How Does Rhinoplasty Differ for Men and Women?

Women aren’t the only ones who seek out cosmetic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty (aka a “nose job”) is common in men who want to improve their facial features.

At VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi understands the complexities of facial anatomy. Below, we'll look at what makes men and women just a bit different when it comes to considering rhinoplasty.

Male and female facial structure and nose types

A few anatomical features tend to differ between men and women, and can affect a surgeon's approach to rhinoplasty for men.

These are some of the main differences in the noses of men vs. women:

• In men, the bridge (or dorsal portion) of the nose is often broader and straighter.

• The bridge of a woman’s nose is typically 1 – 2 mm more curved than a man’s. (There is often less curvature in the male nose.)

• In men, the nasal tip may be broader and is less frequently turned up at the end.

• In men, the angle of the line between the nostrils and upper lip (the columella) is ideally 90 degrees, while in women, it is 95 degrees.

• Men have thicker nasal skin than women, which affects nose surgery planning.

These considerations make it important for men to see a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Khorsandi at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, who understands that there are different approaches to rhinoplasty for men.

Men’s vs. women’s goals for nose surgery

A significant concern that men have when exploring the possibility of rhinoplasty is that it will make their noses look more feminine. But this is a myth. Nose reshaping can enhance masculine contours and create a stronger profile. While it’s more common for women to talk about nose surgery (or be talked about because of it), there’s nothing “feminine” about the procedure that would make it unsuitable for men.

Men’s and women’s goals may differ slightly when it comes to nose surgery or nonsurgical rhinoplasty, which is another reason that talking to a cosmetic surgeon with broad experience is often more helpful for men. It’s common (but not universal) for men to want a strong nasal profile and a straight nose with larger nostrils and a high bridge. That’s generally not the case for women, who often ask for more slim and petite features and a nasal tip that rotates upward.

Rhinoplasty for men vs. rhinoplasty for women

It's also more common for men to seek rhinoplasty because of a nasal injury following high-contact sports. In this case, it may present an opportunity for nose surgery that the patient wouldn’t have sought out on his own.

The basic method for rhinoplasty is the same for men and women. And while there are some differences in nose shape and size, men and women may have the same goals (and ideal noses). Nose surgery is customizable according to the wishes of the individual patient.

The same can be said of nonsurgical rhinoplasty (or liquid rhinoplasty) for those who want more minor changes. Nonsurgical nose surgery involves changing the size and shape of the nose, as well as the position of the nasal tip, with injectable fillers.

Male and female cosmetic surgery in Las Vegas, NV

VIP Plastic Surgery treats patients seeking rhinoplasty in the Las Vegas, NV area. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi has treated men and women and has extensive experience discussing aesthetic goals and solutions for patients of any gender or ethnicity. Schedule a private consultation to discuss your ideal nose with Dr. Khorsandi today.