Iranian Rhinoplasty: A Question of Ethnicity
By: Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS
When it comes to the issue of rhinoplasty, procedures continue to grow and evolve – much as your own nose does over time. Today we’ll take a look at rhinoplasty procedures performed on Iranian-Americans; in this article you will learn:
What is Iranian Rhinoplasty?
Iranian Rhinoplasty actually falls under the broader category of Ethnic Rhinoplasty, which has become more popular lately as patients seek to become more comfortable with their noses or, in some cases, more Westernized. Some ethnicities have nasal characteristics that are unique to each race. The differences in the way certain ethnic characteristics of the nose such as African-American, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or Asian determines the unique approach and techniques used by the plastic surgeon.
In practice and procedure, even in results, Iranian Rhinoplasty (or Middle Eastern Rhinoplasty) is often most similar to Indian Rhinoplasty, in which the following characteristics might be altered during the procedure:
- The tip of the nose may be wider, poorly defined, droopy and/or over-projected than the patient feels comfortable with
- Skin may be thicker as well
- Nostrils may be wider
- Bridge may have a “hump” that draws attention
In the past, all patients regardless of their ethnic origin were treated with the same rhinoplasty techniques resulting in poor results with un-natural aesthetics. The patient’s ethnicity must play a critical role in the rhinoplasty approach as well the ultimate aesthetic objectives. During your consultation, make sure to go over your overall goals with your treating physician in detail in order to better serve your specific wishes.
How is it performed?
The procedure is performed much as a regular rhinoplasty might be, with specific modifications to address the issues particular to the ethnicity in question (wider nostrils, larger dorsal hump, elongated and droopy nasal tip, etc.), in this case specific to the Iranian (or Middle Eastern) Rhinoplasty. Your surgeon must be cognizant of all these factors and must have specialization and expertise in Iranian Rhinoplasty.
Beginning with hidden incisions, the physician proceeds with various aspects of the procedure specific to the patient’s desires, such as creating better definition and angulation to the tip, creating a straight and balanced nasal bridge and evening out wide nostrils. Most Iranians desire a straight profile that softly transitions into a defined nasal tip. The “scooped” out nose of the 1980s created an unnatural appearance that draws unwanted attention to the nose.
For Iranian patients wanting a smoother, more defined nasal tip, the rhinoplasty surgeon should only reshape the delicate tip cartilages. In the hands of inexperienced plastic surgeons, excessive cartilage removal can lead to significant loss of tip support leading to complications such as “pinched tip deformity”, “bossae” formation (buckling of the tip cartilage), and external nasal valve collapse. In fact, very little cartilage should be removed and in some cases cartilage might be added if the patient desires more definition at the tip of his or her nose.
In order to help the Middle Eastern nose appear more narrow, the plastic surgeon can work with the nose’s existing infrastructure by reshaping various nasal bones and actually resetting them in a more appripriate position.
What possible risks/side effects might occur?
As with all rhinoplasty procedures, Iranians who opt to undergo Rhinoplasty procedure might expect such risks as infection, bleeding, scarring and need for revisional surgery. In the hands of an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, these risks are limited. The patient should consider the surgeon’s experience, expertise and aesthetic eye. Rhinoplasty surgeons are almost always board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery or American Board of Plastic Surgery.
How long might recovery time last?
Iranian Rhinoplasty are typically outpatient procedures. You must have someone care for you for at least 72 hours after your surgery is done. A small splint is typically placed on the nose to bestow stabilization for one week. You will also have to have some stitches in place for a short period of time while the incisions heal. Recovery time for an Iranian Rhinoplasty can last anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks. The final results gradually become evident over the ensuing twelve months.
About the Author: Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is the Director of the Institute for Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and The Center for Facial & Nasal Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the country with an expertise in primary and revision rhinoplasty. He is the author of the upcoming textbook Master Techniques in Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and Beverly Hills Beauty Secrets.
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