For the last year and a half, remote working and constant online meetings have forced us to stare at our camera reflections day after day in lighting that is often less than favourable. As a result, plastic surgeons across the globe continue to experience a rise in demand for rhinoplasty, more commonly known as nose jobs.
Self-isolating in our homes has also meant no travel, no “go-to” events or social commitments, and an abundance of unused vacation time. This combination of downtime and self-reflection, paired with growing insecurities, has resulted in what the surgical community is referring to as the “Zoom Boom.”
This cheekily named phenomenon refers to the surge of patients seeking rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures for facial imperfections. And this phenomenon isn’t just isolated to women.
At Toronto Plastic Surgeons, our specialized plastic surgeons have seen a significant increase of interest from male patients seeking rhinoplasty and other cosmetic surgeries. In fact, rhinoplasty was recently ranked the most popular cosmetic procedure among men.
Our experienced surgeons specialize in nose surgery in Toronto for both men and women. They will be able to walk you through the process, weigh your options, and educate you on how rhinoplasty can benefit you.
Here’s everything you need to know about male rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty enables individuals to change their noses to be more symmetrical, balanced and streamlined to the face. By reshaping the nose even slightly, a person’s entire facial structure can change.
The reality is, our nose is dead centre on our faces and is a direct visual focal point that we can’t hide with makeup, hair, or clothing. Knowing the nose is an unavoidable feature can create a feeling of powerlessness to those self-conscious of its appearance.
The goal of men’s rhinoplasty is both the same and yet opposite of the goals of women. Both share a desire for an improved aesthetic with an even, symmetrical appearance. However, with women’s rhinoplasty, the goal is usually to help feminize the face. This may be done by giving the nose a rounder, more slender, “cute” appearance.
Guys typically go for the opposite effect than women. Men’s noses are typically larger, wider, and straighter cut than women’s, and thus the ideal aesthetic in male nose surgery is to deliver a look that enhances masculine features.
Generally, this is done by straightening the nasal bridge and increasing the width to the middle of the nose. Of course, every patient and their goals may be different, and we’ll work with you during your consultation to find out your exact desires.
As much as we hate to admit it, looks play a big part in the working world and life. Whether consciously or subconsciously, it’s why so many in the business and entertainment world use hair gel, wear designer clothes, use cologne, and even wear makeup. The dated stigma of vanity in men is fading away, causing more men to open up and explore more options to help improve their appearance, including plastic surgery.
The conversation has turned from men’s self-care and aesthetics being seen as “feminine” to becoming a conversation of vitality and virility. Those in the working world also find it useful in getting a competitive edge.
Ageism and bias are unfortunately nothing new in the workplace, and in today’s modern world, fear of looking “too old” or “not attractive enough” can come into play. Worries of being overlooked in the workplace for promotions, employment, or other work opportunities are common concerns in those concerned about their appearance.
In his article “Why Men are Turning to Cosmetic Procedures for a Competitive Edge in the Boardroom,” Ron Repport spoke about plastic surgery such as rhinoplasty and Botox, describing the two procedures as “stealth weapons to deploy in a Darwinian battle for corporate survival.”
Besides the physical benefits of rhinoplasty, a nose job can improve your overall self-confidence and mental health. Men seeking a nose job likely didn’t decide they wanted one overnight. It’s likely been insecurity they’ve felt for a while, or at the very least since the start of remote working. Those whose noses may have been deformed from trauma or breakage from an accident may face a painful reminder every time they look in the mirror. Whatever the reason, many men find huge relief and gain self-esteem after their surgeries. This renewed confidence can come with a plethora of benefits, such as:
Men don’t just get a nose job for the aesthetic value. One of the most popular types of nose surgery is Septoplasty, which is used to treat a deviated septum.
A deviated septum is a condition that can occur when your nasal passageway displaces to one side, causing a blockage in one or both nostrils. This limits the airflow that can pass in and out of one’s nose.
A deviated septum can form naturally or be created after a trauma such as a broken nose and come with various health issues.
Symptoms of a deviated septum include:
This symptom is especially prominent in men. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that 40% of men snore, almost twice the rate of women. Snoring can result from a deviated septum congesting your breathing during sleep and cause loud and disruptive snoring.
In some extreme cases, deviated septums can also cause sleep apnea, a condition where airflow blockage is so bad it results in an abrupt halt in breathing. This can create a very jarring and occasionally scary wakeup and may call for special preventative breathing equipment for a good night’s sleep.
The misalignment in nasal passages limit airflow, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This can occur year-round or can spring up during congestion periods such as seasonal allergies or common colds.
Lack of airflow from a blocked nasal passage can build pressure, causing frequent painful sinus headaches. Another symptom of the pressure buildup is experiencing a tender, sore feeling in your face around the sinus areas.
Frequent nosebleeds are another common sign of a deviated septum, as the improper passing of air dries out the inside of your nose, resulting in cracking and bleeding. Unfortunately, this symptom can worsen the condition, as dried blood can build up in the nose over time, creating an even worse blockage. A clogged sinus passage is also more likely to develop frequent infections.
Those with a deviated septum may experience some or all the above symptoms and may also see a visually noticeable deformity in the nose, such as bumps and crooked shapes. Many opt for nose reshaping for aesthetic purposes during the procedure, and in some cases, it may be necessary when breakage is the root of the deviation. However, a septoplasty is generally non-reconstructive and natural and can usually be resolved without changing the overall appearance of the nose.
During your consultation with us, we can help determine whether you have a deviated septum and its severity and if reshaping is a necessity for you.
Now that you know some of the many benefits of a nose job, your biggest question right now might be down to “Should I get a nose job?” Firstly, let’s talk about what makes a good candidate for the procedure.
Men’s noses typically continue to grow for a more extended period than women’s, stopping at around ages 17-19, compared to 15-17. By age ten, the overall shape of your nose is formed but continues growing for several years after that. To prevent any undoing of work, we recommend younger men wait until after this period to get rhinoplasty.
After that, there is no actual ideal age range for a rhinoplasty, so don’t feel like you’ve missed a reasonable time. The best time is whenever you are ready.
Mostly anyone can get a nose job. However, there are a few things that can make you an ideal candidate. This includes being healthy and lacking severe medical conditions, as a healthy recovery period is vital.
For men, having a well-defined bone structure can be very beneficial to surgery, as it gives us proper support while we perform the alterations. This isn’t a necessity but can help the appearance of the overall look.
Sometimes people can become unhappy with their nose job as they grow older, and their facial features begin to change. Others come to us displeased with a previous procedure from another clinic. We can usually fix in what’s known as a revision rhinoplasty. The principles are almost identical to a standard rhinoplasty, with the same goals of improving the aesthetic.
However, secondary rhinoplasty is more complex than an initial procedure, as things like the septum, bone, and cartilage have already been augmented, or in some cases, removed. Additionally, the scarred tissue can prove to be more rigid and less workable.
Because of these factors, it’s important to have realistic expectations about your procedure and communicate with your surgeon about the desired outcome. If you’ve recently had a nose job that you’re unhappy with, we also recommend waiting at least two years after your procedure before any revisions so the nose has time to fully settle into its shape and heal.
After meeting with us for a consolation to discuss your rhinoplasty’s desired goals, we discuss everything from costs, recovery, risks, and expectations. Once all parties are confident, informed, and ready, your appointment is booked.
Here’s what you can expect before, during and after your rhinoplasty:
On the day of surgery, we apply general anesthesia to make sure you experience a painless procedure. Small Incisions are made, and the desired cosmetic alterations are made to the nose. The procedure overall can take anywhere between 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the extensiveness of the work.
After your surgery, you’ll rest in our recovery room for a few hours while your anesthesia wears off and have check-ins and assessments by our nursing team to make sure you’re in good condition to go home. For your safety, you must have a designated person drive you home safely. A safe ride home does not include the TTC or a taxi service.
Your nose will be packed and cast to minimize bleeding and swelling. This may be a little uncomfortable, but it’s important not to remove the packing. Over the next few days, you’ll return to our clinic for proper removal of the packing, then again for the cast and stitches.
After a week, scarring is minimal, and most men return to work without issues. Within the month, almost all bruising has subsided. After about a month and a half, intensive physical activities such as exercise can be resumed, and the nose will appear more natural on the face. In total, it may take just over a full year for the finalized appearance of your nose to settle.
At our plastic surgery clinic, our surgeons specialize in rhinoplasty among other plastic surgery procedures for both men and women. You can trust us to perform nose jobs with a high level of expertise and professionalism.
If you’re tired of feeling insecure and looking for male rhinoplasty, we can help. Schedule a Consultation online or call 647-723-3739 to speak with one of our experts. Our experienced and specialized surgeons will help you weigh your options and determine the best treatment and approach for you, your preferences, and your lifestyle.