How is Rhinoplasty different for men vs. women?

Rhinoplasty is different for men and women in almost every respect starting out with facial aesthetics. While there is a lot of individual variation, facial aesthetics differ substantially between the sexes. In general, compared to women, the following features are considered more masculinizing and, therefore, more desirable for most men:

• a more acute nasofrontal angle (the angle between the forehead and the nose seen from the profile)
• a more acute nasolabial angle (the angle between the nose and the upper lip seen from profile – usually about 90-100 degrees)
• a straighter profile
• a higher bridge (even a slight bump)
• a more sharply defined, angular tip
• a longer nose
• more tip projection (the degree to which the tip juts out from the face)

In addition to the above, there are other factors we have to consider when contemplating Rhinoplasty in men vs. women. Men tend to have stronger, heavier cartilages and bone along with thicker skin in many cases. This will influence what needs to be done to create the desired changes and also the expected timeline of healing. We will vary our discussions with men depending on whether they have very strong, angular features or softer, rounder features. After all, the nose must fit the face. In general, though, men can tolerate a slightly high bridge and overprojected tip. By contrast, a male nose that is slightly scooped, too short, or too rounded does not go over well at all. So, we will always err on the side of maintaining a strong, masculine nose for male patients. There are some women who prefer and would benefit from some of these features, albeit to a lesser degree. Very tall women with longer faces, for example, usually look better with a straighter profile while very slight-featured, petite women can better tolerate a petite, softer, ‘cutesy’ nose.

This blog only begins to scratch the surface of the differences between the sexes when it comes to Rhinoplasty. And these only serve as the basis for our assessment in creating a highly individualized surgical plan for you.