Noses

Upturned Nose: A Complete Guide

January 26, 2025 · Updated on 2th October 2026

Updated on 2th October 2026 • Reviewed by Dr. Gustavo Sordo, plastic surgeon

The upturned nose, commonly known as the "Barbie nose," is a facial feature that represents beauty and harmony. It has gained popularity in cosmetic surgery, especially among those who wish to achieve a more stylized and attractive profile, adding a special touch to their face. If you are considering this type of surgery, this article will explore in depth everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

If you're considering changing your nose with surgery, here's how we approach rhinoplasty in Madrid.

What is a turned up nose or a Barbie nose?

The upturned nose, or "Barbie nose," is associated with the aesthetic of the famous Barbie doll, which symbolizes the ideal of beauty in many cultures. It is recognized by its arched shape, projected tip, and youthful, feminine appearance, making it a desirable option for many people seeking to enhance their facial profile.

To achieve a more upturned nose, rhinoplasty , a surgical technique to reshape the nose, is commonly used . However, non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers, also exist, providing temporary results.

What are their characteristics?

The upturned nose has quite specific characteristics, differentiating itself from other types of noses:

Small

It is usually smaller in size than a normal nose.

Curved nasal dorsum

The nasal bridge has a slight depression in the middle, creating a softer, more attractive profile.

Raised tip

The tip of the nose is slightly raised, which gives it its unique cheerful and youthful appearance. Some call it “upturned.”

Wide nasolabial angle

It presents a wider angle between the base of the nose and the upper lip, and this contributes to the stylized appearance of the nose.

Balanced proportions

This type of nose should be in proportion with the rest of the facial features, that is, it should blend in with the proportions of the face, which is essential for a natural result. It usually looks better on people with small faces.

Symmetry

It is often associated with harmonious symmetry that complements the rest of the facial features.

You may be interested in: rhinoplasty of the nasal tip.

How to get a turned up nose?

The methods to obtain a turned up nose are:

Surgical rhinoplasty

This surgery is the primary technique for achieving this. Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is commonly used , an advanced technique that sculpts the nose with precision and less trauma to the tissues. It involves filing down the bone of the nasal bridge to create the characteristic curve; it also reduces cartilage at the tip of the nose, increasing the nasolabial angle and achieving the desired lift.

One warning we always give in consultations: the upturned or "Barbie nose" is a trend, and trends in rhinoplasty age poorly. An over-rotated tip, with an excessively open nasolabial angle, leaves the nostrils visible from the front and betrays the surgery from a distance. We prefer a measured rotation—around 120 degrees in women and 100 in men, although this varies from patient to patient—and, above all, a tip supported by a septal extension graft, not simply one that is trimmed.

That distinction is key, because a tip that is raised by removing cartilage looks beautiful after three months but collapses after three years. With a double vertical septal extension graft plus the horizontal component of the Armadillo Tip (Froilán Páez), the rotation is maintained over time because the support comes from the septum itself. And if there is also a bridge, we lower it by impaction using preservation techniques instead of removing it, so as not to disrupt the aesthetic lines of the dorsum.

Rinomodelación

This is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses hyaluronic acid injections to improve the shape of the nose. While it doesn't reduce the size of the nose, it can lift the tip and smooth out minor bumps on the bridge. It is generally a quick and well-tolerated procedure performed with topical anesthesia, and the temporary results typically last between 12 and 18 months.

You may be interested in: rhinoplasty.

Sculpting techniques

In some cases, surgeons use less invasive techniques such as nose sculpting with threads or biocompatible materials to shape the nose without surgery.

It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate method for your goals and facial characteristics.

How do you know if you are a candidate?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for this type of nose; it is essential that this procedure is performed taking into account the facial proportions of each patient, in order to achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

The upturned nose is ideal for small, rounded faces, but not for very long faces or very tall patients. The surgeon will detail the shape of your face and your facial proportions to ensure that the final result is what you desire. During the initial consultation, these factors will be assessed and the options discussed.

How much does a barbie nose cost?

At our clinic, a primary rhinoplasty starts at €10.040 ; you can find the complete breakdown of what the price includes on the rhinoplasty page in Madrid.

Rhinoplasty with fillers is not part of what we do, and we explain why in this article about rhinoplasty.

Before and after What results to expect?

The patient's appearance will change significantly after rhinoplasty to achieve a turned-up nose. With the reduction in nose size, other facial features such as cheekbones, jaw and lips will also be highlighted. The raised nasal tip will also stand out, providing a more youthful appearance, and more defined contours will be seen, highlighting facial symmetry.

We recommend you take a look at all our before and after rhinoplasty cases.

Postoperative care of the procedure

Postoperative care is essential to ensure proper recovery and optimal results. Some recommendations include:

adequate rest

Rest completely for the first 48 hours, then you can take short walks. During the first week, any intense physical activity is prohibited. Physical exercise is suspended for up to five weeks, as we do not want to risk a nosebleed.

Take your medicines

The surgeon will prescribe any medications he or she deems necessary, take them at the prescribed times.

Medical checks

It is important that you attend your follow-up appointments so that the surgeon can monitor your recovery.

Head raised

Keep your head elevated when you sleep and you should do so face up.

Avoid sneezing

If you sneeze, try to release the air pressure through your mouth.

No blowing your nose is allowed

The habit, often unnecessary, of blowing one's nose causes bleeding and complications and is prohibited.

Be careful when dressing

Avoid clothing that must be pulled over your head, such as T-shirts or sweaters; instead, wear clothing that zips and opens in the front.

Avoid carrying heavy objects

Just like physical exercise, lifting heavy objects can cause nosebleeds.

Is the result permanent?

The results of a turned-up nose rhinoplasty are permanent over time. We must also take into account the external factors that will affect us all in the long term, such as physical changes due to aging. Other factors to consider are changes in weight, genetics or suffering some trauma that may affect the shape of the nose.

On the other hand, the results of rhinoplasty are temporary, so maintenance treatments will be required to maintain the desired appearance.

Can I get a turned up nose if I have a wide nose?

Yes, it is possible to achieve a turned-up nose even if the original nose is wide. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes adjustments to the shape and size of the nose to achieve a streamlined profile. It is also important to keep in mind that each case is unique and that the surgeon will evaluate the best options to achieve a harmonious result with the rest of the facial features.

Is a turned-up nose suitable for any face type?

Although the upturned nose is suitable for many face types, it is not suitable for all face types. It is ideal for small and rounded faces. Each case is individual, and only an experienced plastic surgeon will evaluate, based on the shape of your face and features, whether it is suitable for you or not. 

You might be interested in: types of noses.

What should I keep in mind during Barbie nose surgery?

Before deciding on nose surgery, consider the following aspects:

Research

Look for several surgeon options, research their previous work, check their experience in the area of ​​nose surgeries. Don't skimp on time or money on this, remember that the nose is the focal point of your face, it deserves importance.

It is essential to choose an experienced surgeon to ensure the success of the intervention, in addition to seeking adequate information.

If you are considering Barbie Nose surgery, we invite you to schedule an appointment at the Plastic Surgery Clinic in Madrid of Dr. Gustavo Sordo , a plastic surgeon in Madrid specializing in rhinoplasty . A renowned expert with over 20 years of experience specializing in ultrasonic rhinoplasty and rhinoplasty in Madrid . Recognizing that each case is unique, we analyze all aspects of your face, including its size, shape, and proportions. With the help of a computerized rhinoplasty simulator , we can provide you with the best advice to achieve facial harmony that makes you feel not only beautiful, but also comfortable and confident.

First consultation

This is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have and discuss your expectations.

Realistic possibilities

It is important that your expectations about the possible results of this surgery are realistic.

postoperative care

It is a key point to consider, make sure you have the time required for recovery and the necessary help.

Conclusion 

The upturned nose, or "Barbie nose," is a cosmetic surgery trend that has gained popularity in Spain and around the world. While this procedure offers striking results and enhances facial appearance, it's essential to approach the decision with seriousness and realism. Consulting an experienced plastic surgeon is the first step in exploring your options and determining if you're a good candidate for this procedure. Remember that beauty is subjective and that the most important thing is feeling good about yourself.