedure in Miami include:
- Narrowing of the nasal bridge. He accomplishes this by carefully shaving away excess bone.
- Increasing the height of the nasal bridge. Dr. Nathan raises the height of the bridge by harvesting cartilage from the patient’s septum or ear. He adds this cartilage to the bridge, thus increasing its projection. However, if Dr. Nirmal Nathan needs more cartilage than he can harvest from the patient’s nasal septum or ear, he can also attain cartilage from the patient’s rib.
- Adding definition to the patient’s nose by making subtle changes to its characteristics. Dr. Nathan can make some modifications to a patient’s nose without the need to remove or add biological tissues. He accomplishes these changes by modifying the angles at specific locations on the patient’s nose.
- Narrowing the width or flare of the nostrils by performing an alar base reduction.
- Reshaping the nose with strategic shaving of the nasal bones.
- Adding definition or creating softer lines at the location where the nares and bridge meet.
- Dr. Nathan uses his skill, experience and artistic vision to create an optical illusion that makes the tip of the patient’s nose look narrower than it actually is.
Following their African American nose reshaping surgery, patients enjoy facial balance and harmony.
Nasal Reduction (aka Alar Base Reduction)
During nose-reshaping procedures, Dr. Nathan can reduce the size of a patient’s alar base. Nasal reduction requires external incisions, and therefore, patients need to choose a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing alar base reductions.
Creating Nasal Tip Definition During an African American Rhinoplasty in Miami
Many people of African descent have lower lateral cartilages or underlying structural support that is relatively soft. Since Dr. Nirmal Nathan cannot decrease the thickness of a patient’s skin, in order to balance the shape of the tip, he must add definition to the patient’s nose and create new angles.
There are times when just adding support to the patient’s nose improves the appearance of his or her nasal tip.
Following an ethnic rhinoplasty with Dr. Nirmal Nathan in Miami, patients can expect to have:
- Facial harmony.
- A nose that functions better, especially following the correction of a deviated septum.
- A boost in confidence.
- Facial features that are still representative of his or her ethnicity.
An Appointment at The Nathan Clinic in Miami
During their first appointment with Dr. Nirmal Nathan, potential patients need to provide detailed information about their medical history.
Medical details need to include:
- Previous surgical procedures.
- Current prescription and non-prescription medications. Please include the reason for the medication, the dose and frequency taken.
- Herbal supplements, including herbal remedies. The patient should include the reason he or she is taking these herbs.
- Daily vitamins.
- Daily nicotine intake (e.g., smoking traditional cigarettes, using chewing tobacco).
The Importance of Providing Accurate Information
Since there are certain medications, vitamins and herbs that need to be discontinued or reduced for at least 10 days before and 10 days after surgery, it is crucial that patients provide Dr. Nathan with accurate information regarding their current prescription medications and use of over-the-counter products.
Medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that patients need to avoid include:
- Blood thinners.
- Aspirin.
- NSAIDs.
- Vitamin E.
- Fish oil.
- Kava Kava.
- Ginkgo Biloba.
- St. John’s Wort.
Alcohol Consumption and Recreational Drug Use
Alcohol increases inflammation, and therefore, patients need to avoid these kinds of beverages for at least two days before and two days after their African American rhinoplasty in Miami.
Recreational drug use. Since the patient is receiving anesthesia, to ensure his or her safety, it is essential that Dr. Nirmal Nathan knows if a patient participates in the use of recreational drugs. If he or she does, please let Dr. Nathan know which drugs, how much and frequency of use.
Allergies to medications, latex or any other product (e.g., iodine).
Current health status (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
Please keep in mind that at The Nathan Clinic in Miami, safety is the most important factor, which is why being candid with Dr. Nathan about every question is vital.
Many of Dr. Nathan’s patients find it helpful to create themselves a list of questions to bring with them on the day of their appointment. Having this list to refer to ensures that the individual receives answers to everything he or she wants to know.
The Nose Examination
After conversing for some time, Dr. Nathan performs a thorough nose examination.
Once the examination is complete, Dr. Nathan informs the individual if he or she is a good candidate for an ethnic nose-reshaping procedure in Miami.
Taking Photographs
If the individual decides to move forward, Dr. Nathan takes photos of his or her nose and face from different angles. By taking these pictures from different angles, Dr. Nathan can refer to these photos as he creates the patient’s personalized nose-reshaping surgical plan.
An African American Rhinoplasty Procedure in Miami
Once the patient arrives with his or her driver and checks in, a friendly member of Dr. Nathan’s surgical team takes the patient to the pre-op area.
While the patient is in pre-op, a team member takes the patient’s vitals, including blood pressure and temperature. Dr. Nathan visits the patient so that he can answer any last-minute questions the patient has. Dr. Nirmal Nathan may also make markings on the patient’s face to use as a guide while he performs his or her ethnic rhinoplasty procedure in Miami.
Following the preparation process, a surgical team member takes the patient to the surgical suite.
Administering Anesthesia
The patient receives medications. These medications cause the patient to fall asleep.
If the patient will be in a deep sleep, he or she receives general anesthesia. Patients who will be lightly asleep receive IV sedation with local anesthesia, otherwise known as twilight anesthesia.
An African American Nose-reshaping Procedure With Dr. Nirmal Nathan in Miami
Although there are two surgical options for nose modification in Miami (e.g., the open and the closed techniques), an African American rhinoplasty requires the open technique. The open technique allows Dr. Nathan to clearly see the patient’s bones and cartilage.
Creating the Incision for an Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Dr. Nirmal Nathan creates either a V-shaped incision or a stair-step shaped incision on the piece of skin between the nostrils (i.e., the columella) as well as just inside the nostrils.
Accessing the Interior of the Patient’s Nose
To gain access to the internal area of the patient’s nose, Dr. Nathan carefully lifts the skin.
Addressing a Wide Nasal Bridge
To reduce the width of the nasal bridge, Dr. Nirmal Nathan carefully modifies the bone and sculpts the cartilage of the nasal bridge.
Raising the Nasal Bridge
If the bridge of the patient’s nose lacks height, Dr. Nathan harvests cartilage from another area of his or her body to build the bridge up. Common harvesting sites include the ear and nasal septum. However, if necessary, he can also harvest from the patient’s rib.
Adjusting the Structure of the Nose
Once Dr. Nirmal Nathan completes the augmentation process, he gently adjusts the structures within the nose and, if necessary, he performs a septoplasty to address a deviated septum.
After Dr. Nathan makes these changes, he places the skin back over the tissues of the nose.
Closing the Incisions
Dr. Nirmal Nathan uses very small stitches to close the incisions.
Once these incisions heal, as long as the patient follows Dr. Nathan’s recommendations, the resulting scar will be nearly invisible.
Reshaping the Nostrils
When a patient’s nostrils require reshaping, Dr. Nathan performs the nasal reshaping procedure last.
Applying the Nasal Splint
After he reshapes the patient’s nostrils, Dr. Nirmal Nathan applies a nasal splint. This splint protects the patient’s nose and helps to keep inflammation down during the early phase of healing.
The Patient Spends Time in the Recovery Area
A surgical team member moves the patient to the recovery area. The patient remains here until Dr. Nirmal Nathan releases the patient to his or her driver.
Before patients leave the recovery area, they receive information related to caring for their nose as it heals.
The patient’s follow-up appointment will most likely be scheduled and included within the paperwork he or she receives after surgery.
Patients and their drivers should feel free to ask questions.
A Follow-up Appointment With Dr. Nirmal Nathan After an African American Nose-reshaping Procedure
Dr. Nathan usually schedules his plastic surgery patients’ follow-up appointments for the day after their procedure.
Dr. Nirmal Nathan may also request that the patient return to The Nathan Clinic several times during the first week of recovery. These visits allow Dr. Nathan to ensure the patient’s nose is healing as expected.
Recovering After an African American Rhinoplasty
Directly following surgery, patients should expect to feel congested and somewhat uncomfortable. Inflammation and bruising varies from mild to severe. The amount of swelling and bruising the individual experiences depends on the patient’s particular anatomy, the extent of the nose surgery, as well as how his or her body reacts to the procedure itself. Nonetheless, about a week after surgery, these symptoms should decrease quite a bit. However, inflammation can linger for several weeks. However, patients can use cryotherapy to reduce this inflammation.
Cryotherapy: What Patients Need to Know
Every couple of hours, patients can use cryotherapy (aka cold therapy) to reduce inflammation.
Patients can use ice, however, if using ice, Dr. Nathan prefers for his patients to use crushed ice instead of cubed. Some patients purchase reusable gel packs. These gel packs are available at local pharmacies. Patients need to make sure the ice packs and gel packs they use around their nose are on the lighter side.
Avoid holding the ice on the nose itself, and instead gently hold it on the areas surrounding the nose.
Remember to avoid placing ice and gel packs directly on the skin, as this can cause damage; instead, patients need to place a cloth in between their skin and the ice or gel pack.
The ice or gel pack can be held in place for 20 minutes at a time.
Other Ways Patients Can Reduce Inflammation
To reduce inflammation following surgery, patients can prop their head up while they read, watch TV and sleep. Additionally, patients must avoid bending over and refrain from lifting heavy objects, including children and pets, as these actions increase the pressure inside the nose.
Wearing Eyeglasses and Contacts
If Dr. Nirmal Nathan resets the patient’s nose bones during the nose-reshaping surgery, he or she must avoid placing glasses (e.g., eyeglasses, 3D glasses, sunglasses) on the bridge of the nose for at least six weeks. Patients who disregard this requirement and wear their glasses as usual may negatively affect their results.
Patients who wear contacts can usually start wearing them again a couple of days following surgery.
Patients who only wear glasses can secure their eyeglasses using tape or by purchasing a post-surgical eyeglass holder. These holders are specifically designed to secure the glasses away from the nose, thus, giving the nose time to heal.
What to Avoid During Recovery
After surgery, while swimming or bathing, patients should avoid placing their head beneath water for at least six weeks.
Patients must refrain from blowing their nose.
Patients need to avoid participating in strenuous activities for about eight weeks. Vigorous activity causes an increase in the heart rate and raises the blood pressure. These changes can increase inflammation and cause bleeding.
As the incisions from surgery heal, they are extremely vulnerable to the effects of UV rays and if they are exposed to these rays, they may become permanently discolored. Therefore, as patients recover, they need to avoid spending time in the sun.
Removal of the Patient’s Splint and Sutures Occurs About a Week After Surgery
About seven days after surgery, patients return to The Nathan Clinic to have Dr. Nirmal Nathan remove their splint and sutures. After removing the splint and sutures, Dr. Nathan may decide to place tape over the patient’s nose. This tape can help reduce the amount of swelling the patient experiences during this phase of the recovery process.
After removal of the splint and stitches, as long as his or her job only requires light activity, the patient can usually return to work.
The Results
Since the results of a patient’s nose surgery take time to become evident, Dr. Nathan gives his patients details about what changes they can expect to see once healing is complete.
The modifications Dr. Nirmal Nathan makes during nose-reshaping surgery are permanent.
The Risks and Possible Complications of an African American Rhinoplasty
All surgical procedures have their own risks and possible complications.
Possible complications associated with an ethnic nose-reshaping procedure include:
- The onset of an infection.
- A negative reaction to the products or medications that Dr. Nathan uses during surgery.
- Uneven nostrils.
- A nasal cavity obstruction.
- Visible scarring.
- Excess bleeding.
- Skin necrosis.
- The need for revision surgery.
- Septal perforation.
Ethnic nose-reshaping procedures are technically challenging, which is why the surgeon performing this procedure must have the skill, insight and experience necessary to make the nose modifications the patient desires. Dr. Nirmal Nathan is a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami who dedicates himself to helping men and women of all ethnicities attain the facial features they desire.
How Much Does an African American Rhinoplasty With Dr. Nathan in Miami Cost?
To determine how much an ethnic rhinoplasty costs, Dr. Nirmal Nathan needs to find out what modifications the individual desires, as well as examine his or her nose.
Does Health Insurance Cover an African American Rhinoplasty?
Nose surgery that concentrates on changing the appearance of the nose is not medically necessary, and therefore, health insurance does not cover a rhinoplasty. Nonetheless, if Dr. Nathan performs a septoplasty to address breathing issues resulting from a deviated septum during the same surgical session (i.e., a septorhinoplasty), health insurance may cover the septoplasty portion of the patient’s septorhinoplasty procedure.
Patients who want to try to claim a portion of their septorhinoplasty on their health insurance need to call their insurance company ahead of time. During this conversation, patients should ask what information they need to provide to increase the likelihood of the insurance covering their septoplasty (e.g., a letter stating that the septoplasty is medically necessary).
Individuals in and around Miami who would like to learn more about the ethnic rhinoplasty procedure for African Americans should call The Nathan Clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nirmal Nathan. Dr. Nathan is a board-certified, plastic surgeon in Miami who, due to his skill, dedication, experience and artistic vision, is highly regarded by his peers and his patients. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Nirmal Nathan today by calling 305-530-8880. The address for The Nathan Clinic in Miami is 4770 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite #830.
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