Everything You Need to Know About Fantasy Nose Surgery
Fantasy nose surgery is one of the most popular types of rhinoplasty that brings a dramatic change to the face. Due to its resemblance to Barbie dolls, it is also called “Barbie nose” or “doll nose.” In this surgery, the nose is minimized as much as possible and given a curved slope at the back. The most important feature of this type of rhinoplasty is the angle between the nose and the upper lip, which is usually set between 105 to 106 degrees to create an upturned fantasy nose look. Because of the thinning nasal bridge and specific curvature, cartilage grafts or special medical implants are often used to maintain structure. The surgeon determines the type and shape of this support structure for each individual based on 3D facial scans. If you’re considering fantasy nose surgery, continue reading this article from Dr. Benyamin Rahmati’s website for helpful information.
What Is Fantasy Nose Surgery?
Fantasy nose surgery is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery in Iran and many other countries. In this procedure, the nasal bridge is thinned, and the tip of the nose is made smaller and rounder. Along with thinning the bridge, it is curved so the tip becomes upturned. The nostrils are also made smaller to give the nose its most beautiful and delicate appearance. The nasal dorsum — the highest part of the nose and the focal point of the face — is altered and shortened during the fantasy surgery. This change can have a significant impact on beauty and completely transform the shape of your face.
According to statistics, people under the age of 30, especially women, often choose fantasy nose models such as natural fantasy, doll, or Barbie nose for rhinoplasty. Interestingly, fantasy noses are also highly popular among Korean idols, particularly K-pop singers. It’s worth mentioning that doll nose surgery is also common among men; however, in men, the nasal bridge curve and the angle between the nose and upper lip are usually designed to be less pronounced.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Fantasy Nose Surgery?
It is commonly said that the fantasy nose shape is most suitable for delicate and bony faces. However, with new technologies such as facial analysis and post-surgery nose simulation, anyone can choose this nose style for enhanced beauty. With these analyses, you can see your facial shape after surgery and decide if you are satisfied with the result. However, performing fantasy surgery on thick-skinned (fleshy) noses is quite challenging and highly depends on the surgeon’s skill. A wide bridge, thick skin, and weak cartilage make fleshy noses difficult to reshape; therefore, if you have a fleshy nose, be sure to select the best rhinoplasty surgeon for this procedure.
Does Doll-Style Fantasy Nose Surgery Cause Breathing Problems?
In this type of rhinoplasty, the nostrils are reduced in size, which leads some people to believe that fantasy doll nose surgery may cause breathing issues — but this is incorrect. If your surgeon fully understands nasal anatomy and is highly skilled, this problem will not occur, and the procedure will be performed using protective techniques that preserve function.
If you love the doll-like fantasy nose style but are concerned about functional damage or breathing problems, it is recommended that you consult an ENT surgeon. These specialists have complete mastery of nasal anatomy and can create your desired nose shape while preserving its function
How Is Fantasy Nose Surgery Performed?
Fantasy nose surgery generally involves the following steps:
Preoperative Analyses and Tests
First, the surgeon will assess the physical condition of your nose and face. This includes a physical examination and evaluation of the nostrils. After the exam, the surgeon will request facial imaging and 3D analysis. Like any other surgery, you will also need to complete a full blood test. Respiratory and cardiac evaluations are also part of the preoperative assessments. Your doctor may refer you to a comprehensive center for faster completion of these tests. At the next consultation, you will present your test results and analyses, so the surgeon can plan your surgery. During this session, you must inform the surgeon of any medications, supplements, or even herbal teas you regularly consume. Some herbal or chemical substances may increase bleeding, deficiencies, or swelling after surgery; therefore, they must be discontinued before the operation.
Fantasy Nose Surgery in the Operating Room
The type of anesthesia (general or local) is selected based on the surgeon’s recommendation, your preference, and the duration required for surgery. Since many modifications are typically made in fantasy nose surgery, general anesthesia is usually preferred due to the longer surgical time.
In addition to general anesthesia, a local anesthetic is injected into all areas of the nose. Once numbness is complete, the surgeon proceeds with skin incisions. Since the entire nose structure is reshaped into a doll-like form, the open technique is chosen for this rhinoplasty. Depending on the nasal type, the surgery continues as follows:
Types of Fantasy Nose Surgery in the Operating Room
After the necessary modifications and completion of the procedure, the surgeon stitches the incisions. Usually, a supportive splint is applied to maintain the shape, followed by nasal casting. After surgery, you are transferred to the recovery room to allow the anesthesia to wear off. Typically, patients undergoing fantasy nose surgery stay one night in the hospital and are discharged the following day.
Fantasy Nose Surgery for Fleshy (Thick-Skinned) Noses
To reduce this type of nose, excess cartilage, fat, and tissue must be removed. In fantasy nose surgery for fleshy noses, the need for rasping or even fracturing and reconstructing the nasal bone is minimal. Incisions are also made to reduce the nostril size, which you can see in the image below. After the modifications, a silicone implant or cartilage graft is used to strengthen the nasal base. The cartilage used for the graft is usually harvested from the back of the ear and transplanted to the nose.
Fantasy Nose Surgery for Bony Noses
In fantasy rhinoplasty for bony noses, the nasal bone is carefully fractured to thin the nasal bridge. Afterward, the nasal bone is reshaped according to the 3D analyses. Sometimes, silicone implants are used to stabilize the nasal arch. If drooping exists at the nasal tip, excess skin and cartilage are removed through incisions.
Post-Operative Care After Doll-Style Rhinoplasty
To prevent nasal drooping and deformity after doll-style rhinoplasty, it is advisable to follow the care instructions below. Adhering to these guidelines will make your recovery period much smoother.
- Avoid washing your face and taking showers until the cast is removed and stitches are taken out.
- Five to six days after surgery, visit your surgeon for check-up, cast removal, and stitch removal.
- Before removing the cast and dressing, you can apply a cold compress on your cheeks to reduce swelling.
- If you notice bloody or green mucus in your nose or mouth, consult your surgeon immediately.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed.
- If your doctor has prescribed blood thinners, make sure to take them.
- Avoid aerobic exercises, bodybuilding, and lifting heavy weights until your surgeon gives you permission.
Recovery Period After Doll-Style Nose Surgery
The recovery period for fantasy rhinoplasty usually lasts about one month, but may be longer depending on individual medical conditions. Fantasy-style operated noses are more prone to bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Minor bleeding during the first week is normal; however, if it increases, consult your surgeon. To minimize bleeding, surgeons recommend elevating your head above heart level while sleeping. This also helps reduce swelling.
Use cold compresses during the recovery period to reduce facial swelling and bruising. This effectively diminishes the swelling. Patients who undergo fantasy rhinoplasty may feel heaviness in their upper lip and have difficulty smiling for the first few weeks due to the incision between the nose and upper lip. This condition gradually resolves over time.
To achieve the delicate doll-like shape, soft tissue, cartilage, and bone must be removed from the nose. Removing these structures increases the risk of nasal collapse in this surgery and reduces the chance of correction in revision procedures.
Given the high sensitivity of this procedure, you must be very careful when choosing your surgeon. As mentioned, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists have greater expertise to perform this surgery.
Dr. Benyamin Rahmati, with experience and expertise in fantasy rhinoplasty, is an ENT surgeon whom you can consult to achieve the doll-like nose you desire.
