Nose Types: What shapes exist and how to improve the appearance of the nose

Beyond its shape and size, what matters is that it is in harmony with the rest of your features and that you are satisfied with its appearance. Otherwise, there are solutions to correct this. In this article, we will talk about some types of noses that we often encounter and how the appearance of the nose can be modified when you are not pleased with it.

Nose shapes

1. Straight nose Also known as the Greek nose, it is one of the easiest types of noses to recognize. It has a straight nasal bridge, is long and narrow, suits both men and women, and is one of the most envied nose shapes.
2. Hooked nose The hooked nose is often compared to the beak of a bird, which is why it is also called an aquiline nose. It is characterized by a prominent, narrow nasal bridge, with the bone curved and the tip pointing down and towards the upper lip. It is a type of nose that fewer people appreciate or desire.
3. Bulbous nose “Bulbous” is a term used to describe a poorly defined type of nose with a round, swollen tip, disproportionately large compared to the rest of the nasal proportions and very visible. In some cases, a permanent redness of the nose can even be observed.
4. Nose with a hump One of the least desired features when it comes to the appearance of the nose is the already famous nasal hump. This characteristic can be inherited or may appear as a result of trauma suffered at the level of the nose, when the bone and cartilage do not heal as they should.
5. Crooked nose When we talk about a crooked nose, we are referring to one that does not form a straight line in the center of the face. Most often, the cause is a deviated septum, but it can also be the result of trauma, an infection, or it may be present from birth. Unlike the nasal hump, which, although unaesthetic, will not affect the functionality of the nose, a crooked nose can sometimes cause breathing difficulties, nosebleeds, and other problems.[1]

How to modify the appearance of the nose

Some types of noses are more envied than others, and if you were not born with the nose you want, you can always modify its appearance. The surgery through which you can do this is called rhinoplasty. Other options are liquid rhinoplasty and tip plasty.

Rhinoplasty

It is one of the most requested plastic surgery procedures and involves remodeling the nasal structure, including bones, cartilage, and skin. It can thus:

• Straighten a crooked nose;
• Remove a nasal hump;
• Modify the size and shape of the tip of the nose;
• Correct a nose that is too wide or too large;
• Restore the shape and symmetry of the nose after a trauma;
• Correct breathing problems.

The techniques used will vary from one patient to another, depending on the desired results. The plastic surgeon might decide, for example, that an open rhinoplasty is necessary, which involves making a small incision under the tip of the nose, between the nostrils, to gain access to the nasal structures. Usually, this approach is chosen when more extensive changes to the nose are desired. One of the advantages is that the resulting scars will be hidden by the natural contours of the nose.

Another option is closed rhinoplasty. In this case, the incisions are made inside the nostrils and there will be no visible scar. However, this technique can only be used in those cases where only minor changes to the appearance of the nose are necessary.[2]

The techniques used may also vary depending on the instruments used. For example, Dr. Olimpiu Hârceagă uses piezosurgery in rhinoplasty. Instead of classical instruments, a piezosurgery device will be used for cutting and remodeling the bones of the nasal pyramid, which generates vibrations with a very high frequency and small amplitude. You can read more about this technique and its advantages here.

Liquid rhinoplasty

If you are not ready to go through a surgical procedure, you can always opt for a liquid rhinoplasty, a procedure that involves injecting fillers under the skin to change the shape of the nose. However, the results are temporary and, depending on what aspects bother you about your nose, it may not be the right solution for you.[2]

Tip plasty

If the aspects that displease you concern the tip of the nose, then you could resort to a procedure called tip plasty. This consists of remodeling only the tip of the nose, without intervening on the other nasal structures.[2]

Each nose is unique in its own way. What type of nose you have, its shape and dimensions, matters less as long as it does not affect the harmony of your facial features. If its appearance does not satisfy you, there are several solutions you can turn to, as we have seen above. Schedule a consultation to determine together with Dr. Olimpiu Hârceagă which of these is the right one for you.

Bibliography:

1. Leonard, Jayne. „Crooked Nose: Surgery and Exercises” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, 26 Feb. 2020. Accessed 6 Jan. 2023.
2. „Rhinoplasty Guide” ABCS, 10 July 2014. Accessed 6 Jan. 2023.