Nose job boom in Iran where procedure can boost social status

Iranian women undergo rhinoplasty to conform to Western beauty standards, facing social pressure and financial strain in the process.

All of the women in Iranian model Azadeh's family have had nose surgeries, each feeling the pressure to conform with Western beauty standards in a country where female bodies are heavily policed.

To Ms. Azadeh, smoothing out the bump in what Iranians would call the "Persian nose" she was born with proved a lucrative investment.

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Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian women have been required to dress modestly and cover their hair, and the beauty industry has become almost entirely centred on the face.

Having rhinoplasty — a nose job — can make a major difference, Ms. Azadeh told AFP.

"After the operation, not only have I earned myself a modelling job with better social standing but I'm also earning three times more and I'm more respected by clients," she said.

Ms. Azadeh, 29, asked that her surname be withheld because women models can face social pressure in Iran.