Even if you only occasionally glance at Instagram (Is that even possible?), you probably know who Megan Markle is. What you may not realize is how profound an impact she’s having on women’s appearances.
Ever since her marriage to Prince Harry two years ago, scores of women around the world have become increasingly obsessed with every little detail of her wardrobe, hair, and even her nose.
Plastic surgeons have been reporting that Megan Markle’s nose is now one of the most popular celebrity-inspired requests they get from their patients, dethroning reality TV royalty, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner.
What is it, exactly, about Markle’s nose that’s earned it a place in the modern-day pantheon of idolized physical features? Ironically, it seems to be the fact that it’s hardly perfect. Pull up a profile photo of her. You should be able to notice a very slight hump on the bridge of her nose that’s almost undetectable when you’re looking at her straight on.
It’s not just her nose. Patients are also asking for her prominent cheekbones and beautifully-contoured jawline.
This isn’t the first time the royals have influenced plastic surgery trends. As recently as 2011, there was a flood of interest in butt lifts after Pippa’s rear—a smaller, more athletic version of the Kardashian butt—famously stole the show at Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding.
The interest in Megan Markle’s nose / features appears to be following a larger trend, where both men and women are seeking out procedures that simply enhance, rather than transform, their own natural features. Many a beauty writer has noted that what makes Markle’s features so covetable is their approachability.
As she continues to champion a number of causes, including female empowerment, gender equality, animal rights, and the arts, that sentiment’s only likely to grow.
Plastic surgery’s most-requested celebrity features
Curious about what other famous faces (and assorted body parts) are in high demand? RealSelf, the online cosmetic treatment marketplace, recently released its data on the subject, collected from thousands of plastic surgeons. Here are some highlights, along with the procedures they’ve popularized:
- Kim Kardashian’s butt
Procedure: Brazilian butt lift
- Beyonce’s butt
- Jennifer Lawrence’s nose
Procedure: Rhinoplasty
- Kate Middleton’s nose and smile
Procedures: Rhinoplasty, braces/dental implants
- Madonna’s complexion
Procedure: Fillers (face and hands)