Abbi Dib, at 13, began considering rhinoplasty, influenced by the prevalence of small, sloped noses in pop culture. At 18, she underwent the procedure, which improved her breathing and smoothed her nose bridge, though it did not result in the dramatic "sloped" appearance she had desired.
Dib, who has a Middle Eastern background, has occasionally considered a second surgery for an even smaller nose but acknowledges it might look disproportionate to her other features and distant from her cultural identity.
Trend Drivers and Concerns
Professor Gemma Sharp, director of the Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders, identifies social media and celebrity culture as key drivers of the "ski-slope" or "Barbie" nose trend. She notes influencers' posts normalizing the procedure and selfie culture contributing to body dissatisfaction. Dr. Yves Saint James Aquino, a cosmetic surgery ethics expert, highlights the strong influence of celebrity culture, suggesting a belief that achieving a physical ideal can lead to social success.
Australian cosmetic surgeon Dr. Namrata Anavekar has observed an almost 20% increase in patients requesting this specific nose shape within the last year. Dr. Anavekar, a board member of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, expresses concern over "trend-associated" surgeries due to their permanent nature, contrasting them with changeable fashion trends.
Risks and Medical Advice
Professor Sharp warns that the "Barbie nose" look is suitable for "very few faces" and can lead to patients seeking additional facial procedures to restore balance. The procedure often involves removing significant structural integrity from the nose, increasing the risk of breathing difficulties and nasal collapse, which may require extensive revisional surgeries, potentially using rib cartilage.
Abbi Dib described her recovery as challenging and painful, with full swelling reduction taking approximately two years. Dr. Anavekar advises individuals to consult qualified cosmetic plastic surgeons and prioritize safety over budget. Professor Sharp suggests seeking advice from a mental health professional prior to surgery to understand underlying motivations.
Cultural Pressure and Reflection
Helen Bird of the Butterfly Foundation states that such beauty trends can exploit insecurities and reinforce Western beauty ideals. Abbi Dib notes a long-standing pressure to modify "ethnic" nose features. Professor Sharp has observed regret among patients who altered their ethnic features, expressing a feeling of no longer resembling their family members.
Dr. Aquino supports an individual's right to make choices about their body but emphasizes the importance of safe practices. Seven years after her surgery, Abbi Dib does not regret her decision but advises extensive research and a lengthy consideration period before undergoing a rhinoplasty. She stresses that surgical choices should align with individual facial structure rather than fleeting trends.