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When most people refer to ethnic rhinoplasty, they’re talking about a rhinoplasty performed on people who are Asian, Indian, Indian-Asian, and people of color. However, a rhinoplasty is a rhinoplasty, but there are some differences in how they are performed on different people.

A rhinoplasty involves changing the infrastructure of the nose, the cartilages inferiorly, and the bones superiorly, to make them narrower, shorter, refined, and closer together, which changes the outer contour of the nose. In most cases, people want a small defined nose.

The difference between an ethnic rhinoplasty and a caucasian rhinoplasty comes down to the thickness of the skin. Some people might hear me talk about this and think I’m saying that caucasian skin is normal and ethnic skin is not normal, but I see everyone as a blend. So when someone comes into my office I look at their skin and nose structure on an individual basis and not based on race.

People with thicker skin need a different approach when it comes to rhinoplasty than those with thinner skin. To achieve narrowness and definition in a nose with thick skin we need to provide structure within. For someone with thinner skin, we perform somewhat of a reductive operation. So we’re either adding structure or reducing size, all to achieve the same purpose.

Asian, Indian, Indian-Asian, and people of color tend to have thicker skin on the face than caucasian people. However, many people are a mix or hybrid, so it really helps to have an initial consultation to determine your needs. I look at the strength of the cartilage, the thickness of the skin, and whether we are going to augment the tip. The skin at the tip of the nose is always the thickest part of the nose on everyone. 

I love doing rhinoplasty. In my practice of over  36 years, I’ve done over 6,500 rhinoplasties. It’s an operation I do almost every day of the week and I often do a few per day. I’d love to talk to you about your nose or anything else on your face that’s important to you. This is my passion. 

Call or email me for an in-person or virtual consultation. I look forward to seeing you.

Have questions?

Email Dr. Sykes at [email protected]

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About Dr. Jonathan Sykes

Dr. Jonathan Sykes is a world-famous expert plastic surgeon who performs all cosmetic and functional plastic surgery procedures on the face and neck. He is a past president of The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and served on their Board of Directors for over 10 years. He is also a Professor Emeritus in Facial Plastic Surgery from UC Davis Medical Center, and the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at that institution.

He is known as the expert’s expert, and is often called to consult and advise other plastic surgeons in both Northern California and Beverly Hills. He has a special interest in eyelid and browlift surgery, facial rejuvenation surgery including facelifts, and rhinoplasty. He also has a particular interest in facial feminization surgery. Have questions? Email Dr.Sykes at: [email protected]


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