Achieving the Most Attractive Nose Shape for Your Face (Men & Women)
Your nose is a central feature of your face. The size, shape, and position influence balance within your facial structure, and those who have seen successful rhinoplasties know that it can completely transform your look. Below, we’ll explore facial features, nose types, and how to achieve a harmonious and beautiful look.
Understanding Facial Symmetry and Proportions
What makes an attractive face? Symmetry. The Golden Ratio is a mathematical concept used for centuries that describes a standard measure of beauty and proportion that involves the nose. We see this in nature through flower petals and shells, for example, and see an aesthetically pleasing object. This can be exhibited through people in face width and height, as well as mouth and nose width. Some celebrities have upwards of a 90% golden ratio, which makes them so attractive and desirable.
Men and women have different facial structures that influence the ideal nose shape. For males, a more prominent bridge, slightly larger and more angular nose tip, and a wider base are considered most symmetrical and attractive. For women, a more delicate and refined appearance is celebrated, with a smaller, pointed tip (which can be classified as an upturned nose or button nose) and a narrower bridge. Nostril size is also taken into account for both men and women.
Factors Influencing Nose Shape
It’s important to celebrate where you came from, but some ethnicities and genetics may give you a nose you’re not completely happy with. Here are some factors that inspire people to make a change:
Ethnicity and Genetics
There are many types of noses, such as a Greek nose, wide nose, hawk nose, bulbous nose, Roman nose, Asian or African nose, for example, where people want to make a change. Depending on your genetics and family history, you may have a hump, bump, nasal tip, or shape you want to reconstruct to feel more confident.
Personal Preference and Trends
While some people love their natural nose, others do not — it’s a completely personal preference. You get to decide what a beautiful nose is — from a celestial nose to a Nubian nose or snub nose — and oftentimes in our practice we see people celebrating different nose shapes based on a celebrity or specific trend.
Assessing Your Ideal Nose Shape
Determining your ideal nose shape takes skill and expertise. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group (BCSG) can help you determine what type of nose would be best for your facial structure and goals. With 3D imaging and other advanced technology, we can explore or “try on” different nose shapes so you’re clear, confident, and happy with the direction we’re headed.
How to Change Your Nose Shape
If you’re not happy with your natural nose features, there are many options and cosmetic procedures to change your nose shape. Makeup contouring is an option, which involves using shadows and highlights to create an illusion of a different nose shape. Highlighting emphasizes certain areas of the nose while drawing attention away from imperfections, although this is a temporary solution that requires some skill.
Dermal fillers are another temporary option that add volume to the nose, smooth out irregularities, or lift the tip of the nose. Results typically last a few months. A rhinoplasty, or “nose job” is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cartilage and bone structure of the nose. It is considered the gold standard when changing your nose shape — the effects are completely customizable between you and your plastic surgeon, the results are permanent, and the transformation is the most dramatic.
How Rhinoplasty Can Help You Change Your Nose Shape
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the shape of your nose through a series of precise steps.
First, you’ll receive either local or general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. Depending on the extent of the changes, the surgeon will make incisions inside the nose (closed rhinoplasty) for minor adjustments or across the base of the nose (open rhinoplasty) for more significant changes. Closed rhinoplasty typically results in less scarring, while open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon better access to the nasal structure for larger alterations.
Once the incisions are made, your surgeon will reshape the cartilage and bone to achieve your desired appearance. This process may involve removing, adding, or adjusting nasal structures. After refining the nasal tip and nostrils, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches. To support the new shape during healing, a splint will be placed on your nose, helping you achieve the final results.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty Beyond Aesthetics
You may be wondering if rhinoplasties have medical purposes as well as aesthetic purposes. And the answer is, yes, they do! Altering the shape of your nose can correct:
- Breathing issues that could result in snoring
- Sinus issues
- Structural corrections from accidents, abnormalities, or previous rhinoplasties
- Your self-esteem
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Your initial consultation is a cornerstone of your rhinoplasty process. During the initial appointments, we’ll discuss your desired outcome and what you consider a “perfect nose shape” to get clear on your goals.
We’ll examine the rest of the face and your natural features to design facial balance and achieve a desirable nose profile. After providing insights, we’ll come up with the best nose design for you. The pre-operative process involves a medical history review, physical exam, lab tests, and photography to capture your before-and-after look.
On rhinoplasty surgery day, after you’ve received detailed pre-op instructions, you’ll undergo anesthesia so you will be asleep and sedated during the surgery, which should last anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on what work is getting done. When the surgery is complete, you’ll get a splint on your nose, wake up, and go home to rest and avoid physical activity for 1-2 weeks minimum. A more detailed week-by-week recovery timeline will be covered, but it’s best to let your nose heal before uncovering your new look.
How Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group Can Help
If you’re ready to transform your look and get the nose you’ve always wanted, our expert team can help. Our years of experience with different types of nose shapes and thousands of successful surgeries prove that you can feel confident, beautiful, and happy in your skin. Reach out for a consultation to see how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.