Male rhinoplasty surgery can change the appearance of the nose by altering the nasal structures such as the nasal bones, nasal cartilage, and skin. In addition, the procedure can correct structural defects in the nose that affect breathing function.
Dr Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney who performs both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty surgery.
Differences Between Rhinoplasty for Men and Women
The male nose has a number of unique anatomical characteristics that must be taken into consideration when selecting the appropriate surgical strategy.
Nose Bridge
Men have a longer, straighter, and wider nasal bridge than the female nose. There is also less concavity at the nasal radix – part of the nose between the eyes, with a wider bony nasal base.
Nasal Tip
Men have a nasal tip that is broader and more rounded. Also, the nasal tip projects further from the face in men. The angle between the upper lip and nose in men is between 90 to 95 degrees compared to the more elevated and rotated tip in women (95 to 105 degrees), which gives a longer appearance to the nose.
Due to the increased projection of the nose and broader tip, this gives the nostrils a more elongated and visible appearance. However, one of the most significant differences between male and female noses is skin thickness, especially in the tip and supratip areas. The much thicker and glandular skin type in men limits the amount of changes that can be achieved in male rhinoplasty surgery.
Male Rhinoplasty Surgery
Male rhinoplasty surgery is performed in an accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Most nose procedures require general anaesthesia and take 2 to 3 hours to perform. Depending on the complexity of your procedure, you may be allowed to go home the same day or you may need to stay overnight.
The fundamentals of rhinoplasty surgery are the same whether Dr Turner is operating on a male or female patient. This includes the incision placement, cartilage modification, and functional and structural considerations. What is different is the aesthetic perspective that is required to accurately perform a male rhinoplasty surgery that preserves the masculine nose.
Learn more about Rhinoplasty Techniques
Recovery after Male Rhinoplasty
You can resume normal day-to-day activities after 1 to 2 weeks depending on the complexity of rhinoplasty surgery. You can resume exercise and sporting activities in 6 to 8 weeks. The final results of a male rhinoplasty can be noticeable after a year or even longer.
Learn more about Recovery after Rhinoplasty Surgery
Risks and Complications of a Male Rhinoplasty
Like any surgical procedure, a male rhinoplasty has risks and complications such as:
- Wound infection
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Abnormal scarring
- Allergies or reactions to medications, sutures, or topical treatments
- Delayed healing
- Chronic pain & numbness
- Prolonged visible swelling that may last for weeks & sometimes months
- Loss of structural support and collapse of the nasal airways during breathing
- Perforation of the nasal septum
- Nasal breathing alterations
- Reduced sense of smell
- Reddening of the nasal skin
- Bending or movement of a cartilage graft away from its ideal position
- Deviation of the nose or septum
- Revision surgery
