What is the perfect nose? Lesson learnt from the literature

Abstract

Background: The nose, as the central feature of the face, has a pivotal role in determining the overall proportion of the face, and is a topic of great interest in facial aesthetics. Methodology: A literature review to elucidate a ‘perfect’ nose from an aesthetic stance. Results: The width of the nose should be equal to the middle fifth based on neoclassical canon. The ideal mouth to nose width ratio conforms to the golden ratio. The ideal nose length (RT) is 0.67x midfacial height. A straight dorsum with no supratip break or a straight dorsum reduced to a level of 2mm below the tip creating a retroussé are both desirable. Numerous rules have been proposed with regards to ideal tip projection, Goode’s rule is perhaps the most widely used - the ratio of the projection of the nose measured from the alar crease should be 0.55-0.60 of the nasal dorsal length. The columella show should be 2-4mm. More recently, it has been suggested that a mathematically averaged nose is attractive. Conclusion: Whilst many rules/ratios have been described, there’s no universal standard for the ‘perfect’ nose. The neoclassical norms may no longer represent the ideal, and facial aesthetics may be inciting changes in the standard of beauty.

Keywords

• nose
• nose deformities
• nasal surgical procedures
• nasal bone
• nasal septum