Times Are Changing: Rhinoplasty for Men

Is it common for men to have nose surgery?

Come gather ‘round people.

Wherever you roam.

And admit that the waters.

Around you have grown.

 Bob Dylan recently won the Nobel prize for literature. Whether you believe song lyrics qualify for that level of award, aside, he has been speaking his brand of truth to fans for a long time. More than 50 years ago, he wrote The Times They Are A-Changin’, which includes the lines above. They can be applied to any number of things, and that certainly includes the continuing rise in popularity of male rhinoplasty for aesthetic as well as functional purposes.Men have always had nose surgery for functional issues. Deviated septa, birth defects, sinus issues and injuries have all been common reasons for men to seek surgical corrections. But, the times have changed! Now, men are quite apt to be looking as much for a change in the way they look as they are improved function. According to Stephen S. Park, MD, FACS, President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), “We see many men who come in for nose surgery to fix a deviated septum or male weekend warriors who broke their nose in a pick-up game of basketball and need it fixed, but they are also looking for a good cosmetic result. Today, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries are one in the same, and our male patients increasingly demand form and function.”All types of cosmetic surgery are on the upswing for men. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports that between 2010 and 2015, male plastic surgery procedures rose 43 percent and that the most common is rhinoplasty.Why are more men making the choice for nose surgery? There are a variety of reasons. Women often complain about noses that are wide or tips that are on the bulbous side, giving the face a more masculine appearance. Their goal is for a smaller, daintier-appearing nose. For men, these would not be an issue, unless, of course, they were so extreme as to throw off the balance of the face. Men are more likely to request the removal of an obvious hump or the straightening of a crooked bridge, with the goal being that of achieving a more natural appearance.While the majority of rhinoplasty patients are very happy with the results of their procedures, there are those occasions, unfortunately, where men and women, alike, have unrealistic goals and expectations. Michael Jackson’s cosmetic surgery odyssey immediately springs to mind. Seeking surgical alterations to look more natural and attractive can be a very healthy pursuit. Trying to radically change appearance because of psychological issues is an entirely different story. Cosmetic surgery, and nose surgery in particular, can be life-changing. It’s important to make sure that those changes are positive. This is one of the reasons that the decision to consult with a highly experienced rhinoplasty surgeon is so crucial.If you are considering nose surgery, you could not make a better decision than consulting with Dr. Geoffrey Tobias, New York City’s only plastic surgeon exclusively practicing rhinoplasty. His experience, compassion and dedication have combined to have him recognized 12 times as “best in his field” by New York Magazine.  To request a consultation, simply click here.