Rhinoplasty has always been one of the most requested procedures in facial plastic surgery, but in recent years there has been a major shift in what patients are looking for. Instead of dramatic, “cookie-cutter” noses that look the same on every face, patients today are asking for natural results—refinements that blend seamlessly with their own features. This isn’t just a passing trend; it reflects a larger cultural movement toward authenticity and individuality in beauty. Studies have confirmed what many of us in the field have already noticed: natural, subtle outcomes are now in higher demand than ever. A 2024 study published in Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine found that when people perceived rhinoplasty results as overly “done,” attractiveness ratings actually decreased, but when results looked natural, faces were consistently rated as more attractive—even when observers didn’t realize a procedure had been performed (PubMed, 2024). Industry reports also confirm this shift, with data showing increased demand for personalized, natural-looking rhinoplasty and nonsurgical options like fillers (Grand View Research, 2024).
As a UCLA-trained, double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, I have dedicated my career to both surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, with rhinoplasty as one of my core specialties. Over the years, I have performed hundreds of rhinoplasties, ranging from complex surgical reconstructions to revision cases and nonsurgical filler-based refinements. Surgical rhinoplasty is one of the most technically challenging procedures in plastic surgery because it requires both artistry and precision—the nose is not only central to facial balance, but also critical to breathing function. My training and experience allow me to guide patients honestly about what can be achieved with filler versus when surgery is the better choice, and my philosophy has always been the same: results should look natural, harmonious, and personalized.
In my Pasadena practice, I see patients every day who are looking for small but meaningful changes. The most common requests are to smooth out a bump, soften the tip, or create a straighter, more balanced profile. These may sound like minor adjustments, but because the nose is at the center of the face, even a millimeter of change can dramatically improve the way the entire face looks. Just as important, many patients tell me they want to preserve their identity. They often say, “I want a better nose, but I don’t want to lose who I am.” That is where preservation techniques come in—whether in surgery or with fillers, these methods refine the nose while maintaining cultural and ethnic features that are integral to a patient’s sense of self.
Surgical rhinoplasty remains an excellent option for patients who need permanent structural changes or functional improvement. Closed rhinoplasty, which places all incisions inside the nostrils, avoids external scars and often means a smoother recovery, while preservation techniques minimize disruption of the nasal framework to keep results as natural as possible. These approaches are part of a larger global trend in rhinoplasty that aligns with patients’ preference for subtlety over transformation.
One of the most popular treatments in my office today, however, is liquid rhinoplasty. I perform hundreds of these procedures each year, and the demand continues to grow. Using carefully placed filler, I can smooth a hump, lift a drooping tip, or refine the bridge in less than thirty minutes. There is virtually no downtime, the results are immediate, and they typically last twelve to eighteen months. Patients love liquid rhinoplasty because it is safe, affordable, and not permanent, which makes it the perfect first step. I often describe it as a “test drive” for rhinoplasty. Some patients are so happy with their nonsurgical results that they maintain them with yearly touch-ups, while others use it as a stepping stone to surgery after they’ve seen what a more refined nose looks like on their face.
What makes liquid rhinoplasty so effective is the way it reshapes how light and shadow fall on the nose. Filler doesn’t make the nose smaller, but it camouflages irregularities and creates the illusion of a straighter, shorter, more balanced profile. When patients look in the mirror after their treatment and say, “This looks like me—just better,” I know the procedure has done exactly what it’s supposed to do.
Whether surgical or nonsurgical, rhinoplasty today is about achieving results that are natural, balanced, and individualized. The best rhinoplasty is the one that blends seamlessly into your face, where people notice that you look refreshed and confident without knowing why. If you’ve been considering rhinoplasty but aren’t ready to commit to surgery, liquid rhinoplasty is an excellent place to start. It’s one of the most popular treatments I offer in my Pasadena office because it’s quick, safe, affordable, and beautifully effective. And if later you decide that you want a permanent change, surgical rhinoplasty will always be an option.
