Negroid noses are a type of nose characteristic of people of African descent or Afro-descendants. They have a unique bony and cartilaginous structure that differs from the noses of other ethnicities. Generally, the features of this type of nose include: a wider base, a more rounded tip with less projection, wider nostrils (nasal wings), and a shorter nasal floor.
The nasal dorsum can be straight, but is often wide and flat. The columella, the part that separates the two nostrils, is usually short and has little projection due to the lesser cartilaginous support of the tip. The thickness of the skin covering the Negroid nose is also often greater than in other types of noses, which presents an additional technical challenge in achieving a more refined appearance after surgery. Additionally, the alar and septal cartilages tend to be more flexible and delicate, requiring specific structural reinforcement strategies. The nasal bone is often shorter and wider, and the soft tissues are more abundant, factors that directly influence surgical planning.
It is important to remember that the Negroid nose is a natural and beautiful characteristic that is part of the cultural identity of many people. However, when there is a desire to modify the appearance for aesthetic or functional reasons, it is essential to have an experienced and specialized plastic surgeon in ethnic rhinoplasty to ensure a result that respects the patient's identity — and does not impose standards from other ethnicities.
I have over twenty years of experience in nose surgery for Afro-descendants and I use the most advanced and current techniques, including autologous cartilage grafts and structured rhinoplasty, to achieve the best possible results for each case. I am a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery and lead a medical team dedicated to all types of facial surgery. My approach always prioritizes a natural and harmonious result, preserving the ethnic traits of the patient. I use techniques such as alarplasty for refining the nasal base, septal extension with graft (*septal extension graft*) for tip projection, and *spreader grafts* for dorsal support — always respecting individual anatomy.
Rhinoplasty for a Negroid nose is a highly specialized procedure that requires a specific approach and advanced technique. The unique structure of the nose of African origin makes the surgery more complex than a conventional rhinoplasty. I trained in the United States specifically to offer my patients the best aesthetic and functional approach in this surgery.
During rhinoplasty in a Negroid nose, I work to create a stronger and more defined nasal structure — this is what we call structured rhinoplasty. This may involve creating nasal supports using cartilage from the patient's own body, such as the nasal septum, or cartilage from other areas, such as the ear or rib. The use of autologous cartilage is often necessary to define and support the nasal tip and create a more refined and stable profile in the long term.
If the nasal septum is not available in sufficient quantity, I usually opt for rib cartilage grafting. Although this procedure is more complex, it may be the best option for patients who need a larger amount of cartilage to achieve the desired result. Rib cartilage allows for the creation of robust grafts such as the *columellar strut*, *cap graft*, and *shield graft*, essential for defining and projecting the nasal tip in a lasting way. I discuss with each patient all available options to define together the best approach.
As mentioned, the skin covering the Negroid nose is generally thicker and oilier, which can make it more difficult to achieve a refined appearance after rhinoplasty. I use de-greasing techniques with scissors to reduce subcutaneous tissue and create a more defined appearance. It is important to emphasize that, in thicker skins, postoperative inflammation tends to be more prolonged, and the final result may take up to twelve months to fully consolidate.
During the consultation, I perform a complete evaluation of the nose and consider all the details that can be improved, which vary according to the characteristics of each case. This includes the appearance of the nose — height of the bridge and tip, length, width of the nose, tip and nostrils, base of the nasal wings — as well as the presence or absence of nasal deviations and skin thickness.
I also assess the support of the tip, the presence of asymmetries or deformities, and all the functional aspects of the nose, such as septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy. I also consider the profile of the face to ensure that the enhanced nose harmonizes with the patient's face, respecting their ethnic traits.
I discuss with the patient their health conditions, assess their breathing, and present in detail the possibilities for improvement that the surgery can provide. To help visualize the result, I usually show photos of surgeries I have performed on similar cases.
In summary, my consultation for ethnic rhinoplasty is thorough and meticulous, evaluating all the details of the nose and considering functional and aesthetic aspects to provide a satisfactory and harmonious result.
Before the surgery, a follow-up consultation is necessary so that I can check the results of the tests and take the photos that will be used during the surgery. If there are any changes in the tests, I prescribe medications to correct them or request additional tests to ensure the maximum safety of the procedure.
This step is essential for the surgery to occur without complications, allowing for a precise and detailed view of the nose before the operation. I prioritize maximum safety and effectiveness in all procedures, ensuring that my patients can undergo the surgery with peace of mind.
Ethnic rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in a surgical center. The surgery can be open or closed, but for noses of African descent, I have preferred the open structured technique, which allows for better visualization of the nasal structures and greater precision in the grafts. During the procedure, the surgical plan outlined in the consultation and the photos taken during the pre-operative follow-up are hung in the operating room, serving as a guide to ensure that everything goes as planned.
Open rhinoplasty begins with an incision in the columella, which usually does not leave a very noticeable scar. Next, the tip and the rest of the nose are dissected using scissors.
If the nasal bridge is short and low, this part is usually augmented with cartilage graft. In some cases, fracturing helps to slightly elevate a low bridge. The cartilage is chipped at the end of the surgery in the form of microchips and delicately placed on the bridge to augment it.
If there is a deviation or the need to remove a part of the septum for grafting, I dissect the septum and remove the necessary portion. When there is a very large deviation, it is possible to remove up to 95% to prevent recurrence of the septal deviation. In these cases, the structure for the bridge and tip is rebuilt from scratch, which can be sized to improve both breathing and the projection of the nasal tip.
After treating the deviation, the internal nasal valve is closed, restoring the previous anatomy.
A wide nose often requires fracturing to narrow it and improve nasal aesthetics. The fracture does not reduce airflow, as it is performed in a high area, while airflow occurs mainly through the lower internal part.
This can be performed to increase the length of the nose, supporting the tip and achieving a natural and harmonious result. Septal extension may be necessary depending on the type of case and helps define the tip.
It is at this stage that the support of the tip is performed, excess alar tissue is removed, the knees are sutured, and alar cartilage is used at the tip. In other words, in the process of rhinoplasty on African American noses, a refinement of the tip is performed through sutures and grafts.
This is the part where the skin is closed, approaching the end of the surgery.
When there is breathing difficulty, it may be necessary to open space for airflow through the morselization of the turbinates. For this, I use a device that opens the airway and moves the turbinates laterally, in a physiological and effective manner.
If the nostrils are too open, they can be closed with a small cut on the inferolateral part of them. The scar, like that of the columella, usually has very good quality in the post-operative period.
The recovery is quick and practically painless. I advise my patients to sleep on their backs for a month, avoid physical exertion, and refrain from wearing glasses for two months. The harmonious and natural result is usually visible within the first few weeks, but the final result appears only after about a year, as it is over time that the reduction of swelling and improvement of healing refine the nose. In thicker skins, typical of African American noses, this process may take a little longer, but the results are very rewarding.
Schedule your consultation for ethnic rhinoplasty in Londrina. I perform aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty, and I can help you improve the appearance of your nose as well as breathe better. Contact the Zamarian Clinic now and speak with one of our receptionists, who will be happy to schedule your evaluation and answer any questions.
Also learn about ethnic rhinoplasty (dedicated page), revision rhinoplasty, ultrasonic rhinoplasty, rhinoseptoplasty, and male rhinoplasty. Mentoplasty can complement the harmony of the profile. See information about the investment.
Plastic Surgeon in Londrina - Brazil
Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil
In my experience of over twenty years, the Afro-descendant nose presents unique challenges: the base is wider, the tip has less projection and support, the cartilages are more flexible and delicate, and the skin is thicker and oilier. All of this requires a structured approach with cartilage grafts to create the support that the nose needs. I trained in the United States specifically to master these specific techniques.
My first option is always the cartilage from the patient's nasal septum. When the septum does not provide enough quantity, I usually opt for rib cartilage grafts, which allow me to create robust grafts such as the columellar strut, cap graft, and shield graft. I discuss all available options with each patient to define together the best approach.
Not at all. My approach always prioritizes a natural and harmonious result, preserving the ethnic traits of the patient. I do not seek to impose standards from other ethnicities — the goal is to refine and improve the aesthetics of the nose in harmony with each person's face, respecting their identity.
I use de-fatting techniques with scissors to reduce the subcutaneous tissue and create a more defined appearance, without external scars or changes in pigmentation. There is no reliable technique to thin the skin directly, but reducing the fat beneath it already produces significant refinement.
The harmonious and natural result is usually visible within the first few weeks, but the final result appears only after about a year. In thicker skin, typical of Afro-descendant noses, this process may take a little longer, as the reduction of swelling and improvement in healing gradually refine the nose.
Yes. I perform aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty in the same surgery. I can treat septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, and problems with the internal nasal valve simultaneously, significantly improving the patient's respiratory function.
The recovery is quick and practically painless. I advise my patients to sleep on their backs for a month, avoid physical exertion, and refrain from wearing glasses for two months. Most patients return to normal activities in about two weeks.
Yes. When the nostrils are too wide, I perform alarplasty — a small incision on the inferolateral part of the nostrils to reduce them. The scar usually has very good quality postoperatively and becomes practically imperceptible over time.
For noses of African descent, I have preferred the structured open technique, which allows better visualization of the nasal structures and greater precision in grafts. The incision is made on the columella and usually heals in a practically invisible manner.
During the consultation, I conduct a complete evaluation of the nose — height of the dorsum, projection of the tip, width, thickness of the skin, deviations, support, and respiratory function. I also consider the profile of the face to ensure harmony. I show photos of surgeries I have performed on similar cases and discuss in detail the possibilities for improvement that the surgery can provide.
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