Battle of the Sexes: How Is Rhinoplasty Different for Men and Women?
The nose is one of the most prominent facial features, so it naturally follows that an aesthetically appealing nasal shape can enhance the overall appearance of the face. What is considered aesthetically appealing, however, depends on the individual. Our board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ali Sepehr, understands that men and women often have distinctive preferences when it comes to rhinoplasty and the desired result. While Dr. Sepehr customizes every procedure to suit the needs and goals of the patient, he typically also modifies his technique depending on whether the person is a man or a woman.
Men generally seek a nose that has a straight bridge and is a little wider in the middle than women usually prefer. The male nose often will be more prominent, and the elevation of the nasal tip will be lower. Furthermore, the angle between the tip and the upper lip should be approximately 90-95 degrees. In many cases, men will have thicker skin and stiffer cartilage, which needs to be taken into consideration during the procedure.
Proportion is a consideration for both men and women; men tend to like a slightly larger, more dominant nose, and women often request something a little slimmer and smaller. Women also can handle a more open angle between the nasal tip and the upper lip (creating a slight upturn to the nose). Additionally, a narrower bridge that’s straight or minimally curved (concave) may be favored. Dr. Sepehr notes that these are general themes, and each individual should feel comfortable discussing their desired outcome during the initial consultation.
