Frequently asked questions concerning African American Rhinoplasty

What are the most common reasons African Americans seek nasal surgery?

• wide nostrils
• wide nasal tips
• flat noses
• lack of tip definition
• breathing problems

What is unique about the African American nose and nasal surgery?

• skin type prone to scarring
• an unatural look is poorly tolerated
• short nasal bones  can easily lead to complications if not appreciated and properly handled
• standard rhinoplasty measurements used for caucasians are not applicable
• thicker skin and delicate cartilages require special treatment
• very diverse facial features among African Americans require an individualized approach
• maintaining the African ethnic feature is of utmost importance

What are the techniques you use for the American American rhinoplasty?

• Reshaping the nostril without external scars
• Narrowing the tip without external scars
• Improving breathing while reshaping the nose
• Use of patients own tissue ( instead of artificial material) in the majority of cases
• Building up the nasal bridge with cartilage ( nasal, ear or rib cartilage)
• Narrowing the broad nose with micro-osteotomies using minimally invasive technique

  What should I expect during a rhinoplasty consultation?

Dr. Boahene trained at premiere instituitions and with expect plastic surgeons around the world. He brings this international perspective to his patients. Knowing that different patients have different features, he approaches each patient with an individaulized touch. " I take a personal interest in listening to and  educating my patients so that we can come formulate a plan that produces a natural looking result". Patients are adviced to come to their consultations with as much information as they can. Pictures of potential final results are helpful in directing conversation during the consultation. Your nose will be examined to determine your unique anatomic features that may need correction or refinement to ensure longterm stable results. Photographs will be taken and then morphed with a computer program so that you can have an idea how the final results may look like. International patients and others who live afar may start the consultation process on-line. To facilitate an on-line consultation, take clear digital photographs of the face focusing on the nose. The pictures are most helpful when taken against a bold colored background. Digital photographs for rhinoplasty should include a front , profife ( side) and base ( looking into the nostrils) views.

Before	After