Male Rhinoplasty: Nose Surgery For Men

What is Male Rhinoplasty? 

The nose is a central feature of the face and may have an influence on facial appearance and proportion. Some men may be concerned about the size, shape or position of their nose, including a nose that appears large, crooked or asymmetrical, or has a noticeable bump on the bridge.

Male rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery for men or nose reshaping surgery, is a procedure which may alter the size, shape or position of the nose. Rhinoplasty for men may involve making the nose smaller, slimmer or wider, or reducing lumps and bumps. In some cases, nose surgery may also be used to address breathing difficulties.

Reasons men may consider rhinoplasty include:

• Concerns about the size or shape of the nose
• Nasal characteristics that may appear disproportionate to the overall shape of the face
• Changes to the shape of the nose following an accident or sports injury

Key Facts About Male Rhinoplasty 

• Rhinoplasty surgery may alter the size and shape of the nose; remove or reduce a bump; alter the size and shape of the nostrils and tip and correct a deviated septum
• Rhinoplasty results are permanent 
• Male rhinoplasty may involve a different surgical approach to female rhinoplasty, as the angle and slope of the nose may differ between men and women. 
• The lower part of the nose is made up of cartilage. During male rhinoplasty, if the nasal tip is being reduced, part of this cartilage may be removed. 
• Male rhinoplasty may be performed for cosmetic and medical reasons. In some cases, rhinoplasty may address breathing difficulties associated with a deviated septum. Individuals considering nose surgery may also wish to read about septorhinoplasty. 
• When considering male rhinoplasty, it is important to choose an appropriate specialist plastic surgeon. 

Types of Male Rhinoplasty 

Male rhinoplasty may be performed using either an open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty technique. Open rhinoplasty may involve making one cut across the skin between the nostrils, while closed rhinoplasty uses small cuts made inside the nostrils.

Following nose reshaping surgery, the skin over the nose can shrink or expand to its new shape. With closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are positioned internally, meaning there may be  no visible external scars. 

What Can Nose Reshaping For Men Change? 

• Nostrils: Male rhinoplasty may be used to address asymmetrical nostrils or reduce flared nostrils. Where an incision is required, scarring may be minimal and positioned in the nostril crease. 
• Nasal Tip: During male rhinoplasty, the cartilage that makes up the nasal tip may be reshaped or removed. This may be done through the nostril or through a small cut which is made between the nostrils. For more detail on a specific nasal tip concern, read about rhinoplasty for a bulbous nose tip. 
• Bridge: Nose reshaping surgery may reduce or remove the bone and cartilage that causes a hump. The nasal bones may also be repositioned closer together to create a narrower appearance.
• Septum: Where the septum is bent or deviated, the bone and cartilage may be straightened and repositioned towards the centre of the nose. Read more about septoplasty.
• Length: The septum, which forms the central nose structure, may be reduced to alter both the nasal tip and the overall length of the nose.
• Width: The side nasal bones may be repositioned to create a narrower appearance to the nose.
• Augmentation: The nasal bridge or tip may be increased or contoured by altering the existing bone or cartilage, or by using an implant. 

During a rhinoplasty consultation with ENT surgeon Mr Sirhan Alvi, he will assess the nose and discuss which rhinoplasty procedure may be most appropriate. 

Male Rhinoplasty Aftercare 

Early Recovery After Male Rhinoplasty 

• Numbness, bruising and swelling may occur following rhinoplasty surgery and this may gradually resolve. 
• During the first few days after rhinoplasty, patients may need to rest in a semi-upright position and avoid bending down. 
• Slight bleeding from the nostrils may occur which can be gently dabbed away.
• It may be advised to minimise blowing the nose for around two weeks after rhinoplasty, as this may contribute to further bleeding or bruising. Ice packs may help relieve bruising around the eyes.

Rhinoplasty Splint and Post-Operative Care 

• Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty) may require an overnight stay in hospital.
• A nasal splint may be in place after rhinoplasty and should be worn continuously until the post-operative appointment. If there are packs within the nose, they may be removed before leaving the hospital.
• A nasal splint may be worn for around 7-10 days after rhinoplasty. It can help support the new shape of the nose and protect it from accidental knocks or bumps. 
• Patients who wear glasses may find them uncomfortable until the splint is removed. 
• Contact lenses may be difficult to insert or remove during the early recovery period.

Returning To Work After Male Rhinoplasty 

• Patients may be able to return to work after the splint is removed around 7-10 days after rhinoplasty. Around 10 days away from work following nose correction surgery may be advised, and much of the bruising may have settled by this stage. 
• Contact or impact sports may need to be avoided for approximately 3-6 months following rhinoplasty surgery. 

Male Rhinoplasty Recovery & Results

• A wound check may take place within the first seven days after rhinoplasty. Some of the sutures may be dissolvable, while any that may require removal may be taken out during a post-operative appointment. 
• Rhinoplasty scars may be less visible where the surgical incisions are made internally. 
• Although changes to the nose may be noticeable soon after rhinoplasty, the final rhinoplasty result can continue to develop over the following 6-12 months. 

This provides a guide to the stages of nose shaping recovery. Recovery can vary from person to person and each person may heal at a different rate.