Specialized African American Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)

/in , /by

The Art of Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs) for African Americans –

Just as people from different ethnic backgrounds typically have different hair texture, eye color or skin tone – people of different ethnicities also generally have different nasal shapes. Usually, though not always, men and women of African American descent have a shorter nose and/or a wider base of the nose, with so-called “flared” nostrils.

Ideals of beauty vary from culture to culture, from country to country to country, and even from decade to decade. It takes a talented rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Ali to understand how to enhance a patient’s natural beauty by restructuring the nose to complement the rest of the face, without erasing the ethnic heritage that makes you who you are.

In other words, it is important for African Americans to seek out a plastic surgeon who does not just “generalize” African rhinoplasty and give everyone a “Caucasian” nose.

An African American rhinoplasty specialist, like Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, will take a more personalized approach to rhinoplasty. For men and women of color, Dr. Ali will customize each patient’s nose job surgery to enhance their appearance without erasing “who they are.”

Considerations of African American Nose Jobs

Some of the distinct characteristics of African American noses are visible from the outside. However, there are also other differences that only the plastic surgeon sees within the nasal structure itself, below the surface. Because the anatomy of the nasal framework and nasal bones of African American patients can differ from other ethnicities, it is essential that the plastic surgeon understand these differences.

The cartilage in the “tip” of African Americans noses tends to be less prominent than in Caucasians or Asians. This smaller projection can result in a nose that is wider and nostrils that are “flared”. Surgeons using outdated techniques will sometimes implant a silicone or Gortex tips in Black patients who wish greater nasal ‘projection’. However, this is ill-advised. Synthetic implants often migrate and move over the years – and can even eventually poke through the skin. Most patients with implants will need to have them removed and/or revised at some point over time.

Instead of implants, Dr. Ali uses autologous grafts – which are cells taken from the patient’s own body to build the nasal bridge. These cells the become incorporated into the patient’s  nose, and therefore do not migrate – providing lifelong results.

Another consideration of Black nose jobs is care not to remove too much tissue in an attempt to make a nose smaller. Removing large amounts of nasal cartilage weakens the skeletal support, often resulting in deformity or complete collapse over time. An example of too much cartilage removal is Michael Jackson’s nose job – which left him with almost no nose at all!

Rather than removing cartilage, a skilled surgeon will preserve skeletal support by reshaping, repositioning, or reinforcing the tip cartilage, not removing it.

Nose Job Surgery and Black Skin

Additionally, the nasal skin of African American populations is often thicker as well as more prone to scarring than the skin of other ethnicities.  Dark-skinned people develop thick ‘keloid’ scars 15 times more frequently than lighter-skinned individuals. A skilled plastic surgeon will understand this – and take the steps to to ensure that there is no visible scarring.

Also, because the nasal bones of some black men and women have a more horizontal than vertical orientation, simply fracturing the nasal bones often will not allow them to be narrowed sufficiently. In these cases, the autologous tissue grafts discussed above are better for increasing the definition of the bridge of the nose. This process can build up a low nasal bridge and wider tip, to improve facial balance and proportion, without giving Black patients a nose that looks “out of place.”

See Your Nose Job Before Your Surgery with 3d Imaging

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only plastic surgery practices in the Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging. This revolutionary computerized imaging system provides a three-dimensional digital image of the patient’s nose from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you your nose shape options and expected outcomes before your rhinoplasty surgery!

With Vectra M2 3D patients can compare “before and after” nose job views side-by-side, so that they can see an approximation of the new nose shape and size that rhinoplasty surgery can deliver.

African American Nose Jobs (Rhinoplasty) Surgeon

Dr. Ali understands that one-size-fits-all never applies to beautiful noses. He will customize a rhinoplasty for you that offers the aesthetic alterations you desire, without erasing your important ethnic background.

Before performing an African American rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Ali will carefully examine your nasal structure and consult with you on the best course of action to ensure a naturally beautiful result – ensuring optimal harmony between the nose and the rest of your face, while preserving the natural beauty of your proud African American heritage.

Black Nose Job Specialist | Detroit Area: 248-335-7200

How Long Is Recovery After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

/in /by

Rhinoplasty Recovery FAQs

Rhinoplasty – more commonly called a “nose job” – is nasal reconstruction surgery that alters the shape of the nose. It is the most common facial plastic surgery procedure. – with more than 352,500 rhinoplasty surgeries performed in the United States every year.

Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their nose and would like to change the size, shape, wide or symmetry of it. When patients come to AMAE Plastic Surgery they have many questions – and the most frequent questions we are asked often center around the recovery period after rhinoplasty.

In this article, board-certified Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers patients’ questions about what to expect during rhinoplasty recovery.

How long does recovery take after rhinoplasty?

Recovery after any surgery will vary depending on the patient’s age and health, as well as how complex or extensive the surgery is. Dr. Ali will discuss the specifics of your rhinoplasty surgery. But the general timeline of what to expect after rhinoplasty is typically 2 to 3 weeks for immediate recover – followed by a year or more of internal healing.

In most cases, Dr. Ali will recommend taking a week off from work or school and any other activity following rhinoplasty. During this time period, patients will wear tape and a splint on the nose. After the first week stitches and the splint are removed, and the bruises under the eyes should mostly be gone.

After a week, most people are able to return to work or school – but the recovery process will continue for two or three weeks before patients can return to regular normal activities, including mild exercise. Strenuous activities, including harder workouts, should not be resumed for at least six weeks to allow proper healing to “sit in.”

However, the nasal bones and cartilage will remain delicate while they heal internally for a year or more. During this time period rhinoplasty surgery, patients should be cautious with their activities to not accidentally bump the nose. A blow to the nose can disrupt bone that has not fully set or damage internal incisions that have not fully healed.

Does the type of rhinoplasty affect recovery?

Yes, the length of the recovery period does depend on the type or “technique” of rhinoplasty used. There are two primary methods of performing nose job surgery: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty.

During open rhinoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision across the tissue that sits between the nostrils and connects the nasal tip to the nasal base (columella). During closed rhinoplasty, Dr. Ali uses an incision inside the nostril.

There will be more tip swelling in an open rhinoplasty than using the closed technique. However, the closed rhinoplasty is often necessary for tip refinement. Procedures performed on patients with thicker skin, those in need of cartilage graphs, or those requiring more extensive bone or cartilage work will also typically require a longer recovery period.

rhinoplasty surgery birmingham mi

Can patients do anything to speed up recovery time?

Preparing the body before undergoing rhinoplasty can help you heal faster. It is very important to stop taking medications that can contribute to bruising or bleeding, including blood-thinners, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, and fish oil.

Patients can also start taking arnica and bromelain a couple weeks before surgery through a couple week after rhinoplasty to decrease bruising and swelling.

And, of course, quitting smoking is essential. Smoking substantially increases the risk of complications after any surgery. Smoking compromises a patient’s immune system, delays healing, and increases the risk of infection at the surgical site.

When will I see my “new nose” after rhinoplasty surgery?

The most important thing to keep in mind when recovering from rhinoplasty surgery is patience. Patients will see changes in the nose immediately, and even more dramatic results will be seen after six weeks when about half of the swelling will be gone. But the final results typically take about a year, or more. As the swelling subsides, the nose may look a bit crooked or asymmetrical, but everything will completely even out after about a year.

Top Rhinoplasty Surgeon | Birmingham, MI

If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, call Birmingham Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali for a nose job evaluation and consultation.  He will explain your surgical options for correcting imperfections in your nasal contours – and ensure that you achieve the best possible rhinoplasty results!

Birmingham, MI Rhinoplasty Surgeon: 248-335-7200

 

 

Seven Gorgeous Celebrities Who’ve Had Nose Jobs

/in /by

Seven Gorgeous Celebrities Who’ve Had Nose Jobs

A “nose job” – technically called rhinoplasty – is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. A nose job can include reshaping, narrowing, straightening, or smoothing out the nose – or re-sculpting the tip, or changing the appearance of the nostrils.

A skilled, board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali can refine the size, shape and proportions of a nose to complement the rest of the facial features, while also respecting the patient’s ethnic heritage, and ensuring that they still look like “themselves.”

Even small changes to a nose can make a large difference in how the nose and the entire face looks. And MANY celebrities credit their success in movies and on television to the difference made by a good “nose job”.

In this article we list seven of the most beautiful female celebrities who owe their gorgeous looks to rhinoplasty surgery!

#1. Jennifer Aniston Had a Nose Job

Topping the list is perpetually youthful Jennifer Aniston.  In a 2007 interview with People Magazine, she admitted to having a nose job and said it was “the best thing I ever did”.

She coyly claimed it was for medical reasons. But if you look at her before and after pictures, there is no that doubt she likely would not have been cast as America’s sweetheart “Rachel” on the TV show Friends for 10 seasons without the dramatic change in her appearance.

#2. Lisa Kudrow Had a Nose Job

Speaking of Friends, Jen’s costar Lisa Kudrow also had a nose job – at the age of 16. In 2013 she told The Saturday Evening Post that her rhinoplasty was “life-altering”.

“I went from, in my mind, hideous to not hideous. I did it the summer before going to a new high school,” the actress known for playing beautiful, bewildered Phoebe stated.

#3. Kaley Cuoco Had a Nose Job

Big Bang Theory bombshell Kelly Cuoco played the heartbreaker across the hall that all the guys swooned over. She spoke candidly in a 2016 Women’s Health article, discussing her nose job and her breast augmentation surgery.

“Years ago, I had my nose done. And my boobs—best thing I ever did.” She went on “As much as you want to love your inner self… you also want to look good. I don’t think you should do it for a man or anyone else, but if it makes you feel confident, that’s amazing,” she told the magazine.

#4. Tyra Banks Had a Nose Job

The name Tyra Banks is synonymous with Super Model. In her 2018 memoir, Perfect Is Boring, she discussed having a nose job early in her supermodel career. She also told People Magazine about the decision to have rhinoplasty: “I admit it! Fake hair, and I did my nose. I feel I have a responsibility to tell the truth,” she said in the interview. “Fix it or flaunt it—I think women should be able to do both.”

#5. Jillian Michaels Had a Nose Job

Fitness Guru Jillian Michaels is another gorgeous celebrity who had a nose job. in a recent interview with People Magazine she said she had it done at age 16, after years of being bullied for having “a nose the size of a softball”. She is quick to acknowledge the rhinoplasty surgery made her feel more confident and changed her life.

#6. JLO Had a Nose Job

Wait! What? One of the most beautiful women in the world had a nose job? That’s right “Jenny from the Block” underwent rhinoplasty!

But, while younger women like Kelly Cuoco tend to be relaxed and upfront about plastic surgery, more mature “Gen X-ers” like 51-year-old Jennifer Lopez still tend to be a bit more coy. JLo says the nose job early in her career was just to correct breathing issues. But the before and after photos don’t lie!

#7. Cameron Diaz Had a Nose Job

Rounding out our list of gorgeous nose-job recipients is the stunning Cameron Diaz. While most people assume the “Charlie’s Angels” actress was born with her good looks, the truth is that she also has admitted to having had a nose job.

And, although she is another Gen X-er who claims the nose job was “purely medical” due to a surfing accident, the before and after photos show a smaller more refined nose post-surgery.  Which just goes to show that rhinoplasty surgery can remedy breathing problems and improve the appearance of one’s nose, all at the same time!

Top Nose Job Surgeon – Troy, MI Area

Every person’s nose is unique! The ideal nose for you will be vastly different than someone else’s. Your nose should fit your face, be in proportion to your other features, and reflect your family and ethnic heritage.

When considering nose job surgery, Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will evaluate your facial features and listen to your appearance goals. Then he will show you in advance – using Vectra 3D imaging – how any changes to your nose could enhance or affect your overall appearance. He will then work with you to customize a rhinoplasty plan that will help you look and feel like the very best version of yourself.

 Nose Job Consultation | Troy, MI Area: 248-335-7200

Nose Job Techniques: Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

/in , /by

The Difference Between Open & Closed Rhinoplasty –  –

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty surgeries – giving women and men the beautiful and natural looking noses that they love!

But, as with any surgery, an incision does have to be made during rhinoplasty – in order to access and modify the cartilage that shapes the nose. So, one of the primary concerns that Dr. Ali’s patients have is the degree of scarring they may experience after a nose job.

The type of surgical technique that is used to perform the rhinoplasty will determine where and what type of scarring may be possible. And, every person’s skin heals slightly differently.

However, in the hands of a skilled board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali, the potential for visible, lasting scars is greatly reduced – while ensuring the most attractive and natural nasal contour. Additionally, modern advancements in surgical technology have made surgical procedures much less invasive – reducing the degree of scarring greatly.

In this article we explain the different types of rhinoplasty surgical techniques, the incisions involved, and the potential for any scarring.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

“Closed” rhinoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty in which all of the surgical incisions are hidden within the inside of the nostril. This technique is great, since it avoids a potentially visible scar. However, it also significantly reduces the surgical access area for the surgeon, which limits their ability to utilize many of today’s most effective rhinoplasty techniques.

“Open” rhinoplasty, uses a small (4mm) trans-columellar incision, to connect the right and left nostril incisions- which allows the nasal skin to be folded upward. This gives the surgeon much greater access to the nasal structure, enabling them to modify and/or strengthen the skeletal framework using more advanced and complex techniques.

Although the open rhinoplasty incision initially leaves a small visible scar, it is very tiny (4 mm) and it often fades completely in the months following surgery. And, in cases where substantial revisions of the nose are needed, the advantages in contouring gained by the open approach are well worth the limited risk of a tiny scar.

Endonasal Rhinoplasty: A Closed Nose Job

A closed rhinoplasty is also called endonasal rhinoplasty.  Parallel incisions encircle nearly half of the nostril lining, but no part of the incision is seen externally. But, because the right and left nostril incisions are disconnected, the entire operation must be conducted through narrow surgical openings which limits access visibility.

Also, because access to the nasal framework requires vigorous stretching of the skin, some distortion of the nasal cartilage is possible. In many cases the considerable challenges and technical limitations of endonasal rhinoplasty makes it an inferior choice – even though it avoids visible scaring.

External Rhinoplasty: An Open Nose Job

An open rhinoplasty is also called an external rhinoplasty.  The small bridging incision, (trans-columellar incision) offers the surgeon direct visibility of almost the entire nasal framework. There is no stretching, so distortion of the nasal cartilage is minimize. Most skilled plastic surgeons agree that the small visible columellar scar (which fades over time) is worth the improved accuracy and effectiveness of the open rhinoplasty approach.

For these same reasons, open rhinoplasty is also my preferred approach for primary (non-revision) rhinoplasty since it improves diagnostic accuracy and facilitates precision re-engineering of the misshapen nose. However, the technical demands of open rhinoplasty are rigorous, and substantial dedication and commitment to this approach are required to achieve consistently superior results.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

For patients desiring only minor or subtle changes to their nose, a third non-surgical alternative is now available. Dr. Ali is also skilled in the injection of facial fillers to remedy small cosmetic issues in the nose, including smaller bumps, slight asymmetry, etc.

The advantage of a filler or “liquid” rhinoplasty is that there in no downtime or recovery period – other than some slight swelling that dissipates in a few days. And because there are ni incisions, there are no scars and no pain afterwards. However, unlike a nose job – which is permanent – non-surgical “liquid rhinoplasty” results typically last from a year to two years.

Birmingham’s Top Rhinoplasty Surgeon

In the expert hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, the open rhinoplasty approach often offers technical advantages over closed rhinoplasty. And because the scar is so small and “beneath” the nose, it is not visible from most angles when looking at the face.

But for patients only requiring minor revisions or adjustments to the nose’s structure, closed rhinoplasty may be the best option. And for men and women who only desire minor revisions to the appearance of their nose, non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty with fillers can be an excellent alternative.

Birmingham area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men love their noses and improve their confidence with rhinoplasty surgery. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward getting the nose you have always wanted – and look and feel like the best version of “you” that you can be!

Rhinoplasty Consultation | Top Birmingham, MI Plastic Surgeon: 248-335-7200

3D Imaging Helps You Decide if You Should Get Rhinoplasty

/in /by

Vectra 3D Imaging Helps You Decide if You Should Get Rhinoplasty

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only aesthetic practices in the Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging for rhinoplasty surgery. This revolutionary imaging system provides a three-dimensional computerized image of the patient’s nose from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you your expected outcomes – before you undergo rhinoplasty surgery.

The Vectra 3D system even enables Dr. Ali to superimpose the expected results of your rhinoplasty surgery over your “pre-op” condition, as well as compare the “before and after” views side-by-side. And, in addition to showing the likely outcome of a single procedure, such as rhinoplasty, Dr. Ali can also display the results of combining multiple treatments!

By visualizing your potential outcomes in live 3D you and Dr. Ali will know in advance what to expect – so that together you can decide on the best possible treatment plan for your aesthetic goals.

What is Vectra 3D Imaging?

VECTRA 3D imaging is a system of digital cameras that takes photos of the patient’s treatment area from different angles to create a 3D picture. It only takes a few seconds to take the photos, and a couple minutes or two to process the pictures into a 3D representation on the computer.

The patient will be able to see a 3D image of their nose from ALL angles – even ones they have never seen before!

Dr. Ali can then manipulate the images to enhance, adjust, reduce, straighten or refine the nose right before your eyes – to show you what you can expect from rhinoplasty surgery.

Vectra 3D Imaging for Rhinoplasty

Dr. Ali is one of only a few doctors who uses the VECTRA 3D system as part of his consultation with you, so you know exactly what to expect from rhinoplasty surgery.

And VECTRA 3D imaging is 100% safe and non-invasive – it is not an Xray or CT scan, and it uses NO radiation.  It is simply a state-of-the-art high-tech system of digital cameras with revolutionary software – offering pre-surgery peace of mind and absolutely no risks.

What Does Vectra 3D Imaging “See”?

Dr. Ali is a Detroit area, board certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries with spectacular results. You can see many of these amazing success stories in his Before and After Gallery HERE.

The Vectra 3D imaging system helps ensure a successful surgery by allowing both the plastic surgeon AND the patient to visual the many nuances of the nose, while providing precise measurement of the adjustments. Any “guesswork” about the results of rhinoplasty surgery is removed with Vetcra 3D imaging!

Rhinoplasty 3D Imaging | Detroit Area

Dr. Ali’s Detroit area patients find Vectra 3D very helpful to understand exactly what he is talking about before surgery – because they can see different outcomes in 3D projected on the screen before they decide to undergo rhinoplasty surgery.

In other words, Vectra 3D provides realistic visualization of the appearance of your nose before surgery – so you never have any regrets after the fact!

If you are considering rhinoplasty, you no longer have to leave your results to chance or guesswork. With Vectra 3D imaging you know what your results will be in advance – with no surprises or misunderstandings!

Schedule a consultation with skilled Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, and see what your rhinoplasty surgery results will look like with Vectra 3D today.

Top Detroit Plastic Surgeon Dispels Nose Jobs Myths

/in , /by

Top Detroit Plastic Surgeon Dispels Myths About Nose Jobs –

Many of us look in the mirror and wish we could tweak our features. And while you can make your teeth straighter with braces, or your eyelashes longer with mascara, changing the appearance of your nose takes a little bit more work.

The good news is that modern rhinoplasty techniques have replaced the old ideas of a “nose job” that you probably still have – and changing the shape of your nose is much easier and far less painful than most people think.

As one of the the Detroit area’s top rhinoplasty surgeons, Dr. Ali put together a list of  5 common “myths” about today’s more advanced (and much more comfortable!) “nose jobs.”

Nose Job Myth #1. Everyone Will Know You Had Plastic Surgery
FACT: A Good Nose Job is Subtle & Natural

Early nose jobs left people with noses that were unnatural looking and clearly surgically altered. Today’s rhinoplasty techniques are more subtle, refined and artistic – leaving patients with a more attractive version of their existing nose, that is balanced, proportionate to their other facial features, appropriate for their bone structure, and that doesn’t erase their ethnic heritage.

Old rhinoplasty techniques involved removing nasal cartilage. This often lead to an unnatural look, and sometimes structural collapse and even deformities. Modern board certified plastic surgeons, like Dr. Ali, sculpt and reposition the existing cartilage without removing it – ensuring a nose that is both natural looking and structurally sound.

In other words, today’s nose jobs create a more beautiful nose without changing who “you” are. In most cases, people will comment on how great you look – but not even realize that you’ve had your nose done!

Nose Job Myth #2. Most Celebrities Are Born Beautiful
FACT: Many Celebrities Have Had Nose Jobs – Even Though They Deny It!

Models’ and actors’ faces are their bread and butter – but very few of them were born with movie-star facial features. And because these celebrities want us to believe that they were “born beautiful” very few publicly talk about their nose jobs.

But if you look at before and after photos of the world’s biggest stars you will see that many of their noses are straighter, smaller or more refined than when they began their careers. Jennifer Anniston, Tyra Banks, Cameron Diaz, Kaley Cuoco, Jillian Michaels and JLO are all celebrities who ADMIT to having had nose job surgery.

And, if you look at Before & After Photos, Britney Spears, Scarlet Johansen, Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian, Katie Holms, Penelope Cruz, Kylie Jenner, Natalie Portman, and even The Queen Be, Beyoncé appear to have had nose jobs!

The list of celebrity nose jobs is almost endless. But because they are done by skilled plastic surgeons, they simply create a more beautiful version of the nose that looks completely natural – and is not a glaringly “noticeable” nose job.

Nose Job Myth #3. You’ll Look Like You’ve Been in a Prize Fight
FACT: Modern Surgery Techniques Make Recovery Easy

In the early days of rhinoplasty, less sophisticated medical techniques lead to horrifying pictures of nose job patients – immobilized in hospital beds, head wrapped in bandages, eyes swollen shut, and big black eyes. And TV programs and movies still sometimes perpetuate this erroneous stereotype for comedic effect.

The truth is, you will leave our medical facility after your nose job on the same day with only a small nasal cast – usually a lightweight aluminum bridge – to stabilize and protect your nose during the initial recovery phase.

There will be some slight bruising and swelling around the nose – but the majority of our patients do not develop “black eyes” at all. And while everyone heals differently, you will certainly be “presentable” enough to go out in public the very same or next day.

Nose Job Myth #4. Your Nose Will Be Packed Full of Gauze after Rhinoplasty
FACT: Splints Replace Packing in Modern Nose Job Surgery

Some people avoid considering a nose job, because they erroneously fear that their nasal cavities will be pack with miles of gauze, making it uncomfortable to breath. Again, this is a misconception!

In modern rhinoplasty soft silicone splints are typically used to stabilize the internal structures of the nose during the first week of recovery. These splints actually help facilitate open airways and better breathing while you heal.

Nose Job Myth #5. Rhinoplasty Is Very Painful
FACT: Nose Jobs Can be Almost Painless

Recovery from any medical procedure is a very personal experience and can differ greatly from person to person. But a nose job is among the least painful surgeries – because it primarily only involves manipulation of the cartilage and does not impact muscles, bones or deeper tissue. Additionally, advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques mean much smaller incisions and much less discomfort – both during and after rhinoplasty surgery.

Use of long-term anesthetic during your nose job procedure means you will not feel a thing. And medication prescribed afterwards will fully manage any pain or discomfort after the surgery.

Depending upon how extensive the procedure, some patients even report experiencing little or no pain following surgery. And all of our patients unanimously agree that any short term discomfort was well worth having a beautiful nose on their face for the rest of their lives.

Top Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) Surgeon | Detroit Area

If you are hesitant about considering a nose job, your concerns are likely based on myths and misconceptions about rhinoplasty that arose from procedures performed back in the 1950s. Today’s rhinoplasties are very routine, yielding exceptional outcomes with very little downtime or discomfort. And the results last a lifetime.

So there’s no reason to wait to get the nose you’ve always! If you live in the Detroit area, call all top rated, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali for a consultation today.

Top Detroit Nose Job Surgeon:  248-335-2700

Respecting Your Heritage with Ethnic Rhinoplasty

/in , /by

Ethnic Rhinoplasty – Respecting Your Heritage

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a distinct category of “nose job” which incorporates an understanding of the patient’s unique ethnic heritage and cultural beauty ideals – to help ensure that patients maintain their natural appearance while enhancing their facial features.

When it comes to Latin, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern noses, there are certain hereditary differences in scale, shape, and projection that should be carefully taken into consideration when doing rhinoplasty surgery. Otherwise, the surgeon may be at risk of making the patients nose appear unnatural, incongruous, or no longer reflective of their cultural heritage.

For this reason, it is important for people of color to look for a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who has performed rhinoplasty on people of all ethnicities – with expertise in understanding and respecting genetic differences and unique cultural ideals of beauty.

Cultural Sensitivity & Ethnic Rhinoplasty

First and foremost, ethnic rhinoplasty necessitates that the surgeon be aware of the specific distinctions and differences of ethnic groups from around the world.  The surgeon should also have a thorough understanding of each patient’s personal and cultural beauty standards, rather than just relying on standard, “mainstream” or “Western” societal ideals.

The human nose is unique in that it has a variety of characteristics that vary by population. Broader nostrils coupled with a less pronounced bridge are common attributes of African American noses, which may lead some patients of Black heritage to consider rhinoplasty.

A low and broad nasal bridge, combined with a shortened and upturned nasal tip, little nasal projection, and relatively thick skin are all attributes common among many Asian populations – leading some patients to seek a nose that is slightly more “pronounced”.

And while some patients may want only minor modifications, others may desire more significant changes. Every person has the right to determine what will make themselves feel confident and attractive in their own skin!

Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Respecting Your Heritage Ethnicity

Most people are looking for opportunities to better their appearance in general. To improve our bodies, we change our diets and work out. Most women wear make-up to enhance their natural beauty, and everyone selects clothes that are “flattering.” Considering plastic surgery, such as rhinoplasty, is another excellent method of enhancing one’s appearance.

But when contemplating rhinoplasty, one important concern is not sacrificing the cultural origin which makes an individual special and “who they are.” This is why selecting the right surgeon for ethnic rhinoplasty is so critical.

There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” nose, not just because each individual has his or her own distinct facial features, but also because ethnic traits must be taken into account. The intent behind ethnic rhinoplasty is to modify a patient’s look while still remaining true and respectful to his or her race or ethnic heritage.

The final result of rhinoplasty should be a harmonious one, with no evidence that surgery was ever done. Overall, the aim of ethnic rhinoplasty is to celebrate and enhance (not change or erase) one’s heritage, beauty and diversity!

Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Not Changing Who You Are

The nose is similar to a complicated puzzle in which every piece must match correctly. Rhinoplasty takes this puzzle and reassembles and recreates the nose in a smooth and seamless manner, as if the original pieces were not altered in any way. To put it another way, a “better” aesthetic does not necessarily have to be overt. Even the tiniest modifications may have a major impact on the nose’s silhouette, resulting in a noticeably more pleasing variation.

For many years, as a result of the demands of popular culture, many celebrities went too far in shaving the nasal bridge down or cutting off the end. This type aesthetic is not only unnatural and highly telling, but it even exposes the nose to structural damage. Michael Jackson is one famous person whose plastic surgeon “went to far” with a rhinoplasty and caused structural damage to the nose. This is all the more reason to seek a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience. Remember, more cartilage can be removed later, but adding cartilage if too much has been removed can’t be done.

The nose is not only in the middle of the face, but it also centers the face, bringing all of the face’s distinct features together in a balanced manner. A good rhinoplasty requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the face in relation to each of its constituent components. In fact, no surgical procedure has a greater impact on the face’s general composition than rhinoplasty.

So, rather than focusing only on the nose as an isolated object, the cosmetic surgeon should consider the patient’s physical appearance as a whole. And, in the case of ethnic rhinoplasty the patient’s personal and cultural ideals of beauty should also be of the utmost importance.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty | Detroit Area

Ethnic rhinoplasty has never been more common. This is, in large part, because modern rhinoplasty techniques make recovery from surgery faster, safer and less painful than ever. And, with many people already working from home during the pandemic, there is no need to take prolonged time off work while your nose heals!

Schedule an appointment for an ethnic rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Ali at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the Detroit area today to learn more about how ethnic rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance, while ensuring you remain true to your natural beauty and ethnic heritage.

What to Expect with Nostril Reduction Surgery

/in , /by

What to Expect with Nostril Reduction Surgery: Before, During & After

Alarplasty is the medical term for nostril reduction surgery. It’s a specific type of rhinoplasty (nose job) that narrows the width of the nostrils. Nostril reduction surgery, also known as “alar base reduction surgery”, is a surgical operation that subtly alters the base of the nose, typically making it less wide or broad, while still retaining a natural appearance.

Nostril reduction surgery is a highly effective procedure for people who want to reduce the appearance of nasal “flaring”, or who desire to make their nose or nostrils look more symmetrical.

Nostril reduction surgery is also a procedure that can enhance the appearance of a person’s nostrils by ensuring that they are proportionate to the rest of the nose, and the other facial features. Even when the nose is the right size for the rest of the face, enlarged nostrils can make an otherwise “perfect” nose seem larger altogether.

Dr. Ali has restored hundreds of patients’ confidence in their appearance with nostril reduction surgery, by balancing the nose and nostrils with the rest of the face.

In this article Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali explains what to expect before, during and after nostril reduction surgery.

Before Nostril Reduction Surgery: Making the Decision

If a person’s nose is “flared” – or their nostrils seem open and conspicuous – they may consider nose reduction surgery.

The fleshy sections of the nose that bind your nostrils to the face itself are known as “alar”. Alar can vary greatly from person to person – and be thicker or thinner, longer, or shorter, wider or narrower. Certain ethnicities are more prone to wider alar, such as individuals of African heritage.

Nostril reduction surgery removes a very small amount of the alar – changing the width of the nose – without compromising a person’s identity or racial identity. Even minute changes to the alar can cause dramatic improvement in the appearance of the nose.

Good candidates for nostril reduction surgery include:

  • patients who do not smoke and who are in good health,
  • patients who have completely recovered from previous surgical operations (if any) in the nose region,
  • patients with reasonable expectations regarding the ways in which a surgical operation can alter their appearance!

The best way to find out how nostril reduction surgery may be able to help you obtain your desired appearance goals is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali. He is one of Michigan’s first and only plastic surgeons to offer cutting-edge Vectra 3D imaging for the face.

Revolutionary Vectra 3D imaging creates a three-dimensional computerized view of the patient’s nose from every angle, allowing Dr. Ali to show you your choices and projected results prior to your nostril reduction surgery procedure.

During Nostril Reduction Surgery: The Procedure

Nostril reduction surgery is actually a type of rhinoplasty – but it is a less invasive procedure than a full “nose job”.

Prior to surgery, the patient will need to create arrangements for someone to take them to and from the doctor’s office or hospital. This is particularly important for anyone receiving general anesthesia.

In most cases “local” anesthetic is all that is needed. General anesthesia (being put to sleep) is not usually necessary during nostril reduction surgery. However, if the nostril reduction surgery is being combined with a conventional rhinoplasty (full nose job) the patient will typically be “put under”.

A marker will be used to draw lines on the nose, showing the exact location of the incisions. After the “alar” is subtly reduced, sutures (stitches) will be used to stabilize the new outline of the alar (base of the nose). A bandage will be applied afterwards, and patients will be given medication for pain relief – as well as instructions for post-opt care and recovery, including how to avoid infection at the surgical site.

After Nostril Reduction Surgery: Recovery

When compared to other facial treatments, the recovery period for nostril reduction surgery is quite short. Initially, the nose will be red and swollen, but this will most likely subside after 1 to 2 weeks. The stitches are usually removed one week after surgery at a follow up appointment. Most patients recover fully within 1-2 weeks. And usually there is only mild swelling lasting no more than a month.

Dr. Ali will discuss what precautions each patient should take after nostril reduction surgery, to help ensure that the healing process moves as rapidly as possible. Most importantly, patients need to prevent injury to the nose during the recovery period. So, strenuous activities, exercise, and most athletic activities need to be avoided until the nose heals fully in place.

Nostril Reduction Surgery | Troy, MI Area

Nostril reduction surgery can enhance your natural beauty by reducing the size of the nostrils, while ensuring that you still look like you!

Contact Dr. Ali in the Troy, MI area for a consultation and Vectra 3D imaging, to determine if this nostril reduction surgery is right for your appearance goals.

Nostril Reduction Surgery – Frequently Asked Questions

/in , /by

Nostril Reduction Surgery FAQs

Noses are like snowflakes – no two are identical. And what one person finds appealing may not fit another person’s ideal of how they wish to look. For some people, even a perfectly likeable nose can be diminished (in their opinion), by wide nostrils.

Even if the nose is the right size for the rest of the face, enlarged nostrils can make the nose seem larger or slightly out of proportion. And being dissatisfied with your nose can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem. The bottom line is that it’s your nose … and rhinoplasty or nostril reduction surgery can help you adjust its appearance to make you happy! What is nostril reduction?

Technically, nostril reduction surgery is called “alarplasty”. It is a specific type of rhinoplasty or “nose job”.

Also known as “alar base reduction surgery”, Nostril Reduction is a surgical operation that alters the base of the nose. It can help people who wish to narrow the appearance of nasal flaring, as well as patients seeking more symmetry in their nose’s form.

Nostril reduction surgery can also make the size of the nostrils more proportionate to the rest of the nose and face – which can enhance the aesthetic appearance of the entire face.

How do I Know What Nostril Reduction Will Look Like?

The decision to alter the shape of one’s nose is a personal one and should be handled with care and careful consideration. Dr. Ali will perform a facial examination during your consultation to discuss your appearance goals, and to help you determine the ideal proportions for your unique nose and nostrils.

To make your decision easier, our advanced Vectra-3 diagnostic computer imaging system can allow patients to see their nostrils from the side, behind, front, and above before electing to surgery. Then it will show you a series of images of what the nose might look like after different surgery options. This way you can visualize your nostril reduction results before you undergo the procedure!

How Will Nostril Reduction Surgery be Performed?

Dr. Ali is skilled in changing the scale and breadth of the nostrils while minimizing or preventing the appearance of any scars. This is achieved by making a series of thin, barely visible incisions within the nose’s base.

The “Weir excision” is one of the most common techniques used by Dr. Ali to shorten the nostril foundation and reduce the nostril sidewalls, to enhance the overall appearance of the nose. Other types of incisions may, however, be used if Dr. Ali should decide that they would produce the best possible results. The intention, of course, is to keep the nose’s base looking as natural as possible, while still reducing the width.

The “wedge procedure” is another nostril reduction technique. By eliminating wedges of alar (the fleshy, angled lower portion of the nose that connects to the cheek) wedge excisions eliminate nasal flaring. In this process, the incisions are made along the outside of the nostril but do not narrow it. Instead the incision “detaches” the nostril subtly from the cheek – for a less “flared” appearance.  There is also the Sill technique – which is used to limit nostril width and shorten the base of the alar, at the point where it attaches to the cheek.

Based on what you and Dr. Ali decide during your Vectra 3D imaging session, Dr. Ali will select the best surgical technique for your appearance goals.

How Does Nostril Reduction Surgery Effect People of Color?

People of different ethnic origins naturally have certain types of hair, eye colors, and skin tones specific to their ethnicity. And the nasal structure of different ethnicities is also often equally unique to their heritage. For example, men and women of African origin usually have a nose that is more flat and broad, often with a wider base, or a more rounded tip. And, in addition to differences in genetics, different cultures also have their own unique concepts of beauty.

Dr. Ali is a talented rhinoplasty surgeon who is skilled at enhancing a person’s natural beauty while still preserving their ethnic heritage and identity.

When it comes to rhinoplasty or nostril reduction, it’s important for people of color to find a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who doesn’t simply create “one-size-fits-all” noses. Dr. Ali is a rhinoplasty expert and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who tailors each rhinoplasty surgery to the patient’s facial features and proportions, while respecting their genetic heritage, and and honoring their cultural beauty ideals.

How Long is the Recovery Process Following Nostril Reduction Surgery?

When compared to other types of facial plastic surgery, the recovery period for nostril reduction surgery is comparatively short. Initially, the nose will be red and swollen, but this will gradually subside over the following 1 to 2 weeks. The stitches are usually removed approximately one week after surgery.

While nostril reduction surgery puts very few restrictions on the patient during recovery, first and foremost the patient must take care not to injure the nose while it is healing. So, strenuous or rough activities, such as exercising and most types of athletics should be avoided until the nose is fully healed in place.

Nostril Reduction Surgery – Birmingham, MI

Dr. Ali is one of the leading rhinoplasty surgeons in Birmingham, MI and the entire Detroit area. He is highly skilled in minimally invasive and scarless nostril reduction surgical procedures. Dr. Ali has spent years honing his expertise in this sensitive and complex area of plastic surgery, and he is passionate about designing noses that are both cosmetically and clinically superior.

Schedule a nostril reduction consultation today, and see exactly what Dr. Ali can do to help you achieve your appearance goals!

Rhinoplasty Revision: Fixing a Bad “Nose Job”

/in , /by

Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery: Fixing a Bad Nose Job –

Successful rhinoplasty involves both art and science to achieve a nasal shape that is beautiful, natural and structurally sound for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, many women and men have experienced unsatisfactory and extremely disappointing results from inexperienced or unskilled surgeons.

And in 2021, many people are now forced to confront their own appearance concerns, thanks to the pervasiveness of Zoom appearances – for work, school, connecting with loved ones, socializing and even masking romantic connections. It’s simply hard to ignore a nose you are unhappy with, when the camera is on you all the time. For this reason, we are seeing an increase in requests for revision of rhinoplasties that were previously performed by less skilled doctors.

The great news is that – like any medical technology – advancements have been made over the last several decades in rhinoplasty that replace older procedures with newer and better techniques!

In cases where you are unhappy with a nose job you previously had performed, revision rhinoplasty surgery by a talented, experienced and caring plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali can correct some or all of the damage done by the original rhinoplasty. Dr. Ali uses state of the art techniques – and years of experience – to perform revision rhinoplasty that can correct problems with old “nose jobs” and deliver more beautiful and natural results.

Reasons for Bad Nose Jobs

An unfavorable cosmetic outcome of a nose job can be due to a wide range of causes, but poor technical execution by the surgeon is often to blame. Unfortunately, in the early years of “nose jobs”, the only way surgeons knew how to alter the shape of the nasal tip was the aggressive removal of cartilage. This type of “excisional rhinoplasty” often resulted in the nose becoming progressively deformed over time – because the supporting cartilage had been removed.

And, sadly, many incompetent surgeons still “go to far” with nose jobs – resulting in a very unnatural “plastic-surgery” look, as well as structural defects that cause malformation over time.

Additionally, in previous decades of nose job surgery, many surgeons tried to achieve a single type of “ideal” nose shape for all patients – shortened and turned up on the end. While this nose shape may look proportionate or “cute” on certain women, it does not take into consideration the ethnic heritage of the patient. A “Caucasian nose” may not only look out-of-place on an Asian or African American individual, but can also erase a person’s important ethnic identity.

Michael Jackson’s aggressive rhinoplasty surgery is a classic example of a nose job that “went to far” causing structural problems, as well as compromising his racial identity.

In other cases, a “bad nose job” may be the result of a medical issue, such as infection, scar formation, skin contracture or tightening that pulled on the tip, or even warping of the cartilage that changed the shape. And even a “good” nose job can go “bad if the nose is subsequently injured by an accident, a fall, a blow, or during athletic activities.

Choosing the Right Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon

The good news is that, whatever the cause, when a rhinoplasty “goes bad” revision rhinoplasty by a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali can help restore your appearance and correct structural defects. Dr. Ali is trained in the most advanced “endoscopic” techniques – meaning he can perform many rhinoplasty revisions with minimally invasive techniques that involve tiny incisions and almost no scarring.

And, Dr. Ali is also skilled in using certain injectable fillers to adjust and correct proportions and symmetry – in some cases revising the nasal profile, without surgery altogether! Dr. Ali also understands the unique nasal characteristics of different ethnicities – and he has the skill and experience to enhance your beauty, while retaining a natural appearance that doesn’t change “who you are”!

3D Vectra Nose Job Imaging

Dr. Ali is one of only a few plastic surgeons in the entire Birmingham and greater Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D facial imaging technology. Using digital imaging Dr. Ali can show you what your nose will look like after your nose job or revision rhinoplasty surgery. This enables patients to visualize their expected results – so they can decide if, when and how they would like to proceed with surgery or other revision procedures.

Risks of Revision Rhinoplasty

In general, a first time or “primary” rhinoplasty is extremely routine and exceedingly safe – and serious complications are quite rare and can be treated effectively.

However, a secondary or revision rhinoplasty is always associated with higher risks, because the nasal tissues have previously been affected by prior surgery. In addition to pre-existing inflammation from prior surgery, there is typically also increased subcutaneous scarring, diminished blood supply and reduced skin elasticity. And, in the case of excisional rhinoplasty there may also be damaged or missing cartilage and other skeletal elements.

That is why it is extremely important to choose a highly skilled, experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali for revision rhinoplasty surgery.

Board Certified Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon

As with anything else, it is always easier to do something right the first time, rather than try to fix something that was done poorly and improperly. In some cases, an existing nose job’s deformities are so severe as to require multiple surgeries to normalize the nose. In other cases a misshapen nose cannot always be completely reconstructed into a “perfect nose” – but substantial improvement is almost always an option in the hands of a skilled, Board Certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali.

But in the vast majority of cases, Dr. Ali can reconstruct your nose into a shape, proportions and symmetry that complements your facial features, and leaves you satisfied with your appearance. And Vectra 3D imaging technology in our Birmingham office takes the “guess work” out of knowing what your results will be!

Birmingham’s Best Revision Nose Job Surgeon

If you are suffering from an unsuccessful or “botched” nose job, call Birmingham Board Certified Plastic surgeon Dr. Ali for a evaluation and consultation.  He will help you set realistic expectations, and explain your surgical options for correcting your previous nose job – ensuring that you achieve the best possible rhinoplasty results in your situation.

Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation | Birmingham: 248-335-7200