What Is the Ideal Nose?

What Is the Ideal Nose?

What Does an Ideal Nose Look Like? – Features and Characteristics of an Attractive Nose

Is there a beauty standard for noses? What is the ideal nose shape and size? When it comes to noses, is it more about ideal nose proportions or other characteristics? These are just some of the questions asked by patients when thinking about the aesthetics of the nose.

We all have an idea of what an ideal nose should look like but will it suit your face? Not necessarily. Latest Nose research indicates the ideal nose for every single person is different. While nose surgeons cater to common requests such as removing the hump, slimming down the bridge of the nose and lifting up the nose tip, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to rhinoplasty and other non-surgical measures to achieve a picture-perfect nose.

In this article, we will consider the factors that are considered appealing when it comes to nose aesthetics.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed hundreds of successful nose surgeries in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

Top Six Ideal Nose Shapes – Which is the most requested nose?

Research shows that there are more than 14 different types of common noses. However, only a few of them are deemed attractive. The ones people mostly request before their rhinoplasty procedures are:

1. Celestial Nose

This shape is considered ideal for most women. It is deemed as angelic, soft, refined, and narrow, turns up directly with an outward curve and has no point. If you are looking for an example, the actress Carey Mulligan has a celestial nose.

2. Snub Nose

A snub nose shape is defined by the following adjectives: small, endearing, and adorable. It is also called a button nose with slight widening, which suits men and women alike. The nose has a fairly small length, is cute, and charming and is upturned. Elizabeth Taylor’s nose is a classic example is a snub nose.

3. Greek Nose

It is a very rare nose shape that runs in a straight line from eyes to tip without a single curve. It comes with a smooth line and a pointed tip and is known as a Greek Nose. Research suggests that only 3% of nose shapes are Greek and you might have noticed them in models.

4. The Duchess Nose

If you are looking for an example of the duchess’s nose, Kate Middleton’s nose is a great one. The nose has been given its name after a British duchess.

5. The Aquiline Nose

This nose is straight and sleek and gently slopes from the eye to the nostrils. To some, it resembles the personality of a cool and calculating tactician. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) nose is a classic example.

6. The Roman Nose

This nose shape has a very prominent bridge and is more hooked than curved. It has quite a bulbous tip. It is strong yet doesn’t overpower the face. It gives an authoritative look to your face. You might appear very ambitious and confident. Actor Tom Cruise has a typical Roman nose.

Guide to Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty

 

Nose Features That Are Considered Less Attractive

Noses come in all shapes and sizes. Your nose can be characterised as one of the 14 key nose types. Here are some features that are considered as not ideal:

If any of these features bother you, you can discuss them with Dr Jeremy Hunt during your consultation. While most of these attributes can be changed, it is important to have realistic expectations as there is a limit to how much your nose can be altered without affecting its natural function.

Features That Are Considered Attractive in an Ideal Nose

Next, we will discuss the features of the nose that are considered to be universally appealing. It is important to remember that there is no standard nose shape that will fit all face shapes. The goal of rhinoplasty isn’t to completely alter the way you look but rather to enhance your natural appearance.

Your own perception of beauty will help Dr Hunt determine what changes you are looking for. There is always room for artistic flair when it comes to rhinoplasty or any other type of cosmetic procedure. One person’s idea of perfection might not fit yours and vice versa.

Some of the features that are deemed universally attractive include:

  • A nose that is proportionate to the rest of your facial features
  • A smooth nose profile
  • A smaller nose tip
  • Small and symmetrical nostrils
  • A straight nose that isn’t off-centre
  • A nose that is relatively smaller in width but still suits your face

Changing Ideal Nose Shapes over time

The nose is clearly the most prominent feature of our face. Throughout the years, the perceptions of beauty regarding the ideal nose have changed and will continue to change.  The ideal nose shape in different parts of the world, races, ethnicities and cultures is different. People are inclined to have an ideal nose shape as per all of these parameters. Subconsciously, people are trying to blend in and eliminate the stigmas associated with ethnic features.

Over the years, diseases and wars also had a significant impact on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery with the prime goal of restoring normalcy for afflicted ones. Rhinoplasty in the modern-day is aimed at enhancing one’s natural beauty rather than removing cultural associations.

What Are the Characteristics of an Ideal Nose?

When it comes to defining an ideal nose for yourself, it is important to be aware of the reference points. It will help you understand your nose structure better and communicate your nose ideas effectively. Let’s have a look at are few of the characteristics of an aesthetically pleasing nose (ideal for most people):

1.     Ideal Nose Width

Most patients seeking plastic surgery to enhance the aspect of their nose are looking to narrow down the overall width of their nose.

2.     Ideal Nasal Tip

Another major characteristic that people want to alter as a part of rhinoplasty is the nasal tip. Some of us are born with thick nasal skin which makes the nose appear rounder. Most people would prefer a pointier nose tip.

3.     Straighter Nose Lines

A hump or a bump on the nose is a point of concern for many individuals. Hence, most people want to get straighter lines across the nose. This can be achieved with the help of a nose job and in some cases dermal fillers for a liquid rhinoplasty (it won’t work for all people and it is a temporary fix).

4.     Ideal Size of the Nostrils

The nostrils are meant to purify the air that enters your lungs. The size of the nostrils plays a very important role in the appearance of your nose. Cosmetic surgery can help you achieve smaller and symmetrical nostrils.

5.     Ideal Angle between Lip & Tip

Another important metric of an ideal nose is the distance between the top of your lip and the tip of the nose. It essentially determines how masculine or feminine your nose will appear and help you get the desired results. This can be changed with Nose Surgery or Upper Lip Lift surgery.

6.     The Shape of the Face

In order for your nose and face to look more beautiful, they have to be in perfect harmony with each other. A nose that looks great on a celebrity but simply doesn’t go with your face will ruin the overall physical appearance.

Selecting the Ideal Nose Shape When Considering Rhinoplasty

You might have understood by now that there isn’t a ‘perfect nose’ or ideal nose for all patients. A lot of surgeons will use simulation to help you visualise the results of your rhinoplasty surgery based on your requirements. While it isn’t identical to the actual results, the imaging technique can be helpful to imagine how you will look like post-surgery. Let’s discuss a few points that will help you determine the perfect nose shape for yourself:

· Upper Part of the Nose

This part is made of nasal bones. Most people wish to make the following alterations: get rid of the bump, and narrow down the bridge of the nose. Dr Hunt typically alters the height of the nose to match the angle between the nose and forehead. The goal is to have a straighter nose. Minimising the size of the bones excessively might lead to indentation which makes the overall results look very unnatural and can create breathing issues. Hence, it is important to choose the right nose surgeon.

· Middle Part of the Nose

The middle section of the nose is made up of bendable soft cartilage. It essentially divides your nostrils and extends deep into the nasal cavity. A lot of patients wish to have a straighter mid part of the nose which shouldn’t be too wide or narrow. If you have a deviated septum, this part will need some additional correction. Dr Hunt will aim to eliminate the bumps and curves in this area. However, extreme caution is needed while straightening your nose otherwise it might lead to restricted breathing.

· Tip of the Nose

The tip of your nose has two C-shaped cartilages. The look of your nose or aesthetic relies on the projection of the tip and the size of the tip. In certain cases, patients don’t need any alterations to their nose tip while in others, major changes are required. Ideally, your nose tip needs to be in alignment with the height of your profile line.

· Nose Skin Quality

We all have different skin types and thicknesses. The skin on your nose acts as an envelope to the underlying structure. If you are born with thick and oily skin, it can be very difficult for a surgeon to bring about major changes. On the other hand, individuals with thinner skin can see even the smallest changes. During the nose surgery, Dr Hunt will focus on the underlying structure instead of the skin on top. However, your skin plays an important role in the final result.

· Nasal Airway

Adequate nasal breathing is crucial for your comfort and overall health. In certain cases, the blockages in airways lead are caused by curvatures in the cartilage as well as the thickening of turbine glands. It is important to choose a highly skilled and experienced nose surgeon to make the alterations. The goal is to make the required changes while ensuring your airflow isn’t restricted.

Balancing Your Nose with the Rest of Your Facial Features

You might see a perfect-looking nose on someone else and say to yourself: ‘I wish I had a nose like that’. But do you really want that? We all are born with different facial features and shapes. What will suit your friend might not suit you and vice versa. What will look great on a person of Asian ethnicity will not look great on someone of European descent. Your ethnic appearance comes into play when it comes to determining the perfect nose.

It is important to choose a highly experienced and talented surgeon. They will help you visualise the results of the surgery without making any major changes to your unique look.

Further Reading about Nose Surgery

Medical References about Rhinoplasty and Ideal Nose

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breastbodyface and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

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