In the past few decades, quite an increase in the popularity of Middle Eastern rhinoplasty has been seen. Modern medicine has made the nose job a very popular procedure. It seems that no area has experienced an increase in rhinoplasty surgeries quite like the Middle East. Nasal reconstruction has become very popular due to its ability to change the centerpiece of the face. Middle Eastern rhinoplasty has been popular for quite some time, but it became even more so after the Iran Revolution in 1979. Once women were required to wear the hijab, it became particularly important for them to put their best facial features forward. Iran has even been referred to as the Rhinoplasty Capital of the World.
Why is Rhinoplasty so Popular in the Middle East?
For many Middle Eastern women, it is a very important procedure since the hijab only allows them to show their faces when out in public. Following the Revolution of 1979, the hijab became mandatory. Women started wanting to exert control over the way their faces looked. This was done for several reasons including self-esteem, medical improvements, and even marriageability. In fact, the nose job surgery is such a status symbol in the Middle East that young girls begin showing off their nose bandages around the tender age of fourteen. Older women continue to wear their nose bandages as status symbols, up to two years after the surgery is completed. Even men are getting in on the act. They also want to experience the aesthetic value of a refined nose and regal profile.
Special Considerations of Middle Eastern Rhinoplasty
Middle Eastern rhinoplasty differs from other types of rhinoplasty due to the particular characteristics of the Middle Eastern ethnicity. The goal for rhinoplasty is always for the nose to fit beautifully in with the rest of the features of the face. However, other considerations are also important. Middle Eastern noses are often a large feature on the face in general. Other characteristics include a large crooked shape, large tip or large bumps in the nasal bridge area. Often the tip of the nose is not very well supported and looks more pronounced and droopy when the patient is smiling. This drooping tip can often make the bump in the bridge look more pronounced as well. Middle Eastern skin tends to be thicker than Caucasian skin and often does not drape over the newly refined bony nasal structures. This factor must be taken into account when surgeons are planning Middle Eastern rhinoplasties. Surgeons often must perform cartilage grafts or other procedures to build a stronger support under the tip to deal with the thicker skin. The tip actually ends up looking smaller after building a stronger framework underneath. Most importantly, the skill of the surgeon ensures that the patient maintains their cultural features and identity after the nose is refined.
Importance of Finding The Right Surgeon for Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Middle Eastern patients who are interested in rhinoplasty should find a surgeon who is experienced with Middle Eastern rhinoplasty. It is very important to find a qualified physician who understands the unique balance of refining and reshaping the nose while still ensuring patients retain the ethnic look that is so important to their heritage. During the consultation, the physician will examine the features of the nose and discuss all aspects of the surgery. Modern technology assists the physician in illustrating the expected results of the surgery. Computer programs can show patients before and after examples of what surgery is expected to accomplish. These programs can help the physician be sure that the patient has realistic expectations about the procedure. Other details such as cost, recuperation time and pain control will also be discussed at the consultation.
Dr. Andrew Frankel is a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon specializing in ethnic rhinoplasty. His busy practice, The Lasky Clinic, is located in Beverly Hills, California. In addition to his practice, he continues to participate in Food and Drug Administration trials as well as authoring various publications.