The nose stands out at the center of the face as one of its most defining features. A rhinoplasty, also known by the colloquial term “nose job,” is a common type of cosmetic surgery designed to alter the shape of the nose by modifying bone, cartilage, and skin. It is intended to create a balanced, harmonious look that blends well with existing features. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Greco specializes in facial plastic surgery for the Philadelphia area, where he explains that in the right hands, a rhinoplasty can preserve and enhance a patient’s unique characteristics. While it is sometimes performed for aesthetic reasons, it can also be used for medical purposes, such as to help improve breathing.  

Some patients may be born with a nose they deem to be unflattering or may suffer trauma or a sports injury that permanently distorts the feature’s symmetry. If you’re self-conscious about the way your nose looks—whether it’s a hump on the bridge, an upturned nose tip, or an overly beaky appearance—you generally have two options: learning to love the nose you have or undergoing cosmetic treatments.  

There is no single technique that can define rhinoplasty, as the procedure must be individualized for each unique case. Rhinoplasty can be used to alter the size, tip, bridge, nostrils, width, and alignment of the nose. Your plastic surgeon will assess your overall facial shape, skin, other features, ethnicity, gender, and ethnic background before beginning any surgery to create the most natural look possible, as opposed to an overly “plastic” or “overdone” appearance.  

Though the world of plastic surgery has traditionally been dominated by women, an increasing number of men are opting for procedures, as much of the stigma surrounding cosmetic changes has lifted and discussions about “getting work done” have become more open. Increased competition in a limited job market may be another reason why more men are choosing plastic surgery. Notably, the nose shapes men hope to achieve—as well as their motivations for choosing rhinoplasty—tend to be different from the shapes and motivations inspiring women to pick the procedure. 

While beauty is subjective, there are certain respective conventional standards to which women and men typically aspire. For men, nose surgery may be employed to sculpt a strong, masculine profile with a straight bridge, as opposed to the smaller, daintier structure and refined tip that many women strive for. The optimal nasolabial angle also differs between men and women. While there is no such thing as a “perfect” nose, and surgery isn’t guaranteed to fix other areas of your life, the transformation possible with a male nose job can help to restore confidence.  

To optimize results and maximize safety, choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon is critical. Preferably, your provider should have plenty of experience in performing rhinoplasty surgery on men, and you may want to take a look at before-and-after photos of previous patients to see the possible results. 

Before having a rhinoplasty, it’s important to fully discuss your expectations with your provider during your initial consultation. A qualified and talented physician will help you to determine what is realistically possible from the surgery. Ideal candidates are those who are in a good state of overall physical, mental, and emotional health. 

After the procedure, a small splint is used on the nose, and the nostrils may be packed to help accelerate the healing process. Most patients experience some swelling, but most of the surgical after-effects should resolve after two weeks. Avoid engaging in heavy physical activity during this time. Patients should plan to schedule two weeks off from work to fully rest and recuperate. You should also refrain from smoking throughout your recovery period, as nicotine and other chemicals can inhibit ideal results.

To learn more about rhinoplasty options for men, call Timothy M. Greco, MD, PC, at (610) 664-8830 or send a message online.