While patients of ethnic rhinoplastymay seek refinement of their noses, many patients seek to preserve their ethnicity.
The Difference Between Ethnic and WesternizingRhinoplasty
These two types of rhinoplasty are often confused, though they are actually opposite procedures. Ethnic rhinoplasty is a surgery patients of varying ethnicities (commonly African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern) undergo to change the look of the nose. Patients explain to Dr. Rubinstein that they do not wish to appear more Caucasian, but rather to refine existing characteristics. The goal is not to completely alter the look of the face through structural adjustments made to the nose, but rather to enhance the existing anatomy.
“Western” rhinoplasty, also commonly referred to as Caucasian Rhinoplasty, is requested but it is less common, and may be performed as part of a total treatment plan. For example, a patient may have surgery on their eyelids (blepharoplasty), nose (rhinoplasty), and cheeks for a full transformation.
Persuading a Person to Be Comfortable With Ethnic Facial Features
Members of an ethnic group may attempt to influence a rhinoplasty candidate’s decision. Often times, people will state they feel a person looks great just as he or she is. Such comments are intended to improve one’s self-esteem, though they can prove frustrating to patients who are not interested in sharing their reasoning with family and friends. The decision to undergo an ethnic rhinoplasty can be deeply personal. Adults are capable of making their own decisions, including the choice to undergo an elective surgery. It can be difficult to take another’s opinion into account when a decision does not directly impact them.
Changing the Norms of a Culture
Often times, minority groups who have struggled to live a life in the United States are composed of various age groups. Elders, in particular, may find the notion of plastic surgery to be a frivolous expense when simply obtaining the essentials proved difficult during their transition to this country. Some may feel that a person’s hard-earned money is best spent on savings or an education. While this concern is understandable, each of these goals can occur simultaneously, if a patient so chooses. Plastic surgeons offer financing plans, various ways to perform procedures which include non-surgical versions, and certain types of rhinoplasty may be covered by insurance, such as septoplasty or functional rhinoplasty.
It can be difficult for a person who feels scrutinized about his or her decision to undergo ethnic rhinoplasty to justify the desire for such a procedure. Patients should know it is perfectly acceptable to keep their wishes private. All humans seek to improve their looks in some way, be it shaving facial or body hair, styling and coloring the hair on their head, or the application of makeup. Electing to undergo a surgery is a very similar concept, though the results are more significant and permanent.
About Dr. Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has practiced in the Hudson Valley for a decade and-a-half.The doctor specializes in facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. Dr. Rubinstein’s is careful to ensure each patient has fully functional features with improved aesthetics.In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Rubinstein is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. His qualifications include dual board-certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Contact Dr. Rubinstein’s office at 845-863-1772, or through the practice’s Patient Contact Form.
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