Rhinoplasty or a nose job is a popular cosmetic treatment amongst both men and women. Almost a quarter of a million rhinoplasty procedures were performed in the past year in the United States alone. It probably won’t surprise you to learn that there are a variety of differences between genders when it comes to rhinoplasty treatment and goals. In general, both women and men are in search of a nose that fits proportionally with the rest of their facial features and blends in aesthetically.

However, it’s not as simple as that. The ideal nose for a male has different characteristics and features compared to that of women. Additionally, the ethnicity of the patient and individual facial proportions are important considerations when planning a rhinoplasty procedure. It’s important that the Plastic Surgeon you have chosen for the procedure is trained to understand these differences and can adapt their surgical methods and techniques in a skillful manner. This means they can successfully address the needs of both men and women of varying ethnicities when it comes to rhinoplasty.

Below we consider some of the main features of the nose that require a gender-specific approach when performing a rhinoplasty.

1. The bridge

Noses which feature a slightly convex or flat bridge (known as the nasal dorsum) tend to be seen as a more masculine feature. Whereas, a narrower, slightly concave nasal dorsum is considered a more feminine feature. One concern that both women and men share is a prominent dorsal hump appearing on the bridge of the nose. This is noticeable on profile view and can give the appearance of an under projected nasal tip. Plastic Surgeons board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are uniquely qualified to perform a dorsal hump reduction while still being able to maintain the masculinity of a male nose and the femininity of a female nose.

2. The tip of the nose

You often find that men naturally tend to have thicker nasal skin at the tip of the nose, a less defined nasal tip and no supratip break. The feminine nose consists of a narrower and softer nose, more defined tip, and the presence of a supratip break. These differences must be considered when performing the rhinoplasty procedure especially with regards to the way in which the skin drapes over the underlying structures of the nose once rhinoplasty is performed. The thick skin of the male nose and the challenges of maintaining a masculine nose make male rhinoplasty a challenging operation for any Plastic Surgeon.

3. The overall size of the nose

It is known that a more prominent nose is considered a “stronger” nose, which tends to be a more desirable facial feature for males, providing that it is still in proportion to the rest of the face. Women noses tend to have smaller, more defined, yet softer nasal features as compared to men.

Taking all these considerations into account, rhinoplasty surgeons in Chicago will carefully craft a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to the needs of your individual goals. All efforts are made to account for aesthetic and anatomical differences, with a focus on achieving outcomes that give you a boost of confidence, and a natural-looking nose. The goal is not to change the way you look as a person but to improve the way you look and feel.

Is rhinoplasty right for me?

The best way to find out if rhinoplasty is the right treatment for you is to have a consultation with a top quality rhinoplasty surgeon in Chicago who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They will be able to discuss your requirements and answer any questions or hesitations you may have.