Find Your Perfect Nose Shape

The human nose is one of the most distinctive and defining facial features, contributing greatly to our overall appearance and sense of identity. With a wide variety of nose shapes and sizes observed across different individuals, each nose shape—from the straight nose to the bulbous nose to the flat nose—brings its own unique character to the face.

Understanding the different types of nose shapes can help you appreciate the diversity of facial features and recognize what makes your own nose special. For those considering a change, a nose job, or rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to alter the nose shape for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Whether you’re interested in refining a bulbous nose or enhancing a straight nose, learning about the types of nose shapes is the first step toward making informed decisions about your facial features.

Recognising your specific nose shape is an important part of planning for rhinoplasty or simply understanding your facial profile. There are many types of nose shapes, each with distinct characteristics. For example, the Greek nose is known for its straight nasal dorsum, giving the profile a smooth and elegant line. In contrast, the Roman nose features a prominent and pronounced bridge, adding character and strength to the face. The aquiline nose is another distinctive nose shape, characterized by a curved or prominent nasal bridge, and is often associated with strength, nobility, and regality in historical and cultural contexts. The hawk nose is defined by its curved shape, while the Nubian nose is recognized for its wider base and longer bridge. The narrow nose, on the other hand, is characterized by a slim nasal bridge and is often considered aesthetically refined in certain cultures. By identifying your nose shape, you can better communicate your goals and expectations with your surgeon. A rhinoplasty procedure tailored to your unique nose shape ensures that the results will complement your other facial features and enhance your natural beauty.

You may be an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty if you have a turned-up nose, also known as a pug nose, which is characterized by an upturned tip—a key feature that gives the nose its petite, rounded, and playful appearance. This type of surgery can improve the look of your nose by straightening it and making it less bulbous.

Patients with hawk noses, or hooked noses, often characterized by a prominent bridge as a defining feature, often seek rhinoplasty to reduce the hooking appearance. This surgery can also make your nose appear less bulbous and more proportional to the rest of your face.

If you have excess skin on your nose, often accompanied by a rounded nasal tip—a common feature of fleshy noses—you may be an excellent candidate for dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. These procedures can help improve your nose’s look by reducing the amount of excess skin.

A high bridge and a hooked tip characterize Roman noses or aquiline noses, with a prominent nasal bridge and, in some cases, a straight bridge being key features. Rhinoplasty can straighten the bridge and reduce the hooking appearance of the end of the nose. There is a diversity of roman nose shapes, and rhinoplasty can address variations within this category.

A low bridge and a broad base characterise Greek noses, where the nasal bridge is less prominent due to the underlying structure of the nasal bones. Rhinoplasty can raise the bridge and narrow the base for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Bumpy noses, or bumpy dorsal humps, often have irregularities along the nose bridge and can be improved with rhinoplasty. This type of surgery can help to smooth out bumps and create a more even surface on the bridge of your nose.

Patients with Nixon noses, which often feature a broad nasal bridge as a characteristic trait, often seek rhinoplasty to improve the look of their nostrils. This type of surgery can help to reduce the size of your nostrils for a more balanced appearance.

Combo noses combine two or more different noses, featuring a combination of various nasal shape characteristics. The best surgical option depends on which features you want to change, a combination rhinoplasty approach can be achieved. Our skilled surgeons will work with you to determine the best way to improve your combo nose.

Snub noses, or upturned noses—often referred to as a "button nose" due to their small, rounded, and upturned shape—can be improved with rhinoplasty. This surgery can help straighten your nose and make it less bulbous or upturned.

A large bulb characterises bulbous noses at the end of the nose, often due to excess nose tissue contributing to the bulbous appearance. Rhinoplasty can reduce the size of the bulb for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Nubian noses are characterised by a broad base and fullness in the third middle region, representing one of the many diverse nubian nose shapes commonly associated with the African nose. Rhinoplasty can narrow the base and reduce the fullness in the central third region for a more balanced appearance.

Your nose shape plays a crucial role in the overall balance and harmony of your face. A well-proportioned nose can enhance your facial symmetry and boost your confidence, while a nose that feels out of balance—such as a bulbous nose, fleshy nose, or crooked nose—can affect how you feel about your appearance. Because the nose is centrally located, even subtle changes can have a significant impact on facial harmony. Rhinoplasty surgery offers a way to address concerns about nose shape, helping to create a more balanced and attractive profile. Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery can play important roles in achieving facial harmony and correcting functional or aesthetic concerns related to the nose. Whether you wish to refine a bulbous nose or correct a crooked nose, achieving the right nose shape can improve not only your looks but also your self-esteem and overall sense of well-being.

Rhinoplasty is a versatile surgical procedure that can be customized to achieve your ideal nose shape. There are several rhinoplasty procedures available, each designed to address specific concerns.

Reduction rhinoplasty focuses on decreasing the size of the nose, while augmentation rhinoplasty can enhance the nose’s structure using grafts or implants.

Augmentation nasal surgery is often performed to increase the size and proportions of a small or underdeveloped nose, sometimes involving the use of a synthetic nasal implant to achieve the desired augmentation. For those needing repair due to injury or previous surgery, reconstructive rhinoplasty restores both form and function.

Excessive reduction rhinoplasty can sometimes result in a smaller or lower nasal height, requiring augmentation procedures to restore proper nasal dimensions.

Patients who are dissatisfied with the results of their initial nose surgery may consider revision procedures, including tertiary nose surgery, to correct complications or improve both structure and function.

During your consultation, a skilled nose surgeon will assess your facial proportions, nasal tip, and overall nose shape to recommend the best approach.

Rhinoplasty can also be tailored for different ethnicities, such as addressing the unique features of the East Asian nose and common characteristics found among East Asian patients. By considering your unique features and goals, your surgeon can develop a personalized plan to help you achieve a nose shape that enhances your natural beauty and facial harmony.

Every patient’s journey with rhinoplasty is unique, shaped by their individual nose shape, goals, and reasons for seeking surgery. Some people choose rhinoplasty to improve breathing or correct functional issues, while others are motivated by a desire to refine their nasal tip, achieve a straighter nose, or bring their nose into better harmony with their other facial features. Whether you have a straight nose, roman nose, or nubian nose, rhinoplasty can help you achieve the nose shape you’ve always wanted.

Many patients report increased self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after surgery, as well as a greater sense of facial harmony. By sharing their stories, patients can offer valuable insights and encouragement to others considering rhinoplasty, helping them make informed decisions about their own nose shape and overall well-being.