Are there limitations to what can be achieved when performing rhinoplasty on African Americans?

Yes, there can be some limitations when performing rhinoplasty on African Americans. First, the nasal skin is typically thicker and more sebaceous, thus limiting the amount of refinement of the nasal tip. Second, the nasal base is typically wider. In order to address this and flared nostrils, an excision is performed; however, there may be a risk of keloid formation. Third, there is typically a paucity of septal cartilage for structuring the nose in rhinoplasty; therefore, alternative sources of cartilage might be needed (ear or rib).

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.