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Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Ethnic Rhinoplasty in San Antonio with Dr. Jose Barrera of the Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery

Change your nose and preserve your ethnic identity. Dr. Jose Barrera, MD a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and one of the leading experts in ethnic rhinoplasty in San Antonio, specializes in this complex and delicate nasal refinement procedure.

Meeting with Dr. Barrera for your ethnic rhinoplasty consultation is an unparalleled opportunity to explore facial plastic surgery with one of the highly regarded surgeons in the field. Dr. Barrera is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and as an active duty surgeon, has served as Chairman of Otolaryngology and Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. Dr. Barrera now offers his rhinoplasty services to men and women across Texas and the United States. 

Dr. Barrera will share his insight gleaned from decades in the medical field as he answers questions, offers treatment recommendations, and helps you discover your best look. If you’re thinking about ethnic rhinoplasty, come meet with Dr. Barrera. While many of our patients come from the South and Central Texas area and Rio Grande Valley, we help many patients traveling from other states by arranging virtual consultations via Skype and can recommend local lodging accommodations. Fly into San Antonio International Airport and arrive at Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery with a 15- minute Uber or Taxicab drive.

You can get your initial nose job questions answered when you call us at 210-468-5426. Dr. Barrera provides his best insights about your nose via a one-on-one consultation at Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery.

How to Preserve Your Ethnicity When Undergoing Rhinoplasty

In the early days of rhinoplasty, the goal was typically a very European nose. While this standard type of rhinoplasty is still popular, it is no longer the only option. Ethnic rhinoplasty (also known as “ethnic nose job”) is our solution for patients seeking to preserve their ethnic identity while refining their noses.

You’ll find beautiful noses around the world and ethnic rhinoplasty brings a diversity in nasal shape to the rhinoplasty field. This specialized procedure crafts a nasal appearance that is consistent with a patient’s genetic heritage while removing undesirable shapes and enhancing nasal function. We remove bumps, humps, and deviations without compromising a patient’s unique look.

San Antonio is a city known for its diversity, and as one of the top rhinoplasty providers in Texas, Dr. Barrera has the opportunity to perform ethnic rhinoplasty on men and women from around the world. Many of our patients have ethnic roots in Mexico and South America. We’ve also worked with countless patients with cultural backgrounds from around the world. Dr. Barrera specializes in Hispanic rhinoplasty, African rhinoplasty, Middle Eastern rhinoplasty, and Asian rhinoplasty.

Our ethnic rhinoplasty patients are proud of their heritage and are seeking refinements in both form and function. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Barrera to learn how you can achieve your rhinoplasty goals.

watch Dr. Barrera's webinar on Ethnic Rhinoplasty at Stanford University:

Form and Function: What Can Rhinoplasty Do for You?

Rhinoplasty offers patients both cosmetic and functional benefits. This procedure is best known for altering nasal appearance, but that is only a portion of what nasal surgery can achieve. Functional and breathing improvements after this procedure can change lives, dramatically enhancing well-being and often alleviating uncomfortable symptoms associated with airway obstruction. The social and emotional benefits of this procedure run deep. Our patients report high satisfaction rates, stemming from dramatic improvement in both appearance and breathing.

As a board-certified otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon), Dr. Barrera never sacrifices function to achieve any perceived notion of beauty. During his residency in otolaryngology, he won a research grant to study head and neck cancer. Recognized by George Washington University for this and other work, he won the Arthur S. Fleming Scientific Award, the Department of Defense Surgeon of the Year and Top Research Award. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 cosmetic providers in the United States by Realself.com.

see more before and afters

How does rhinoplasty achieve these benefits? During the procedure, Dr. Barrera carefully shapes the bone and cartilage of the nose. Throughout the procedure, he pays careful attention to the nose’s appearance and the airway. Cosmetic changes can impact breathing and functional changes can affect appearance. We emphasize aesthetic results while always reconstructing and maintaining the airway. Balancing both form and function is essential for a successful rhinoplasty procedure.

Common benefits after ethnic rhinoplasty include:

  • Nasal hump or bump removal
  • Tip refinement
  • Repair of damage from past nasal trauma or traumatic injury
  • Improvement to breathing
  • Enhancement to ethnic features and appearance
  • Improvement to facial symmetry and balance
  • Repair of structural defects or nasal deficiencies

Look and breathe at your best after your ethnic rhinoplasty in San Antonio, TX.

Your Ethnic Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. Jose Barrera, Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgery consultations are standard in aesthetic medicine, but few providers offer a consultation as robust and comprehensive as Dr. Barrera. As a triple board-certified surgeon, holding board-certifications in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Sleep Medicine/Sleep Surgery, he is uniquely qualified to offer patients insight into aesthetics, airway, breathing, and sleep. Our consultations incorporate Dr. Barrera’s many skillsets to provide patients with a comprehensive look at the aesthetic results we can 

achieve and the quality of life benefits that may accompany this procedure. We’ll walk you through the procedure in depth while utilizing the latest technologies to provide visualizations of potential results.

Information is an essential part of our consultations, as is beginning a relationship with Dr. Barrera. We believe that the best surgical results are built on a foundation of trust and communication. Our consultations facilitate this process by encouraging open interaction between surgeon and patient. The nose and face are complex and we imagine you have complex questions. We always leave plenty of time for questions and answers during our patient consultations.

Before & After Photos

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Cost and What to Expect from Rhinoplasty Surgery in Texas

Dr. Barrera is one of the best-qualified rhinoplasty surgeons in Texas and a world-renowned rhinoplasty expert. He has published more than 40 articles, many in peer-reviewed medical publications, about rhinoplasty and facial surgery techniques.

Dr. Barrera is confident with both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques, choosing the option that will best facilitate your ideal results. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Barrera will recommend which technique is best and discuss the cost of the procedure based on your individual needs.

Our ethnic rhinoplasty procedures are always performed in an AAAASF accredited surgical facility equipped with the latest advances in plastic surgery. We only use board-certified anesthesiologists.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty Recovery

Recovery is a patient’s most important job during the rhinoplasty process. Dr. Barrera will work meticulously in the operating room to create smooth and natural-looking results. During recovery, it is important to carefully follow recovery instructions provided by Dr. Barrera.

We’ll provide detailed recovery information before your ethnic rhinoplasty that may include tips like:

  • Don’t blow your nose until instructed.
  • Ice the nose and eye area with crushed ice for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • Change dressings under the nose regularly.
  • Do not disturb the nasal cast. It will be removed in-office and is typically worn for approximately 1 week.
  • Avoid strenuous activities for at least 3 weeks.
  • Rest more than you usually do.
  • Sleep with your head elevated for at least 2-3 weeks.
  • Do not wear glasses or sunglasses that rest on the nose for at least 8 weeks. If you wear glasses, we’ll show you how to tape them to the forehead to avoid nasal pressure. Contacts can be worn a few days after surgery.
  • Avoid the sun and tanning lamps for at least 6 weeks. Sun causes swelling and possibly discoloration.
  • Take your medications as instructed, starting the day before surgery.

Tenderness, bruising, and swelling are expected and will be experienced by most patients during the recovery process. With proper care, most patients feel dramatically better within several days and are back to many daily activities in 1-2 weeks after ethnic rhinoplasty.

In general, 50% of swelling goes away after one month with proper care of the nose. Swelling diminishes about 70% after 3 months and 90% after one year.

Call Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery to book your ethnic rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Barrera, Stanford University Fellowship trained and board-certified facial plastic surgeon and expert in ethnic rhinoplasty.

FAQs About Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty surgery involves similar incisions, approaches, and techniques. Ethnic variations exist in different ethnic groups that must be recognized as it is important to the patient. African American rhinoplasty involve reconstructing a wider nasal base and lack of rigidity in the alar cartilage. Similarly, Latinos may present with wide cartilages and a wide nasal base. Asian rhinoplasty may involve augmenting the dorsum of the nose. Middle Eastern noses frequently have strong rigid alar cartilages and an overprojecting dorsum or hump. 

The goal of ethnic rhinoplasty is similar to the goal of every rhinoplasty. An aesthetic pleasing and symmetric nose. Skin thickness evaluation is a critical part of the rhinoplasty assessment. Thick skin is often inelastic and requires structural support. Thin skin can show small imperfections which can result in postoperative contour deformities. The goal is to have a natural dorsal aesthetic line and nasal tip refinement.

Ethnic rhinoplasty results should look natural. Over-resection of the alar cartilages and excessive hump take down can make the nose look over-resected and overdone. 

While facial plastic surgeons are specifically trained to perform rhinoplasty, knowledge and experience separate those surgeons with the best results. Dr. Barrera has performed over 800 rhinoplasty surgeries. His practice specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty for Hispanic or Latino patients and frequently performs surgery on African-American, Asian, and Middle Eastern noses. 

A consultation is necessary before considering ethnic rhinoplasty. Although we offer zoom consultation and telemedicine visits, a proper examination is necessary to assess the patient’s goals, nasal tip recoil, septal cartilage deviations leading to nasal obstruction, nasal valve abnormlaties, allergy and congestion, dorsal hump irregularities, and the need for alar reduction surgery. 

Dr. Barrera’s practice specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty; specifically, the correction of aesthetic abnormalities and nasal obstruction. During the evaluation, Dr. Barrera will assess the thickness of the skin, tip recoil, nasal spine relationship to the septum, and septal deviation or perforation. He will elicit your history of previous surgery, autoimmune disorders, and medication history. Nasal obstruction will be assessed   and when necessary nasal endoscopy will be performed to evaluate for allergy, turbinate hypertrophy, chronic sinusitis, septal deflections and synechiae.  Photography will be performed and when needed a morphing simulation of the nose can be performed for the patient. A surgical plan will be created and realistic goals will be discussed. In addition, chin position relative to the Gonzalez Ulloa line is addressed for patients with microgenia, micrognathia, and retrognathia. 

RISKS OF SEPTORHINOPLASTY AND TURBINATE REDUCTION SURGERY
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of tip rhinoplasty surgery.
 
Bleeding: It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Intraoperative blood transfusions may be required. Should postoperative bleeding occur, it may require an emergency treatment to drain the accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Hypertension (high blood pressure) that is not under good medical control may cause bleeding during or after surgery. Accumulations of blood under the skin may delay healing and cause scarring. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before or after surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding. Nonprescription “herbs” and dietary supplements can increase the risk of surgical bleeding. Hematoma can occur at any time following injury. If blood transfusions are necessary to treat blood loss, there is the risk of blood related infections such as hepatitis and HIV (AIDS). Heparin medications that are used to prevent blood clots in veins can produce bleeding and decreased blood platelets.
 
Infection: Infection is unusual after surgery. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics, hospitalization, or additional surgery may be necessary. Cartilage grafts, if used, may require removal should an infection occur.
 
Scarring: All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than the surrounding skin tone. Scar appearance may also vary within the same scar. Scars may be asymmetrical. There is the possibility of visible marks in the skin from sutures. In some cases scars may require surgical revision or treatment.
 
Damage to Deeper Structures: There is the potential for injury to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, and lungs (pneumothorax) during any surgical procedure. The potential for this to occur varies according to the type of tip rhinoplasty procedure being performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.
 
Change in Skin Sensation: It is common to experience diminished (or loss) of skin sensation in areas that have had surgery. There is the potential for permanent numbness within the nasal skin after tip rhinoplasty. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Diminished (or loss) of skin sensation in the nasal area may not totally resolve after tip rhinoptasty.
 
Asymmetry: The human face is normally asymmetrical. There can be a variation from one side to the other in the results obtained from rhinoplasty. Additional surgery may be necessary to attempt to revise asymmetry.
 
Cartilage Grafts: Cartilage grafts may be needed if the goal of surgery is to change the projection of the nasal tip. These grafts can be obtained from donor locations within the nose (nasal septum), from other parts of the body, or from tissue banks. Complications including nasal septal perforation may occur from the procurement of cartilage graft material. More than one location may be needed in order to obtain sufficient amounts of cartilage.
 
Skin Discoloration/Swelling: Some bruising and swelling normally occurs following tip rhinoplasty. The skin in or near the surgical site can appear either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Although uncommon, swelling and skin discoloration may persist for long periods of time and, in rare situations, may be permanent.
 
Seroma: Fluid accumulations infrequently occur in between the skin and the underlying tissues. Should this problem occur, it may require additional procedures for drainage of fluid.
 
Pain: You will experience pain after your surgery. Pain of varying intensity and duration may occur and persist after tip rhinoplasty. Chronic pain may occur very infrequently from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue.
 
Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents have been reported. Serious systemic reactions including shock (anaphylaxis) may occur to drugs used during surgery and prescription medications. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.
 
Delayed Healing: Fracture disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the nose may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal. Areas of skin may die. This may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue. Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.
 
Skin Sensitivity: Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur after surgery  Usually this resolves during healing, but in rare situations it may be chronic.
 
Nasal Septal: Perforation Rarely, a hole in the nasal septum will develop. Additional surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the nasal septum. In some cases, it may be impossible to correct this complication.
 
Nasal Airway Alterations: Changes may occur after a tip rhinoplasty or septoplasty operation that may interfere with normal passage of air through the nose.
 
Surgical Anesthesia: Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation.
 
Skin Contour Irregularities: Contour irregularities may occur. Residual skin irregularities at the ends of the incisions or “dog ears” are always a possibility and may require additional surgery. This may improve with time, or it can be surgically corrected. 
 
Sutures: Most surgical techniques use deep sutures. You may notice these sutures after your surgery. Sutures may spontaneously poke through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that requires removal.
 
Unsatisfactory Result: Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained. You may be disappointed with the results of tip rhinoplasty surgery. This would include risks such as asymmetry, loss of function, structural malposition, unacceptable visible or tactile deformities, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, poor healing, wound disruption, and loss of sensation. It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to attempt to improve your results.
 
Shock: In rare circumstances, your surgical procedure can cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple or extensive procedures are performed. Although serious complications are infrequent, infections or excessive fluid loss can lead to severe illness and even death. If surgical shock occurs, hospitalization and additional treatment would be necessary.
 
Cardiac and Pulmonary Complications: Surgery, especially longer procedures, may be associated with the formation of, or increase in, blood clots in the venous system. Pulmonary complications may occur secondarily to both blood clots (pulmonary emboli), fat deposits (fat emboli) or partial collapse of the lungs after general anesthesia. Pulmonary and fat emboli can be life threatening or fatal in some circumstances. Air travel, inactivity and other conditions may increase the incidence of blood clots traveling to the lungs causing a major blood clot that may result in death. It is important to discuss with your physician any past history of blood clots or swollen legs that may contribute to this condition. Cardiac complications are a risk with any surgery and anesthesia, even in patients without symptoms. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
Smoking, Second-Hand Smoke Exposure, Nicotine Products (Patch, Gum, Nasal Spray) Patients who are currently smoking, use tobacco products, or nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray) are at a greater risk for significant surgical complications of skin dying, delayed healing, and additional scarring. Individuals exposed to secondhand smoke are also at potential risk for similar complications attributable to nicotine exposure. Additionally, smoking may have a significant negative effect on anesthesia and recovery from anesthesia, with coughing and possibly increased bleeding. Individuals who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine-containing products have a significantly lower risk of this type of complication.
Mental Health Disorders and Elective Surgery It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection. Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable, may require additional surgery and often are stressful. Please openly discuss with your surgeon, prior to surgery, any history that you may have of significant emotional depression or mental health disorders. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective surgery, effects on mental health cannot be accurately predicted.
 
Medications There are many adverse reactions that occur as the result of taking over-the-counter, herbal, and/or prescription medications. Be sure to check with your physician about any drug interactions that may exist with medications which you are already taking. If you have an adverse reaction, stop the drugs immediately and call your plastic surgeon for further instructions. If the reaction is severe, go immediately to the nearest emergency room. When taking the prescribed pain medications after surgery, realize that they can affect your thought process and coordination. Do not drive, do not operate complex equipment, do not make any important decisions, and do not drink any alcohol while taking these medications. Be sure to take your prescribed medication only as directed.
 
ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY – There are many variable conditions that may influence the long-term result from tip rhinoplasty surgery. Secondary surgery may be necessary to obtain optimal results. Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are particularly associated with tip rhinoplasty surgery. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure.
 
PATIENT COMPLIANCE – Follow all physician instructions carefully; this is essential for the success of your outcome. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Personal and vocational activity needs to be restricted. Protective dressings and splints should not be removed unless instructed by your plastic surgeon. Successful postoperative function depends on both surgery and subsequent care. Physical activity that increases your pulse or heart rate may cause bruising, swelling, fluid accumulation and the need for return to surgery. It is wise to refrain from intimate physical activities after surgery until your physician states it is safe. It is important that you participate in follow-up care, return for aftercare, and promote your recovery after surgery.

Rhinoplasty recovery involves a one week long convalescent period whereby an external cast will be worn and possibly an internal Doyle splint. During this week, the patient is asked to irrigate the nose with a Neil-Med sinus rinse bottle containing hypertonic saline. The incisions are kept clean and aquaphor or Skinceutical Hydrabalm is used for the nostril incision and the columella incisions. Swelling is present for the first year. After 3 – 6 months, 50% of the swelling diminishes. The nose is near complete at one year. 

Long-Term Results: Subsequent alterations in nasal appearance may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, sun exposure, pregnancy, menopause, or other circumstances not related to tip rhinoplasty surgery. Future surgery or other treatments may be necessary

Patients can return to work after one week after ethnic rhinoplasty. It is recommended not to lift greater than 10 lbs for 3 weeks. 

Travel after ethnic rhinoplasty is possible. Splints and sutures must be removed after one week. San Antonio is a friendly tourist city in Texas. Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery and Dr. Barrera’s plastic surgery clinic is a 15 minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport. We will help out of town patients find local hotel accommodations for their preoperative and perioperative recovery in San Antonio, Texas.

Ethnic rhinoplasty is often performed with other facial rejuvenation treatments such as lip fillers, botox, facial fillers, and laser. Other surgeries performed with ethnic rhinoplasty includes facelift and browlift surgery, bleparoplasty, chin augmentation, and neck lift procedures. 

 Ethnic rhinoplasty cost in San Antonio varies between $5000 to $15,000. The determining factor in cost is the surgeon’s fee, OR facility fee, need for septal or costal rib cartilage for reconstruction, need for additional grafts for onlay augmentation, and anesthesia fees. Our team at Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery will provide you with a customized estimate of fees after your consultation.

Preservation rhinoplasty has emerged as a newer technique to address the dorsal hump and minimize irregularities and boney regrowth at the rhinion of the nose. Dr. Barrera is a leading rhinoplasty in the United States specializing in Preservation Rhinoplasty. In his practice, Dr. Barrera performs several preservation rhinoplasty procedures every month. Dr. Barrera combines the “Let Down” Procedure and structural rhinoplasty techniques with controlled osteotomies using state of the art Piezo Ultrasonic reduction of the nasal bones. Osteotomies in combination with cartilage grafting is performed to obtain the desired slope of the nose. Crooked noses may require additional osteotomies, septal extension grafts, or spreader grafting. 

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