The world of aesthetics is ever-changing. As celebrities become more forthcoming about their procedures and people share doctors and details, the space has never been more open. It’s driving change in a whole new way. In the case of rhinoplasty trends, things are shifting to a similar tune. Injectable rhinoplasty, as opposed to cosmetic surgical rhinoplasty, seems to be on the rise. Natural results, refined lines and softer contours follow the current aesthetic trends and are no doubt shaping the procedure today. Even still, traditional rhinoplasties offer benefits for those looking for a more comprehensive adjustment. Below, four experts share how the rhinoplasty trends have evolved and what to know about today’s popular techniques.
Featured experts
- Robert Singer, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla, CA
- Dr. Chet Mays is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Louisville, KY
- Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, MD is a facial plastic surgeon in New York
- Raj Dedhia, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco
The rise of natural beauty
Most of today’s beauty trends are fueled by social media, and the rhinoplasty’s evolution is no different. Like the natural looks that have become popular in beauty, many patients today are interested in minimal, almost imperceptible changes. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward highly customized, minimal approaches—like tip-only or bridge-only procedures—that refine rather than completely reshape the nose,” says board-certified New York facial plastic surgeon Michael Bassiri-Tehran, MD. In fact, board-certified La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD, says customization is essential to achieving the most natural result. “Asking for a nose similar to a celebrity’s is common, but it’s not usually ideal. Individualized procedures allow for a natural look that best suits your personal facial features,” he says.
Opting for minimal tweaks has its benefits. According to Dr. Bassiri-Tehran, using targeted techniques allows for shorter recovery times, fewer breathing complications and results that look incredibly natural. Board-certified Louisville, KY plastic surgeon Dr. Chet Mays adds that non-invasive versions are just as popular, as many patients want instant results without the downtime. Fillers like hyaluronic acid are often used in liquid rhinoplasty procedures and can make a quick change to the nose with a 15-minute office injection.
Transparency and preservation
These two factors have also contributed to the shift in rhinoplasty trends in recent years. Being taboo about procedures is becoming a thing of the past. Patients are much more open about sharing details about their procedures, especially when the results are nearly undetectable. “The emphasis is on embracing their natural look with some enhancements and simultaneously owning the fact that they made a change and being fully transparent with it,” says Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani. More than the procedure, board-certified San Francisco facial plastic surgeon Raj Dedhia, MD says that it’s a mindset change. “We’re also seeing a shift toward techniques that preserve native anatomy rather than dismantle and rebuild it by maintaining the natural dorsum and internal support structures,” he says.
The age factor
The average age range for a rhinoplasty procedure varies. “Most of my younger clients come in stating their family member had a rhinoplasty, and they would like the same treatment,” says Dr. Mays. However, he notes that injectable rhinoplasty treatments follow aesthetic trends. Given that, the boom of cosmetic injectables among younger generations is likely adding to the popularization of the procedure. According to Dr. Bassiri-Tehran, patients in their late 30s to 50s are increasingly interested in rhinoplasty, but for very different reasons than younger patients. “These patients typically like their nose overall but have noticed small age-related changes, such as a drooping or more rounded tip,” he says. The procedure can also be tacked on with others that are common later in life. For example, Dr. Dedhia mentions that a conservative rhinoplasty can restore balance to complement a facelift or eyelid surgery, creating a more youthful yet still authentic appearance. Finances also play a role for patients 50 and over. “Sometimes the decision is more about being in a position, financially, to have the procedure you’ve always wanted,” says Dr. Singer.
What to know before getting a rhinoplasty
Transparency has been a helpful tool in modernizing rhinoplasty. However, it’s important to do your research before diving into a procedure. “Technological advances have improved precision and safety, allowing for smoother outcomes with less bruising, while a range of techniques and tools help ensure the final result is thoughtfully sculpted,” says Dr. Dedhia. As you are making your decision, consult with your doctor about the best procedure to achieve your desired look. Injectable rhinoplasties are a popular route, but are not suitable for everyone. “This option mainly involves contour changes. It creates the illusion that a deformity has been corrected and typically lasts nine to 12 months, meaning you’ll have to get another injection around the nine-month mark,” says Dr. Mays. Fillers also add to the nose, making aspects of it larger not smaller, notes Dr. Singer. A traditional rhinoplasty offers long-lasting results that could take 12 to 18 months to see. Deciding to go with a traditional rhinoplasty can be stressful, but finding the right doctor who really takes the time to listen to you and tries to understand your goals can help make the process easier. “As the trends continue to evolve, it’s a matter of educating the patient and being realistic about the approach,” says Dr. Singer.