Rhinoplasty is changing in Canada, and not just in terms of technique. What used to be a surgery aimed at crafting the “perfect” nose is now more often focused on helping people look and feel like the best version of themselves. More patients are seeking subtle refinements rather than radical transformations, and surgeons are responding in kind.
New data shows just how much interest in nasal procedures has grown. Over 35 million cosmetic procedures were performed in Canada in 2023, and rhinoplasty remains one of the most requested surgeries (1.1 million). Non-surgical nose jobs brought in nearly $29 million and are projected to nearly double in market size in ten years.
The reasons for this rise go beyond simple aesthetics. More people seek out rhinoplasty because they want to feel more confident, and they’re looking for results that feel true to their identity. They’re also more informed than ever about what’s possible.
“Patients today want to improve aesthetic results without changing their facial features significantly,” says Montreal-based facial plastic surgeon Dr. Zahi Abou Chacra. “The ultimate goal is to attain a naturally harmonious, symmetrical, and proportional appearance while maintaining the natural features of the individual’s face.”
One of the most remarkable changes in this area has been the increased use of preservation rhinoplasty. This technique is different than older procedures, which involved aggressive removal of bone and cartilage. Instead, it focuses on keeping as much of the nose’s original structure as possible, making smaller changes that still have a big impact. This trend aligns well with the natural look that patients expect to achieve.
Preservation techniques also reduce swelling and provide a quicker recovery, which appeals to younger patients. Many people in their 20s and early 30s consider cosmetic procedures for the first time, but they are nervous about committing to something permanent.
“Non-surgical rhinoplasty is an excellent introduction for patients exploring aesthetic changes. It allows them to experience potential outcomes with minimal risk and downtime,” says Dr. Chacra.
The rise of injectable fillers has made it possible for people to experiment with changes before they ever set foot in an operating room. These treatments can even out bumps, raise the tip of the nose slightly, or improve symmetry, all without surgery. They’re temporary and can’t make the nose smaller, but for people who want a change and don’t want to have surgery, they’re an option.
Another important trend in rhinoplasty is the attention to cultural and ethnic diversity. Previously, many operations were designed to make noses fit the same narrow definition of beauty, often resulting in the removal of traits tied to a patient’s background. That approach is no longer the norm. Surgeons are now more focused on working with a patient’s features, not against them.
“Understanding the cultural and personal significance of nasal features is crucial. Our aim is to honour each patient’s background while achieving their aesthetic goals,” says Chacra.
In Toronto and Montreal, this kind of individualized care is becoming standard practice. People from a wide range of cultural backgrounds are seeking cosmetic procedures, and many are looking for surgeons who will take the time to understand what matters to them. A Middle Eastern patient might want a more refined profile without erasing a distinct bridge. A South Asian patient may want subtle changes without losing familial traits.
At the same time, functional concerns are often part of the conversation. Many patients, men in particular, get rhinoplasty to fix breathing issues, which can be done at the same time as cosmetic changes. Whether the motivation is medical, aesthetic or both, people strive for better results that will change the quality of their lives.
There are also better tools available for surgeons. With 3D imaging, patients can now get a realistic sense of what their results might look like before surgery. In this sense, consultations have become more interactive, and patients can feel more confident in their choices.
For many surgeons, this is a welcome shift. Procedures are becoming more personalized, and outcomes are improving because of it.
“The best results come from truly listening to the patient, learning about their personality and preferences so you can give them the best outcome,” says Chacra.
As the practice of rhinoplasty evolves, what is most striking is the retreat from a one-size-fits-all model. The priority now is balance, respect and empowering patients with the tools and the options to feel better about themselves.