[For Men] Types of Men's Rhinoplasty and How to Choose | Points for a Natural Result
You are considering improving your nasal complex, but are you worried, "I don't want the surgery to be noticed by those around me," "It's embarrassing for a man to undergo cosmetic medicine"? In recent years, men's aesthetic awareness has risen, and the number of people choosing men's rhinoplasty is increasing.
In this article, based on medical knowledge, we explain the male-specific structure and how to choose for a natural finish. We introduce the following three important points about men's rhinoplasty.
- The background and data behind the increase in men's rhinoplasty
- The representative types of surgery and the differences in bone structure and skin between men and women
- The iron rules and downtime to avoid becoming unnatural
Why men's rhinoplasty is increasing now
In recent years, it has been reported that cases of men wishing for cosmetic surgery are on an increasing trend worldwide. Behind this is the fact that, with the spread of social media and the influence of idols and the like, the standard of aesthetic awareness has changed. It is thought that the decrease in social prejudice against men undergoing cosmetic surgery is driving the increase in demand.
In terms of bone structure, the male nasal dorsum (the bridge) is generally wide and straight. It is also reported that, because the skin is thick, even if the internal cartilage is adjusted to the millimeter, it is hard to appear as an outward change—there is this difficulty.
The main techniques and characteristics of men's rhinoplasty
In men's rhinoplasty, a type of technique tailored to each individual's bone structure is selected. We explain the representative types and their characteristics from a medical standpoint. However, please understand that all surgeries have the possibility of risks or complications, and that there are individual differences.
Nose implant (augmentation rhinoplasty)
This is augmentation rhinoplasty aimed at improving the height of the bridge. Because Asians tend to have short nasal bones and a low nasal root (the base of the nose), it is often used. Silicone material is easy, but risks of infection and exposure are also reported.
Therefore, in recent years, techniques using autologous tissue (one's own body tissue), such as the "DCF method (Diced Cartilage wrapped in Fascia)," in which one's own cartilage is finely diced and wrapped in fascia, are attracting attention from the standpoint of safety1.
Nasal tip plasty (improving a bulbous nose)
This is surgery that refines the tip to be thin. The male nasal tip is said to often be wide and rounded. For the causes of a bulbous nose and specific techniques, see the detailed explanation in "Can a Man's Bulbous Nose Be Fixed? The Foolproof Cosmetic Technique and Five Important Points." However, because men have thick skin, it is known that simply excising tissue makes it hard to obtain a sufficient change.
Therefore, an approach that uses techniques such as a columellar strut (a technique of inserting a cartilage pillar into the pillar part of the nose) to firmly support the tip from the foundation and shape the form is recommended2.
Septal extension
This is surgery aimed at extending a short nose or an upturned nasal tip downward or forward (septal extension). Because Asian men often have a short nasal septum (the cartilage dividing the left and right of the nose), it is an important technique.
A result has been obtained that by performing septal extension surgery (a method of grafting one's own cartilage onto the tip of the septum), the projection of the tip can be firmly maintained, making it easier to maintain a stable shape over a long period3.
Alar reduction (nostril reduction)
This is surgery aimed at improving the flaring of the ala. By excising the tissue at the boundary between the ala (nostril wing) and the cheek in a wedge shape (V-shape), the width of the ala is narrowed. To avoid excessive excision, careful design is required.
In the case of men, because excising too much gives an unnatural impression, it has been confirmed that an approach of stopping at a slightly insufficient degree and making additional adjustments later as needed is safe.
Three iron rules to keep men from becoming "unnatural" in rhinoplasty
What is most to be avoided in men's rhinoplasty is becoming a "feminine nose" where it is apparent you had surgery. It is thought that, for a natural result, the following iron rules are important. For more detailed standards, please also see "How to Get a Natural Result in Men's Rhinoplasty?."
First, generally, as a guideline, set the nasolabial angle (the angle formed by the bottom of the nose and the lip) at about 90–95 degrees. The ideal for women is a slightly upward 95–105 degrees, but for men a narrower angle than this is recommended4.
Second, finish the bridge in a straight line. Because a line that gently dips toward the tip is considered feminine, there is a report that it is unsuitable for men. Third, do not seek excessive change and stop at a conservative design.
A guideline for downtime and returning to work
Although there are individual differences, it is generally said that postoperative swelling reaches its peak in 48–72 hours. For a detailed day-by-day timeline, please refer to "A Must-See for Men! The Downtime Period of Rhinoplasty and Tips to Make Swelling Subside Faster." Because the skin of the male nose is thick, caution is needed regarding the point that swelling tends to linger longer than in women.
For 1 to 2 weeks postoperatively, fixation with a cast or tape is performed to minimize swelling. Although there are individual differences, it is generally said that after 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively, it often settles to a level where one can return to work without worrying about the eyes of those around them. However, because the degree of recovery varies among individuals, be sure to consult your attending physician.
However, because vigorous exercise raises the heart rate and risks worsening swelling, refraining from it for 3 weeks postoperatively is recommended.
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Summary of this article
In this article, we explained the types of men's rhinoplasty and how to choose for a natural finish. To summarize the important points:
- The increase in demand: With the rise in men's aesthetic awareness, the proportion of those undergoing rhinoplasty is on an increasing trend worldwide.
- Male-specific structure: Because the skin is thick and the bone structure is straight, firm reinforcement from the foundation is needed.
- Natural design: Avoiding excessive change and aiming for a straight bridge and a 90–95-degree nasolabial angle is important.
- Downtime: Because thick skin makes swelling tend to linger, a plan with 2 to 3 weeks of leeway postoperatively is recommended.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to consult us first. At Zetith Beauty Clinic, we conduct consultations based on medical evidence.
References
- Byrd S, Salomon J, Flood J. Correction of the Crooked Nose. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 1998 (DOI)
- Chen Y, Kim S, Jang Y. Centering a Deviated Nose by Caudal Septal Extension Graft and Unilaterally Extended Spreader Grafts. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 2020 (DOI)
- Rohrich R, Shanmugakrishnan R, Mohan R. Rhinoplasty Refinements: Addressing the Deviated, Overprojected Nose. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2020 (DOI)
- Bayram A, Kilavuz A, Serin G. Puzzle-Formed Modified Turkish Delight for Nasal Dorsum Augmentation. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2016 (DOI)
The author of this article
Hiromitsu Nakamura Physician
Zetith Beauty Clinic Ginza / Osaka / Fukuoka
He has a track record of research presentations at domestic and international conferences in Japan and is also involved in technical guidance and education across the entire Zetith Beauty Clinic. Specializing in precise rhinoplasty based on anatomical grounds, he pursues natural results tailored to each individual's bone structure and tissue.