Rhinoplasty has been one of the most requested plastic surgeries worldwide for decades. The pursuit of the ideal nose is prevalent in many cultures, and many are willing to go under the knife to achieve their ideal.
But that ideal might be changing. Due to social media and evolving aesthetic standards, patients aren’t always asking for the perfect, slender, cookie-cutter nose anymore. With changing beauty standards, a more inclusive view of beauty, and more embracing of uniqueness, softer, subtle changes that suit the individual rather than sharp, standardized definitions are becoming the ideal.
Until around the last several years, there was a fairly limited and short list of nose types requested for rhinoplasty. For the most part, they were very slender, highly sculpted, and ultra-defined. Requests for celebrity noses like Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, or Kate Middleton were extremely popular. Many patients felt the need to ask for aggressive dorsal hump removal and super-slim nasal tips. These requests throughout the 2010s were not necessarily new. In the early 2000s and 1990s, slender, slim “Barbie” noses were the standard for rhinoplasty requests. But there has been a subtle shift.
Over the last few years, there has been a shift, specifically toward a rounder, more natural look and less of a defined, pointy appearance. You can hear expert Beverly Hills rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Nima talk about this specific shift in this behind-the-scenes discussion. Instead of well-known celebrities, patients are taking inspiration from their favorite influencers they identify with and, most likely, see a little of themselves in. The new trend is to request a slightly dipped curve, a shorter nose, and a slightly lifted tip, instead of heavy corrections or changes. A rounded, button-tip nose is also a more frequent request as patients are moving away from a sharp point. There is a greater focus on individual balance than on achieving a copycat standard.
There is also a shift in requests from those wanting to preserve their ethnic identity in their rhinoplasty. Many individuals have decided that the “western” standard is not their standard, and many plastic surgeons have honed their surgical skills to artistically accommodate based on the unique needs of the individual. In short, patients are now requesting refinements, not reinventions, and a greater value is placed on preserving structure, facial harmony, and subtlety.
It’s no secret that content on TikTok and Instagram has reframed beauty norms. In past decades, 20 plus years ago, beauty standards were in magazines, TV, and on the big screen. But there wasn’t a widespread platform to see different kinds of beauty. Now, with broad access to social media, many different people from many different backgrounds and aesthetic preferences are seen. A wide variety of niche communities means that you can find the ideal aesthetic for you, and it might be different from your neighbor, your coworker, or your mom.
Along with more inclusive and wide-ranging examples of beauty, many plastic surgeons are on social media as well, providing real talk about realistic outcomes, surgical techniques, and tips on how patients can work toward achieving their goals. Plastic surgery itself has become less stigmatized, so many who have undergone procedures like rhinoplasty are willing to talk about their experience to educate and inform others. Transparency from surgeons and patients alike has opened the doors for prospective rhinoplasty patients to go in feeling more confident about their aesthetic goals.
When considering rhinoplasty, it’s important to understand your aesthetic preferences and your goals for surgery to ensure that you can communicate your goals with your chosen surgical team. It’s also incredibly important to select a surgeon who understands that your unique personal goals are the ideal treatment for you and who has experience with many different kinds of rhinoplasty. Of course, they should also be board-certified and supremely experienced. Book your appointment now with Dr. Nima Shemirani and learn more about all the possibilities that can be achieved with a completely tailored rhinoplasty. If you haven’t yet, check out Dr. Nima’s video about changes in rhinoplasty and feel the inspiration.
