Indian American rhinoplasty: an emerging ethnic group

The goal of this article is to help U.S. plastic surgeons better understand why Indian American rhinoplasty is different from other ethnic rhinoplasties in their practice. The study is composed of three parts: a review of the cultural perspectives of Indian Americans toward aesthetic surgery, an investigation into the aesthetic ideals of the Indian American nose, and an overview of operative strategies to achieve these ideals.

A total of 35 Indian Americans who were dissatisfied with their nasal appearance were analyzed, 15 prospectively and 20 retrospectively. Group 1 consists of 15 Indian American women who were unhappy with the appearance of their nose. Standard photographs and anthropometric measurements were taken. Anterior and lateral photographic views were morphed to the patient's subjective ideal. Actual and ideal images were compared and analyzed. Group 2 consists of a retrospective review of 20 consecutive Indian American rhinoplasty cases with a follow-up of 1 to 6 years.

The majority of the group 1 participants complained of a dorsal "hump," a downwardly rotated tip, and/or a large nose. The average subjective ideal nasolabial angle was determined to be 101.6 degrees. Based on the authors' analysis, three categories of nasal deformities were identified and operative strategies are discussed. Evaluation of the 20 clinical cases indicated that a more conservative surgical approach is warranted in these patients.

Indian American rhinoplasty patients present a challenging range of nasal deformities requiring careful surgical planning. A clear understanding of the patient's desires is essential to achieving patient satisfaction.

Therapeutic, IV.