Rhinoplasty: How to Choose the Right Nose Shape

Noses serve a very essential function: allowing air into your lungs to enable you to breathe properly. Beyond that, there’s no doubt that the physical appearance of the nose is one of the key elements of facial beauty, so deviations from typical size, shape, angles, and proportion are highly noticeable. If you’re unhappy with the general look of your nose—whether it’s too large, has a bulbous tip, or just doesn’t harmonize with the rest of your features— you can improve it with plastic surgery. The NYC area’s Alizadeh Cosmoplastic Surgery team explains that many patients are unsure about what kind of nose will be most suitable for them, but choosing the best look doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating.

Before making any other nose job decisions, start by finding the right surgeon. The surgery, also referred to as rhinoplasty, is often thought to be the most complex and challenging form of cosmetic surgery to perform. Naturally, you won’t want just any doctor making permanent changes to your face. Even minor changes to this central feature can alter your overall facial appearance, so always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced with these procedures.

During your consultation for a nose job, your plastic surgeon of choice will have an in-depth talk with you and examine your nose to establish clear goals and tell you what is realistically possible. Good communication is critical for this type of surgery. Be sure to point out the specific aspects that you’d like to change.

Many patients take ideas from celebrity noses when preparing for a rhinoplasty. Keep in mind that rhinoplasty is a fully individualized procedure, as no two patients will have identical noses or the exact same goals. According to some studies, Caucasian noses, for example, can be categorized into 14 different subtypes. Some of these include fleshy (large and prominent), turned-up, hawk (sharp and downturned), and Greek (straight) shapes, as well as combination noses that have qualities of various nose types.

Other ethnicities, such as East Asian populations, have their own unique nose characteristics as well. Your surgeon may show you before-and-after photos of other patients with noses similar to yours so that you have a better idea of what to expect. Advanced technology, such as the Canfield Vectra^® 3D Imaging and Simulation System, can be used to help you to visualize the possible outcome from surgery. Such technology does not provide a guaranteed prediction, but it will help patients get an ideal of what the final results can be.

The most aesthetically pleasing look for a nose is also subjective, and there are no set rules for determining it. Also, the appearance of your nose and face will be influenced by factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity.

Think about how changing your nose will affect the rest of the face, both from the front and side. Consider the overall shape of your face, too. Being aware of this is helpful in many situations—whether you want to get new sunglasses, a haircut, or try out makeup.

Your doctor will be able to identify your unique features and which changes will best accentuate your natural beauty. Nevertheless, most people aim to preserve facial symmetry with a rhinoplasty. The surgery itself combines both science and artistry. Certain scientific ratios and angles are widely believed to be the most desirable, and surgeons do use these guidelines to analyze the relationship between the patient’s nose size and the other parts of their face. Doctors and patients also aim to create an aesthetic that fits the patient’s personality traits when considering nose design.

Note that it isn’t possible to achieve any type of nose shape. Plastic surgeons will do their best to meet your expectations, but will have to work with your existing skin type and bone structure.

Ready to make a change? If you have more questions, contact the Alizadeh Cosmoplastic Surgery team about rhinoplasty at their NYC area practice or another form of plastic surgery. To get started, call 212.348.0100 (Manhattan and Westchester) or 516.439.5010 (Long Island), or write to them online.