What are the different types of nose shapes?
Feb 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Generally speaking, noses can be categorized into types such as bulbous nose, upturned nose, hooked nose, sharp-ridge nose, and Roman nose. A bulbous nose is characterized by a round and large nasal tip and wide alae nasi, usually with a prominent nasal tip, broad nostrils, thick fatty and fibrous tissue at the nasal tip, an excessively wide angle of the alar cartilage, and hyperplasia of the alar cartilage junction. An upturned nose features a nasal tip positioned posterior to the alae nasi, highly visible nostrils, and an excessively large nasolabial angle when viewed from the side.
Generally, noses can be categorized into types such as bulbous nose, upturned nose, aquiline (hooked) nose, blade-like nose, and Roman nose. The specific classifications are as follows:
1. Bulbous Nose
The nasal tip and alae are round and large, typically characterized by a broad nasal tip, wide alae, thick fatty and fibrous tissue at the tip, excessive angle of the alar cartilage, and overgrowth of the alar cartilage joints.
2. Upturned Nose
The nasal tip lies posterior to the alae, with high visibility of the nostrils, an overly large nasolabial angle in profile view, resulting in an overall short nose appearance with significant nostril show.
3. Aquiline (Hooked) Nose
Characterized by a high nasal root, a narrow and prominent upper nasal bridge, a sharply pointed nasal tip that curves forward like a hook, and a retracted nasal septum.
4. Blade-Like Nose
The nasal bridge has little soft tissue coverage, making the nasal bones clearly visible and prominent, resembling a sharp blade along the dorsum.
5. Roman Nose
Distinguished by a high nasal bridge with a noticeable bony hump in the middle and a relatively small nasal knob.
Besides the above-mentioned types, other nose shapes include flat (depressed) nose and small upturned nose. Individuals dissatisfied with their nasal shape may consult reputable public hospitals locally. After a comprehensive evaluation, they can consider undergoing rhinoplasty surgery to achieve a desired nasal contour.
