The eyes may be the window to the soul but for many aesthetic consumers, the nose may just be the doorway to a more satisfied life. And while it’s true that many patients want a nose that’s smaller or thinner or less bulbous, a new survey suggests that it’s what they don’t want that’s driving interest in rhinoplasty.
More than anything, those considering rhinoplasty don’t want to look “done,” or worse, “overdone” — so many, in fact, that the latest survey from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) notes that 74% of members reported requests for natural-looking rhinoplasties last year.
It’s a trend that shows up in the questions members of the RealSelf community ask all the time:
- How Can I Get Natural-looking Rhinoplasty Results?
- Is a Natural Looking Nose Possible with Rhinoplasty?
- My nose job looks fake. How to make it look more natural?
For doctors, the key is to engage with those potential patients in ways that address their concerns. Consider the answers doctors gave to RealSelf user jlikes03, who wanted to avoid looking “too fake.”
The key to a natural looking rhinoplasty is to not over do a nose and to provide for nasal facial harmony and symmetry without causing a deformity. Rhinoplasty is the hardest operation in cosmetic surgery. It requires expertise from someone who is trained and has experience in rhinoplasty, either a Board Certified Otolaryngologist or Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. — Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Probably the most common fear of people considering rhinoplasty is what you mention…looking too pinched or unnatural. You should see an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who will review computer imaging with you to give you a clear picture of what surgery can do for you… If done well, your nose should look like the nose you were meant to have, so natural for your face that no one will be able to point out what you changed. — Jason Litner, MD
Both answers actually do more than merely address her desire to look natural. By incorporating the importance of finding a board-certified surgeon to perform the procedure, they share their expertise in a non-promotional way that demonstrates that their focus is on her needs as an aesthetic consumer, not their own welfare as doctors looking to fill their surgical calendars.
Video provides another good way to address patient concerns. In this video, Los Angeles plastic surgeon Rady Rahban, MD, demonstrates five pitfalls that can lead to an unnatural result (over-scooped, over-narrowed, turned up, etc.). Backing them up with a brief discussion of the procedure itself and a diverse array of before and after photos, he lets viewers know his goal is the same as theirs: “to get a natural nose or a nose that not everybody knows you had something done.”
Doctor Takeaway
Messaging that matches consumers’ concerns provides a natural advantage
As previously noted, celebrities and social media are driving increased interest in cosmetic surgery. But not everyone wants to look like Kim Kardashian. In fact, there’s growing evidence that patients are seeking a less-enhanced (i.e., more natural) look in several areas. Many doctors are reporting that more women are seeking smaller breast implants than previously, while others suggest that the current trend toward bootylicious backsides will evolve into a more natural style going forward. Whether it’s breasts, butts, or noses, aesthetic consumers will be naturally drawn to doctors who can help them achieve it.