Rhinoplasty in Latino Patients

Abstract

Rhinoplasty is the main facial plastic procedure performed in Latin America. Mestizo or Latino patients tend to have noses with thick skin, bulbous tips with poor projection, and flimsy osteocartilaginous underlying frameworks. A technique is presented in which structural grafts are used to strengthen support structures of the nose. A gradual approach is used to obtain tip definition, rotation, and projection using sutures and grafts. Simple techniques are used initially, progressing to more aggressive and less predictable ones in patients who require greater changes. The result should be noses that look more refined, with greater definition, but without looking bigger.

Keywords: Bulbous nasal tip; Ethnic rhinoplasty; Hispanic patient; Latino patient; Mesorrhine nose; Mestizo rhinoplasty; Thick skin.