Reverse Rhinoplasty? New Yorkers, Are You Ready?
Will our next patient seeking rhinoplasty in New York ask for a reverse nose job? If you believe some reports in the media, it could happen.
It seems like a strange idea, but consider this: rhinoplasty, one of the first cosmetic procedures to be performed and one of the most popular for decades, is declining in popularity. While the experts disagree on the exact numbers, professional societies do concur that the popularity of nose surgery is generally in decline. For instance, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the procedure dipped 2% from 2016 to 2017, and a whopping 44% between 2000 and 2017.
At the same time, articles are popping up in the online press about people seeking to reverse the effects of a previous rhinoplasty or even add a slight imperfection to a normal looking nose.
Like the rest of the professionals in the industry, we can’t say exactly why this might be happening. But we can point to a few factors that may contribute.
Celebration of a Unique Look
Writing on Market Watch, a Dow Jones website, one author proposes that whereas refining a large nose (are you old enough to remember the unwanted “Jewish nose?”) used to be the thing to do, so-called “ethnic noses” are now much more accepted. She postulates that the notion that Northern European features are to be coveted is fading with changing beauty norms that accompany globalization. She also wonders if, as other cultures—notably the Chinese—take center stage on the planet, standards will continue to change.
A plastic surgeon on the West Coast claims to be doing reverse nose jobs already. Instead of asking for smoother, smaller noses, he says his patients are leaning toward adding a small bump for “character.” He explains that many of these men and women had rhinoplasty at a young age when their goal was to fit in. Now, a little later in life, they feel more confident and want to stand out as individuals. Apparently, homogeneity is “out.”
The Normal Pendulum Swing
Aside from the possible effects of globalization, there are simple trend shifts. Just as tastes change in fashion and hairstyles, so does society’s take on the most celebrated body shape. The average breast implants we’re using today have decreased in size as women lean toward less dramatic breast augmentation and a more natural look. And fat grafting to the buttocks is less popular than it was just a few years ago, while butt implants seem to be fading into a thing of the past.
The pendulum will probably never stop swinging. That’s why, as we perform rhinoplasty in New York—and breast surgery, lip augmentation, fat grafting and other cosmetic surgery that enhances or refines—we talk with our patients about the many reasons to avoid extremes, including the trends we’ve seen come and go.
Fillers as Rhinoplasty Alternatives
Finally, men and women who want to fine-tune the look of their nose have the option to try fillers instead of surgery. Products often used primarily to smooth wrinkles, such as Juvederm and Radiesse, can be very effective in modifying the nose. They can smooth a hump, improve asymmetry, build up a sunken bridge or refine a tip. This procedure is often referred to as a “non-surgical nose job” or a “liquid nose job.” Although the effects are temporary, reviewers on sites like Real Self generally give this option a very high approval rate.
We have been performing rhinoplasty in New York for more than three decades, and it’s still one of our favorite procedures. In our practice in Manhattan, we have always specialized in creating a natural and individualized appearance for each patient we serve; this means preserving the genetic heritage that makes people look like themselves! In fact, even many years ago we would tell patients that removing a large hump but leaving just a little could be the goal. That way, the result would be a nose that looks “much better” but not like it came off an assembly line.
We are glad to perform non-surgical nose jobs for New York men and women as well. Some patients are quite happy to have fillers injected from time to time and never go under the knife. Others choose this approach to preview what a nose job could do for them permanently.
Whatever you may have in mind for your nose, we would be happy to meet you and talk over your options. Send us a quick email to get started.
