According to an article by Rhinology Online, a few key factors create a beautiful nose shape. First, the nose should be in proportion to the rest of the face. Second, it should be symmetrical. And third, the ideal shape (for females) is an upturned button nose.
Every face is different, and we must consider each person’s unique facial proportions. Dr Mark Doyle is a specialist facial plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He strives to achieve balanced and symmetrical results in every rhinoplasty surgical procedure. If you’re considering a nose job (rhinoplasty), contact Dr Doyle for a consultation.
Factors that Make an Attractive Nose
As the central feature of the face, the nose plays an important role. According to research, there are a few key factors that create a beautiful nose shape, however, of course, everyone is different and what is considered beautiful is subjective.
What makes a nose beautiful nose? Opinions on a beautiful nose differ, typically key elements include balanced proportions and symmetry. Psychologists suggest that humans prefer symmetry because it signals good genes and is a possible indicator of good health. So, this is what surgeons aim to achieve in most plastic surgery procedures. It’s important to remember that no one has a 100% symmetrical face.
What is the ideal shape for a female nose? That depends on your preferences, however, research indicates that the ideal shape for a female is a ‘ski slope’ nose. But, this isn’t always possible or desired. Before deciding on a new nose shape, you must look at proportions first. The same shape and size nose does not suit everyone.
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How to Measure Facial Symmetry
Plastic surgeons assess facial symmetry by visually dividing the face into parts. They divide the face horizontally and vertically using neoclassical facial canons.
These measurements help us see the ideal positioning and size of the nose. Yet, with plastic surgery, it is not possible to move the placement of the nose. So, these tools are helpful for assessing the nose tip and the nostril width.
The rules include:
Horiztonal Thirds of the Face
The rule of horizontal thirds can describe what may be considered an appealing and proportional face.
According to this rule, the nose should be one-third of the overall face height. Furthermore, noses should be similar in height to the upper and lower face.
If the nasal tip extends below the nostrils (a hook nose), Dr Doyle can remove the amount of cartilage on the nose tip. This is helpful to achieve more vertical symmetry in someone’s face.
Vertical Fifths of the Face
The vertical facial fifths rule refers to splitting the face into fifths. These fifths are roughly one eye-length wide. This method suggests that the ideal nasal width is equal to the middle fifth of the face. And, this is equal to the width of the person’s eyes.
If the nasal width is too wide (wide nose), Alarplasty can reduce it. This involves reducing the sizes of the nostrils to create a narrower appearance.
If the nose is too narrow, cartilage can be added to build up the width.
A Mathematically Ideal Nose
Much of the research done around the ideal nose shape is mathematical proportions and angles. Some studies use computer-generated models of faces to find the most attractive nose shape.
One study found that the most beautiful noses had a particular angle between the brow and the tip of the nose.
Other research has looked at the angle between the upper lip and the nose, known as the Nasolabial Angle, to find the most ideal nose shape.
This research compared nose shapes between genders and concluded the factors that make a beautiful nose in men and women.
Research Findings
The research article by Rhinology Online concluded that an ideal nose is defined by:
- A nose length that is 0.67x midfacial height
- A straight dorsum or a straight dorsum that reduces approximately 2mm below the tip of the nose.
- The projection of the nose measured from the alar crease is 0.55-0.60 of the nasal dorsal length.
- A nasolabial angle of 95-115 degrees in women & 90-95 degrees in men.
- The angle the nose makes with the forehead (the nasofrontal angle) is within 115-130 degrees. In general, more obtuse angles look better on women and more acute ones on men.
- The columella show should be 2-4mm. This refers to how much of the inner lining of the nostrils are visible on the profile view (columellar show).
As you can see, what may be considered a beautiful nose isn’t as simple as having the right shape. There are many factors that contribute to what some may consider pretty noses. These include symmetry, proportion, and angles.
According to these findings, the most beautiful noses are those that are in balance with the rest of the face.
Button Nose – The Most Attractive Nose Shape for Females?
According to research, a button nose is considered to be the female ideal nose, though beauty is ultimately subjective and varies across cultures and personal preferences. This type of nose is lifted at the tip of the nose and has a smaller nasal bridge. A button nose is a type of nose that is small and round, similar to the shape of a button.
What Is The Most Attractive Nose Shape for Males?
The ideal male nose is a nose that has an angle of 90 degrees from the nasal tip to the top lip. Furthermore, long, straight and downward-pointing noses are regarded as manly and attractive. A nose tip that extends approximately 2mm below the tip of the nose is also attractive. Although beauty is subjective and varies across cultures and personal preferences.
What Parts of the Nose Can We Change with Rhinoplasty?
Dr Doyle believes that a nose should match the rest of the person’s face. Instead of focusing on specific angles, Dr Doyle’s approach is to suit what the patient needs.
When a patient seeks to change the shape of their nose, they request changes to a few areas. These include:
Nose Width
First and foremost, some individuals request a slim nose. A rhinoplasty procedure can involve narrowing the overall width of the nose.
Nose Tip
Another attribute is a defined nasal tip. Many people have thick nasal skin, making their nasal tip round rather than sharp.
Dorsal Hump
Bumps on the bridge of the nose are often common. Many patients request that they have a smooth dorsal hump as part of their rhinoplasty.
Narrower Nostrils
The nostrils play an important role. Similar smaller or symmetrical nostrils may be addressed with an Alarplasty.
The Angle of the Nose Tip
This angle depends on your gender and your preference for your nose appearance. A straight nasolabial angle appears more masculine (according to research) and a slight ‘ski slope’ angle appears feminine (according to research).
The most important consideration is that your nose matches the rest of your face.
Different Types of Noses
Noses come in a variety of sizes and forms. No two noses are the same, whether they are thin, broad, long, small, upturned, or crooked. The kind of nose you have depends on the size of your nasal bones and the quantity of cartilage in your nose. Here are the most prevalent kinds of noses:
Upturned Nose
The upturned nose is a petite nose with a projecting tip at the end and depression in the nasal bridge. 13 per cent of the world’s population have this nose and it is one of the most requested nose shapes.
Greek Nose
The Greek or Mediterranean nose has a straight line from the bridge to the tip. A characteristic trait of a Greek nose is that it has small nostrils, which is a common request from some Rhinoplasty patients.
Aquiline or Roman Nose
This shape of this nose has a pronounced bridge and a curved or bent shape. The name Aquiline comes from the Latin language meaning “eagle-like.” Hawk noses have a rounded and downturned nose tip.
Nubian Nose
A Nubian nose is a long nose with a wide base, which is typical among ethnic groups with darker skin tones. People with this nose frequently get their nostrils narrowed in order to get a narrower nose width.
Regardless of the nose shape that you have, Rhinoplasty can address a variety of nose shape concerns. It’s an individualised procedure that varies between every patient. Making changes to your nose is dependent on your individual proportions and unique face shape.
The Most Beautiful Nose Shape
While the above considerations can be helpful in deciding on a nose, the perfect nose for you is up to your preferences and typically a nose that blends with other features of your face. A good nose is one that is suitable for a given face.
Over years of experience, Dr Doyle has learnt what makes a nose attractive and will work with your requests. To learn more, book a consultation with Dr Mark Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
