Hispanic RhinoplastyThere is perhaps no wider variety in rhinoplasty than in Hispanic patients. This variety parallels the diversity that is found throughout this population. I have vast experience in performing rhinoplasty on Hispanic patients, and have developed an advanced understanding the diversity in nasal anatomy that they possess.
Many Hispanic patients, especially those of more Spanish descent, tend to have thinner skin and anatomic similarities to Caucasian patients. Dorsal humps and turned-down (dependent) tips are common. These patients typically require less grafting, and there is more emphasis on re-structuring the nose. While I always emphasize that no two noses are the same, these surgeries tend to have a more straightforward plan. On the other hand, many Hispanic patients have thicker skin and weaker cartilage. As a result, they typically require more augmentation to produce visible changes under a thick skin envelope. While a patient with an extreme lack of cartilage structure may require costal (rib) cartilage for grafting, the majority of patients will benefit from grafts taken from nasal septal cartilage. In Hispanic patients, communication between surgeon and patient is critical. I have had more than a few patients who desire subtle changes and ask that their nose still ‘look Hispanic.’ Some patients do not want a radical change; rather, they are looking for subtle refinements that don’t strip away their ethnicity and heritage. I have this discussion with all of my Hispanic patients, and I strive to address these concerns. Too often, surgeons will perform rhinoplasty with a ‘cookie-cutter’ technique, which does a disservice to their patients. Personally, I have found that communication and a customized rhinoplasty approach have been keys to my success in the Hispanic population.
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