Different Types of Nose Shapes and the Surgery Options

The nose is perhaps the most prominent feature of our faces, which tends to exhibit a striking spectrum of shapes and sizes, with each being unique. As such, there are many different types of nose shapes. A large part of how our face looks depends on the size and width of the nose. This can also become a source of discontent for many people as they may not be happy with the size or shape of their noses. Some people may have distorted or broken noses due to a traumatic injury that affected their noses.

All such concerns can be addressed by rhinoplasty, a plastic surgery procedure which is highly effective in reshaping the nose. Alternatively called the "nose job", a rhinoplasty may be able to provide reconstructive procedures to fix broken noses due to trauma. If you are curious about different nose types, let's explore the different types of nose shapes to understand which one you may have, and which ones are the most commonly desired by people at the time of their rhinoplasty procedures.

What are the Different Types of Nose Shapes? 

When exploring the different nose shapes and types, you may notice that there are several distinguishing features in the different nose types. You may find yourself strikingly similar to one or two in particular. Having an idea of how the different nose shapes may provide you with an insight into which type of nose shape you have or would like to achieve through surgical correction. This would be an important part of the discussion with your surgeon to craft a personalized treatment plan for you.

• Greek nose (straight nose features): The Greek nose shape, also known as straight nose, is the most common nose shape requested by patients. This is due to the fact that the Greek nose has characteristically straight nasal bridges with a narrow appearing nostril, and it often doesn't have a bump on the nasal dorsum. Some people with straight noses may also wish to get a rhinoplasty if they feel that their nose is too wide or to reduce the prominence of their nasal tips in order to balance their nasal features with the rest of the facial features.
• Roman nose (Aquiline nose): People with Roman noses exhibit excessive prominence in the nasal bridges that may deviate slightly at the tip of the nose. People with Roman noses tend to undergo rhinoplasty to enhance tip projection and removing the prominent dorsal hump present at the bridge of the nose. Among the different types of nose shapes, male candidates may opt for Roman noses as they are more desirable to them than Greek noses.
• Hawk Nose: A Hawk nose shape resembles a Roman nose, but the difference is that a Hawk nose has a narrower nasal bridge with a pointy tip. These nose shapes typically have a prominent curvature that looks like a hooked curvature, similar to a hawk's beak. It is not seen as a desirable nose shape.
• Button nose (snub nose): It is a very uncommon nose shape, with only 5% of the population having such a nose, which is characterised by its thin and pointy look. Button noses tend to be smaller with a rounded appearance and an upturned component, due to which the nostrils can be seen from the front. People with a button nose tend to get a rhinoplasty to increase the nose's length and lower the tip of the nose.
• Nubian nose (African nose): People born of African descent tend to have Nubian noses, which characteristically have a broad base with a long nasal bridge and a downward-pointing nasal tip. 
• Wide nose: This type of nose is characterised by a broad nasal bridge, wide nostrils, or a large and rounded tip of the nose. A wide nose may seem disproportionate to the rest of the nose. Individuals with a wide nose may seek to undergo rhinoplasty in order to improve functionality and appearance. A wide nose may occur due to a number of reasons, including genetics, where a person may inherit the nose shape. Ageing may also contribute to a wide nose as one ages, leading to a shift in the underlying facial features with loosening elasticity of the skin. Past trauma or injury to the nose may also result in a wider nose. 
• Long nose: People with a long nose may have a long nasal bridge, an extended nasal tip, or both. Such a nose type may also appear disproportionate to the rest of the facial features. Such a nose shape may also occur due to genetic composition, ageing, or due to certain developmental factors resulting in uneven growth of the nasal bones and cartilage, ultimately leading to a long nose. People with a long nose may wish to shorten the nasal bridge, lift or reshape the nasal bridge, or reduce the length of the nostril to get the desired nose shape through surgery. 
• Celestial nose (upturned nose): This type of nose features a small size with a tip that projects upwards. It is common for celestial noses to have a slight depression in the middle part of the dorsum of the nose. Many people wish to have this nose shape through surgery.
• Bumpy nose: A bumpy nose is characterised by an uneven or irregular nasal bridge that presents a protrusion or bump on the nose. This bump is usually more noticeable from the side. A bumpy nose may be due to genetics or may get such characteristics due to trauma or injury to the nose or due to developmental factors affecting the shape of the nose. 
• Fleshy nose: A fleshy nose is mostly observed in men with a characteristic large and wide nose with a prominent nasal projection. Many people with a fleshy nose may seek rhinoplasty to reduce the width of the nose and narrow down the nasal tip.
• Crooked nose: As the name suggests, a crooked nose may appear deviated with some prominent bumps when viewed from the front. It may result from a traumatic injury to the nose or due to hereditary factors influencing the framework of the nose. A crooked nose may be corrected through a rhinoplasty, but it is a complex procedure that is often performed by highly experienced surgeons. 

Can the Shape of the Nose Be Changed?

The most efficient and effective way to alter the appearance of the nose is through a rhinoplasty. Highly skilled nose surgeons are equipped with cutting edge surgical methods to enable patients to obtain the desired shape of their nose. As with any cosmetic surgery, it is important to have a realistic expectation of what the surgery can do for an individual.

Individuals who are not keen on undergoing plastic surgery to correct their nose shape may opt for non-surgical methods of rhinoplasty that offer similar, but temporary benefits, which last for about 18 months. A non-surgical rhinoplasty may provide an idea about the type of nose shape that may look best for an individual. If they're satisfied with how they look, they can proceed to undergo a surgical rhinoplasty for a permanent and long-term fix. 

Nose Surgeries for Problems with Different Types of Noses

Nose surgeries can be employed for both cosmetic and functional reasons. These surgeries can help address various problems with different types of noses. Let's take a look at the popular procedures that cater to enhancing different nose types.

• Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty is a popular plastic surgery procedure that reshapes and straightens the nose for both cosmetic and functional purposes. A rhinoplasty can help address structural issues associated with a crooked nose, a prominent nasal hump, or an asymmetrical nasal tip. This surgery can help enhance the appearance of the nose and the face, and sometimes even alleviate breathing difficulties.
• Tip rhinoplasty: This is a specialised type of rhinoplasty that focuses on refining and contouring the nasal tip or correcting a drooping or upturned nasal tip. It can help improve the overall appearance of the nose and the face.
• Alarplasty: This is a procedure for narrowing the width of the nose or decreasing nasal flares. It is also known as nostril reduction and involves removing a small wedge of the nasal tissue from the base of the nostrils. 
• Septoplasty: A septoplasty is a surgical procedure that can help correct a deviated septum, which can cause breathing difficulties as well as frequent nasal infections, and even snoring. After a septoplasty, a person can breathe better with improved airflow.
• Turbinoplasty: A turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of turbinates, which are small, bony structures within the nasal passage that help humidify and filter the air that we breathe. By reducing the size of the turbinates, a person is able to breathe better by improving airflow. This procedure may be performed alongside other procedures, like a septoplasty, to address breathing issues through surgery.
• Osteotomies: Osteotomies often referred to as a nasal osteotomy, is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and repositioning the nasal bones. It is done by making small cuts in the nasal bones to narrow or reshape the nose, correct deviations, or repair deformities. This is performed as part of a rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) to correct deformities, improve nasal function, or enhance the aesthetic appearance of the nose.

Conclusion

Different types of nose shapes are found around the world. Some may have nicely shaped noses, but many may feel discontent with their nose type, while others may experience difficulties due to structural and functional anomalies owing to hereditary factors, ageing, developmental factors, or due to trauma or injury to the nose. People wishing to address such issues can seek advice from plastic surgeons to discuss their options to reshape the nose, and obtain a functional and desirable nose suitable for their facial features.