- While we recognize that there is tremendous variability in every parameter of the African American noses: including nostril shape and flare, nasal length, skin thickness, columella length, nasal projection, and bridge height; numerous studies have shown that African American patients, on average, tend to have: 1. Weak, Short Tip Cartilages- results in tip looking short and droopy 2. Wider, Bulbous Nasal Tips 3. Wider Variability in Nostril Shape 4. Greater Nostril Flare (bigger nostril curvature)- makes tip look wide 5. Acute Nasolabial Angle- again can make tip look droopy 6. Thin, Weak Septal Cartilage- harder to support and refine nose 7. Wider, Lower Nasal Bridges- makes nose look wide and washed out 8. Thicker Skin- makes it more difficult to add tip definition and refinement 9. Excess Tissue in the Nasal Tip- resulting in poor tip definition With all of this being said, over the years we have found that the most challenging part in African American rhinoplasty is correcting the deficiency in tip projection in the face of a bulbous, amorphic tip with thick skin.
- Many of our African American patients who present for rhinoplasty feel that their nose is too wide, "too big," and undefined for their face.
- As a result, in this type of nose it is important to build up and add to the tip structure in order to not only provide adequate support but also to give lasting tip definition and refinement.
- And at the same tip we must recognize that most of our patients are seeking a thinner, more refined nasal tip that is not built up too much.
- In other words, the nose is at once short and wide.
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