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2026.07.02
Is an Aquiline Nose a Symbol of Beauty? An Explanation of Facial Features and What Cosmetic Procedures Can Do
Specialist in rhinoplasty. He is a board certified plastic surgeon by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Based on the principle of “maximum effect with minimum treatment,” I propose the best surgical techniques and plans for my patients from various angles. He specializes in designs that beautifully accentuate the "individuality" of the patient while taking into account the golden ratio of the face. In particular, we create full-custom-made prostheses by combining CT and Vectra data to create full-scale blueprints, which are then precisely finished based on clay prototypes handmade from scratch on a skull model. The shape of the prosthesis can be reproduced with high precision as per the presented simulation, so that even the most detailed wishes can be met and stable results can be achieved.
Hello! I’m Yu Yagasugi, a board-certified plastic surgeon by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a supervising physician in cosmetic surgery at BIANCA CLINIC.
An eagle nose is a nose shape that is sometimes cited as a ”trait of beauty.” Facial features that include an eagle nose can create an impression of being “attractive” or having a “beautiful profile.” In particular, because the bridge of the nose tends to stand out, giving a sharp and intelligent impression, it is appreciated overseas as a distinctive form of beauty.
On the other hand, it’s not uncommon for people to feel that they want to “soften the prominence of their nose bridge” or “change the harsh impression their nose gives.” In fact, even when someone is told, “You have a beautiful aquiline nose”—which is meant as a compliment—it can sometimes be a source of self-consciousness for the person in question.
In this article, we’ll explain why an aquiline nose is considered attractive—based on visual impressions and cultural background—and we’ll also introduce cosmetic medical options for those who are concerned about it.
Definition of an "Eagle Nose" | Why Is It Called an "Eagle Nose"? What Is a "Hump"?
An "eagle nose" is a nose shape in which the bridge of the nose is not straight, but instead curves slightly forward partway along its length. The name comes from the fact that it resembles the silhouette of an eagle's beak; this shape tends to create a sense of depth in the profile and gives a sharp impression.
The distinctive shape of an eagle nose is created by a protrusion of bone and cartilage—known as the “hump”—located near the center of the nasal bridge. The size and angle of the hump vary from person to person, ranging from those that are quite noticeable to those that are barely noticeable.
While it adds dimension to the bridge of the nose when viewed from the front, it appears as a curve in the jawline when viewed from the side, making it a key factor in determining the appearance of an aquiline nose.
What Impression Does an Aquiline Nose Give? | Why They're Considered Beautiful and Differences in Values
From here on, I’ll explain why an eagle nose is considered attractive and a sign of beauty, based on visual impressions and cultural background.
Why an Aquiline Nose Is Considered Beautiful | The Impression Created by Three-Dimensionality
One reason why an aquiline nose is often associated with “beauty” is the three-dimensionality and shading it creates on the face. The nasal hump serves as an element that produces natural highlights and shadows depending on how the light hits the face.
As a result, when viewed from the front, the bridge of the nose stands out not as a flat line but as a three-dimensional ”surface,” giving the entire face a deeply chiseled appearance. Furthermore, when viewed from the side, these contours add definition to the silhouette and create a sophisticated aura—another key characteristic. The natural contours extending from the forehead to the tip of the nose are precisely why people often say, “A beautiful profile equals an aquiline nose.”
Intelligent and Cool? The Psychological Impression Created by an Aquiline Nose
An aquiline nose can give the face a clean, defined look, creating a dignified and poised appearance. As a result, it often conveys an intelligent and mature impression.
On the other hand, there are quite a few people who are concerned that their profile “looks too strong” or “too masculine.” Since the impression a person gives can vary greatly depending on the balance with the eyes and mouth, as well as the size and angle of the nasal hump, this can sometimes become a source of insecurity for some people.
Do Eagle-Nosed Faces Look Attractive? | Differences in Aesthetic Standards Between the East and the West
Perceptions of an aquiline nose vary greatly depending on cultural background. In the West, facial features with a well-defined bone structure and three-dimensional appearance are considered attractive, and there are many beautiful actresses and models who are active in the industry and are known for their aquiline noses as a charming feature. It is not uncommon for such noses to be praised positively as having “deep-set features” or a “beautiful profile.”
On the other hand, in East Asia—including Japan—there is a tendency to prefer noses that are not too high along the bridge and have a rounded tip, giving a soft, gentle impression. It is this aesthetic sensibility that underlies why many people feel that an aquiline nose “gives a harsh impression” and have insecurities about it.
In recent years, with the spread of social media, there has been growing interest in deeply chiseled facial features in Japan as well. While the perception of an aquiline nose as a distinctive feature is becoming more widely accepted, many people still feel they’d like to “make it look a little more refined” or “change the impression of their profile.” For such concerns, cosmetic medical procedures are one possible option.
For Those Concerned About a Hooked Nose | How to Correct It Through Cosmetic Procedures
If you're self-conscious about your hooked nose, you can use makeup techniques like contouring to adjust your appearance; however, these methods are intended solely to camouflage the appearance and cannot actually change the shape of the bone structure itself.
If you wish to fundamentally refine the contours of your profile or the prominence of your nasal bridge, cosmetic procedures are one option to consider. Bianca Clinic’s “Hooked Nose Correction and Nasal Hump Removal” treatment does more than simply shave down the hump to make it flat; it takes into account the overall balance of your face and tailors the approach to each individual’s bone structure.
Eagle Nose Correction
Eagle-nose correction is a procedure that addresses the overall contour of the nose, including the prominence of the nasal bridge (hump). Rather than simply removing the hump, the procedure aims to create a nasal contour tailored to the individual by designing the height and angle of the nasal bridge, its connection to the tip of the nose, and how it harmonizes with the eyes and mouth.
Hump removal
This procedure involves shaving down the protruding area in the center of the nasal bridge—known as the “hump”—to smooth out any unevenness in the nasal bridge. It is performed to reduce the prominence of the nasal bridge and refine the line of the nose when viewed from the side.
Because this procedure directly addresses the bone structure itself, it is effective at reducing unevenness along the bridge of the nose that cannot be fully corrected with makeup. The amount of tissue removed is adjusted based on the size of the hump and the overall balance of the nose, with the goal of achieving a natural-looking result.
Rhinoplasty (prosthesis and fine rib cartilage graft)
This procedure uses autologous tissue—such as silicone implants and rib cartilage—to create height and define the contour of the nasal bridge.
By adding moderate height and a straight line to the bridge of the nose, you can achieve a sleek, refined appearance. For those concerned about a hooked nose, it’s possible to refine the overall silhouette by avoiding excessive height at the hump while creating moderate height above and below it, thereby minimizing the prominence of the hump.
Hyaluronic acid injection (nose)
Hyaluronic acid injections into the nose are a treatment option for those who want to refine the bridge of their nose without surgery.
This treatment is sometimes used to correct minor unevenness and is considered when the goal is to smooth out the transition around a bump. While it does not alter the underlying bone or cartilage structure, some people notice a difference immediately after the injection. Since hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body over time, you may want to consider regular maintenance treatments if you wish to maintain the results.
Case Presentation
When performing hawk-nose correction or hump reduction, it is important not only to shave down the bridge of the nose but also to design the procedure while considering the balance with the entire face. Below, we present actual case studies from BIANCA CLINIC.
[Procedure Name] Eagle Nose Correction: Hump Resection + Nasal Bone Osteotomy and Narrowing, Septum Extension, Rhinoplasty, "Aristocratic" Rhinoplasty, Nasal Tip Reduction
[Photo Caption] Left: Before treatment; Right: 3 months after treatment
[Costs] Eagle Nose Correction (Hump Resection) + Nasal Bone Osteotomy (Narrower Nose): 880,000 yen; Septum Extension (Rib Cartilage): 1,045,000 yen; Rhinoplasty (thin rib cartilage, when performed simultaneously with septal extension): 330,000 yen; Aristocrat Rhinoplasty (when performed simultaneously with septal extension): 330,000 yen; Nasal Tip Reduction (when performed simultaneously with septal extension): 165,000 yen
[Risks, Side Effects, etc.] Crookedness of the nasal bridge or tip, scarring, relapse, infection, etc.
In the case described above, in addition to correcting the hump, we made detailed adjustments to the balance of the tip and the nasal base. Rather than simply eliminating the hooked nose, we refined the profile while preserving a natural three-dimensional appearance.
▶Check out the details on hawk-nose correction and hump removal at BIANCA CLINIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an aquiline nose be corrected without surgery?
For mild cases of a hooked nose, hyaluronic acid injections may be used to refine the nasal contour. However, since hyaluronic acid injections do not directly address the bone or cartilage, surgical methods may be more appropriate depending on the severity of the hump. Please schedule a consultation to discuss the current condition of your nose and your desired outcome.
If I got rid of my hooked nose, how would my facial appearance change?
Correcting a hooked nose can soften a sharp appearance and create a gentler look. Since the prominence of the nasal bridge significantly affects the overall impression of the face, it’s important to have a clear idea of the desired result beforehand.
At Bianca Clinic, we have implemented the 3D simulation system “VECTRA®,” creating an environment that makes it easy to share your ideal design with your doctor while visualizing the post-treatment results. If you have any concerns about the final outcome, please feel free to discuss them with us during your initial consultation.
▶Learn more about BIANCA CLINIC's 3D simulation system
Will a hooked nose correction leave noticeable scars?
There are two methods for correcting a hooked nose: the closed method, which involves making an incision inside the nostrils, and the open method, which involves making an incision in the columella—the bridge of the nose between the nostrils.
One of the key features of the closed rhinoplasty technique is that the scars are less noticeable. Even with the open rhinoplasty technique, the scar on the columella is often barely visible. Since the incision site varies depending on the procedure and the shape of your nose, please consult with us during your initial consultation.
How long is the downtime for a hawk-nose correction?
Although individual results may vary, postoperative swelling typically peaks after 2 to 3 days and tends to subside within about 2 weeks. A cast is worn for one week following the procedure. Once the cast is removed, you may apply makeup.
Summary
An aquiline nose is a nose shape that is sometimes described as a “sign of beauty” due to its three-dimensional appearance and the silhouette of its profile. While perceptions vary depending on cultural background, it is often viewed positively as a unique and appealing feature.
On the other hand, for those who are concerned about a prominent bridge of the nose or want to change the appearance of their profile, cosmetic procedures are an option. At Bianca Clinic, we carefully assess which procedures are necessary to help you achieve your ideal nose and recommend the best course of treatment. Please feel free to schedule a consultation.
▶View Dr. Yagasugi's rhinoplasty cases on Instagram
▶Please click here to schedule a consultation for eagle nose correction.
