Regarding the fundamental surgical technique utilized for rhinoplasty, there is no difference between treating a male nose and a female nose. For instance, the open rhinoplasty technique for males is performed via a small incision made in the vertical strip of the nose, just as it is for females. Similarly, the closed rhinoplasty technique is conducted using small incisions made inside the nostrils, regardless of the patient’s gender.
Basic surgical methods aside, however, rhinoplasty does often differ in regard to the typical cosmetic goals and nasal features of men and women. In general, males tend to have a broader, more prominent nasal bridge than most females do. Furthermore, the nasal tip for the majority of men is usually less elevated, normally creating about a 90–95 degree angle between the upper lip and nose. Contrarily, the angle of the nasal tip for many women is a little more elevated, and the bridge is generally thinner and less distinguished. These characteristics—combined with relatively thinner skin—usually create more delicate and sharper nasal attributes for women.
While all of these qualities can be taken into consideration when performing rhinoplasty, the unique needs and goals of the individual ultimately play a far greater role than what’s viewed as “normal” nasal characteristics for men and women. Nasal surgery is a highly customizable treatment, and a surgical plan should be tailored based on what a patient wishes to change about his or her nose—not what is deemed standard for each gender.
