Drs. W. Tracy Hankins and Samuel Sohn detail the differences between the traditional rhinoplasty technique and a specialized approach designed to create improved outcomes for patients from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
Las Vegas, NV — According to Las Vegas plastic surgeons Samuel Sohn, MD and W. Tracy Hankins, MD, the approach to rhinoplasty surgery is different depending on the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Sohn explains that the technique used for what is considered conventional rhinoplasty may not necessarily be beneficial for all patients, depending on their specific ethnicity. For particular cases, Dr. Hankins says the surgeon must be experienced in a specialized approach to nose surgery, commonly referred to as ethnic rhinoplasty.
Drs. Hankins and Sohn believe preserving the patient’s ethnic features is an extremely important part of a successful ethnic rhinoplasty. In a recent blog post titled, “What is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?,” the doctors note the intent of ethnic rhinoplasty is not to change a patient’s ethnic identity, stating, “One of the key approaches to ethnic rhinoplasty is to respect the native ethnic features. When we perform this procedure, we want to create a noticeable change without making radical alterations to the nasal appearance.”
Dr. Sohn says techniques required for ethnic rhinoplasty differ slightly from traditional nose surgery, based on the unique characteristics of the patient. He explains that a plastic surgeon who is familiar with various approaches to ethnic rhinoplasty can more skillfully perform the procedure while being mindful of the patient’s skin type and facial structure. If special care is not taken in the initial stages of surgery, Dr. Sohn says the patient may experience noticeable signs of scarring. However, he notes that a physician trained in ethnic rhinoplasty can carefully place the incisions in a way that takes potential scarring into account, and that should help diminish the visibility of scars.
At their plastic surgery practice in Las Vegas, Drs. Hankins and Sohn say they see potential rhinoplasty patients from a variety of races and ethnic backgrounds who are concerned with a myriad of issues, including nose size, bone width, projection, and shape of the nasal tip. “We sometimes have patients who bring in photographs of how they want their nose to look,” says Dr. Sohn. “This can sometimes be unrealistic, but it gives us an idea of the result the patient is looking for. If it is not a possibility, we will be very upfront about the realistic changes that can take place with a rhinoplasty, given their anatomy.”
Overall, Drs. Hankins and Sohn note that both traditional and ethnic rhinoplasty techniques are procedures for which even the slightest changes can make a significant difference in the end result. “[Rhinoplasty] is an operation of precision that requires an adept surgical technique,” says Dr. Sohn. The doctors also stress that anyone interested in rhinoplasty should contact a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in the procedure for the safest and best possible result.
About W. Tracy Hankins, MD
Dr. Hankins is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a graduate of Indiana University Medical School, where he was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha, a medical honors society. Dr. Hankins is available for interview upon request.
About Samuel M. Sohn, MD
A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Dr. Sohn is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and one of the few fellowship-trained plastic surgeons in the Las Vegas area. He is also a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sohn is available for interview upon request.
To learn more about Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates, please visit hankinsplasticsurgery.com.
Contact:
Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery
Las Vegas Office:
2150 S. Rainbow Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 948-7595
Henderson Office:
60 North Pecos Rd.
Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 948-7595