Bringing Inclusivity to “Ethnic” Rhinoplasty: A Novel Anatomical Classification System

“Ethnic rhinoplasty” is a term that historically has been employed to categorize patterns in nasal anatomy, possible procedures to change appearance, and patient and surgeon expectations for expected outcomes for the multitude of patients with features that belong to non-White groups. Categorizing anatomical structures based on broad definitions of race or ethnicity may not be an accurate representation, nor give an accurate depiction of nasal anatomical features. A shift is needed regarding how race and ethnicity are employed in describing nasal anatomy and rhinoplasty. We present a categorization system based on nasal anatomical patterns that may have more meaningful surgical implications without generalization into ethnic groups. Common anatomical nasal features such as projection, rotation, skin thickness, and anthropometric measurements were grouped into types, which may also help in patient education and remove any ethnic or racial terms.