African American Types of Noses
The cultural look
The Afro-American people have a distinctly platyrrhine nose, being broad and flat. The dorsum is flat while the tip sits low, closer to the lips, and rarely protrudes, being soft and round. The skin is normally thick.
The nostrils extend to the sides, frequently being flared and wide. The fleshy part on the outer of the nostrils, called the alar cartilage can attach to the cheek's skin directly or merge with a border/frame that extends from the centre of the nostrils, creating a circular shape.
History and reasons for surgery
Prior to the 90s a lot of skepticism and fear existed among the African American people with respect to rhinoplasty. People were afraid of losing their ethnic identity, fear of scarring, loss of skin color or getting darker patches of skin. Surgeons were also fearful of causing keloids during a procedure.
Since then surgical techniques have improved and much of the concern has disappeared. This has also been assisted by numerous famous persons undergoing successful procedures.
Rhinoplasty has been embraced and accepted in this culture as a way of enhancing people's appearance. Although the aim is not to lose that ethnic look and turn the nose into a Caucasian piece. Rather, these patients strive to preserve their cultural heritage by merely refining the shape to a more naturally flattering form.
Common procedures
Persons with typical African American nose types a mix of the following surgical treatments:
- Elevating the dorsum or bridge
- Narrowing the nostrils and tip
- Projecting the tip
- Reduce the width of the ala
- Removing cartilage to reduce pronounced curves
The tip and dorsum are usually heightened and reshaped with the use of implants or cartilage from the septum or the ear. Silicone implants can be used but own tissue is preferable to reduce the risk of rejection.
Famous persons with African American noses include: Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles, Condoleezza Rice, Mary J. Blige, Tyra Banks, James Earle Jones, Eddie Murphy and Will Smith.
