In a groundbreaking moment of celebrity transparency, supermodel Bella Hadid confirmed what many had long speculated—she had a rhinoplasty (nose job) at age 14.
Speaking to Vogue, Bella admitted to getting a nose job at a young age, and her reflection on the procedure was surprisingly candid: “I wish I had kept the nose of my ancestors. I think I would have grown into it.”
This honest admission—along with her expressed regret—offers valuable lessons for anyone considering nasal surgery.
Meanwhile, Bella continues to deny having surgery elsewhere, and insists that she’s never even had fillers. Nor does she get Botox, according to her mother, Real Housewives star Yolanda Hadid, who wrote on Instagram: “None of my children have ever done fillers or Botox or put anything foreign in their bodies.”
What Makes Rhinoplasty Results Look “Natural”?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a natural-looking rhinoplasty achieves harmony between the nose and other facial features rather than creating a “perfect” but mismatched nose.
Key principles of natural rhinoplasty include:
1. Facial Harmony and Proportions
The nose should complement—not dominate or disappear into—the face. Surgeons use principles based on facial aesthetics to ensure proportional relationships between:
- Nose length and face height
- Nose width and face width
- Nasal tip projection and chin projection
- Nasal bridge height and forehead slope
2. Ethnic Considerations
Modern rhinoplasty has evolved significantly from older techniques that often created a standardized “operated” look. Today’s approach respects and preserves ethnic characteristics while addressing specific concerns.
A skilled surgeon will:
- Discuss your heritage and which features you want to preserve
- Avoid over-narrowing or over-projecting the nose
- Maintain appropriate skin thickness considerations
- Create results that look natural for YOUR face, not a generic ideal
This is particularly relevant given Bella’s comment about wishing she’d kept “the nose of my ancestors.”
3. Structural Integrity
A well-performed rhinoplasty maintains proper nasal function—breathing should be preserved or improved, not compromised. The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published clinical practice guidelines emphasizing the importance of balancing aesthetic goals with functional outcomes.
The Risks of Early Rhinoplasty
Bella’s rhinoplasty at 14 raises important considerations about teenage plastic surgery. The nasal structure continues developing until approximately:
- Age 15-16 for girls
- Age 17-18 for boys
Performing rhinoplasty before the nose has finished growing can result in:
- Unpredictable long-term results
- Need for revision surgery
- Regret as facial features mature
- Psychological impacts of early cosmetic intervention
Most board-certified plastic surgeons recommend waiting until facial growth is complete before performing elective rhinoplasty.
Understanding the Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex facial plastic surgery procedures, requiring expertise in both aesthetics and nasal anatomy.
Two Main Approaches:
| Technique | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rhinoplasty | Small incision across the columella (tissue between nostrils) | Complex cases, significant reshaping, revision surgery |
| Closed Rhinoplasty | All incisions inside the nose | Minor refinements, faster recovery |
What Can Rhinoplasty Address?
- Dorsal hump reduction (bump on the bridge)
- Tip refinement and reshaping
- Nostril size reduction (alar base reduction)
- Bridge straightening
- Overall size reduction or augmentation
- Correcting asymmetry
- Improving breathing (septoplasty)
Rhinoplasty Safety Considerations
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that rhinoplasty risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Numbness
- Nasal asymmetry
- Breathing difficulties
- Need for revision surgery
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience significantly reduces these risks.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
For those not ready for surgery, non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers can:
- Smooth minor bumps on the bridge
- Improve tip projection slightly
- Correct minor asymmetries
- Provide a “preview” of surgical results
However, non-surgical options cannot reduce nose size or make significant structural changes.
Learning from Bella’s Experience
Bella Hadid’s candid reflection offers important takeaways:
- Wait until you’re fully developed—both physically and emotionally
- Consider cultural and ethnic heritage in your aesthetic goals
- Have realistic expectations about outcomes
- Choose your surgeon carefully—experience matters enormously in rhinoplasty
- Understand that surgery is permanent—take time to be certain
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Before any rhinoplasty consultation, prepare questions such as:
- How many rhinoplasties have you performed?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?
- What technique do you recommend for my goals?
- What are the realistic outcomes for my nose type?
- What is the revision rate in your practice?
Considering Rhinoplasty?
If you’re interested in exploring rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Surgery For You. Our experienced team will evaluate your unique facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and help you understand what’s realistically achievable—while honoring your natural features.
