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What is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

While many plastic surgeons perform what they term “ethnic rhinoplasty,” to achieve a result that honors your background requires more than surgical skill – it demands artistry. A well-performed ethnic rhinoplasty does not create a “Westernized” nose, but a reshaped nose structure that brings out the best in your natural features. Dr. Michael Kim is recognized as a leading rhinoplasty surgeon in Portland. He can assist you to achieve a new nose shape that is balanced and in harmony with your other features, and remarkably natural in appearance.

Uniquely-tailored for each individual, our Portland ethnic rhinoplasty can change the size of the nose, reshape disproportionate nostrils, augment or reduce the nasal bridge, contour a boxy or bulbous nasal tip, and/or straighten an asymmetric nose while maintaining desired characteristics of one’s ethnicity.

Am I a Candidate for an Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

If you are unhappy with the nose nature gave you, and do not like some aspect of the shape, projection, or size, a custom ethnic rhinoplasty in Portland can be performed to bring your nose into natural balance with your other attractive features. The aesthetic problems that can be corrected with an ethnic rhinoplasty include:

  • Flat nose bridge
  • Hump on nose bridge
  • Hanging tip
  • Overlarge tip
  • Wide nostrils
  • Overlarge nose structure
  • Reduce bulbous nose tip
  • Refined nose shape
  • Reduce wide nose structure

How is an Ethnic Rhinoplasty Different?

To reshape the nose to be in harmony with your features requires a custom surgical plan, and poses some unique challenges, both artistically and surgically.

For some patients, bridge augmentation can create a more refined look by subtly building up a flat nose bridge with the use of cartilage harvested from another body area.

For a broader nose shape that requires narrowing to achieve more definition, it will be necessary to address the inner structure of the nose, narrowing the bridge for some patients, and creating a more refined appearance.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty FAQ

What should I expect at the consultation for ethnic rhinoplasty?

We’ll discuss your goals in detail, examine nasal structure and skin thickness, and review reference photos. Digital imaging may be used to explore balanced possibilities that preserve defining ethnic features. From there, a custom surgical plan is created to refine proportions—not overwrite identity.

Can ethnic rhinoplasty also improve breathing?

Yes. If internal structure contributes to obstruction (e.g., deviated septum or weak nasal valves), functional techniques can be incorporated during the same operation to enhance airflow while shaping the nose externally.

Where are the incisions, and will there be visible scars?

Most reshaping is performed through hidden incisions inside the nostrils. When additional precision is needed, a small incision across the columella (the skin between the nostrils) is used; it typically heals as a fine, hard-to-see line. If nostril narrowing is performed, tiny creased-edge incisions may be placed at the nostril base.

How long is recovery, and when will I see my final result?

Plan for about 1–2 weeks of social downtime while swelling and bruising resolve. Subtle refinement continues for months, especially at the tip—patients with thicker skin often see definition keep improving up to 12–18 months.

Is non-surgical (filler) rhinoplasty an option?

For select cases needing subtle bridge augmentation or minor asymmetry camouflage, injectables can offer a temporary preview. They cannot reduce size, refine cartilage, or improve breathing, and results require maintenance. Your consultation will clarify whether this approach suits your goals.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty in Portland

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