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2026.02.20
There are different types of noses! Which type is your nose? Bianca's cosmetic surgeon Takashi Nakao explains the ideal balance and how to adjust it!
Specialist in rhinoplasty. He has performed many surgeries for functional restoration including nasal septal curvature at university hospitals, and has successfully performed rhinoplasty that requires advanced techniques at the level of reconstructive surgery. Currently, we offer rhinoplasty optimized for the Japanese and Asian population by incorporating advanced world-standard techniques such as preservation rhinoplasty. Our specialty is the “compact and sharp design with a tipped nose,” which is considered ideal in Europe and the United States. Combining his extensive experience as a plastic surgeon certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with a cosmetic surgery perspective, he performs surgeries that combine functionality and beauty.
Hello, my name is Nakao from Bianca Clinic.
Did you know that different people have different nose shapes, and that there are actually several different types? If you are worried about the shape of your nose or feel complex about it, let's first do a self-check to see which type of nose you have.
This article lists the different types of nose shapes and the characteristics of each, and describes cosmetic surgical approaches to achieve the ideal nose.
There are different types of nose shapes｜10 typical types
Although the shape of the nose varies from person to person, it is generally divided into the following types
| Nose type | Features |
| cauliflower-shaped nose | The tip of the nose (nasal apex) is round and thick, and the entire nose appears large. Common among Japanese. |
| flat nose with flattened nostrils | The nose bulges outward and appears to widen laterally. Common among Japanese. |
| garlic nose | Rounded nasal tip and lateral spread of the nose. Nasal volume is prominent. |
| pig nose | The tip of the nose is upturned and the nostrils are easily visible. The entire nose gives the impression of being low. |
| Greek nose | Straight nose and back, appearing deeply chiseled. Masculine and appears deeply chiseled |
| Roman nose | Similar to the Greek nose, with a depression around the base of the nose. Common in Europeans and Americans. |
| stair nosing | Part of the dorsum of the nose is protruding and stepped. Unevenness in profile is easily noticeable. |
| Roman nose | The center of the dorsum of the nose is raised. It is easily compared to a drooping or witch nose. |
| hook nose | The nasal apex is bent downward. |
| gorilla nose | The nostrils are widened horizontally. |
Listed above are the typical types of nose shapes. Since the appearance varies depending on the skeleton, skin thickness, and cartilage shape, it is possible that what appears to be a completely different type is actually the same type.
Can the shape of your nose reveal your personality? What impression does your nose give?
As a side note, there is a theory that the type of nose shape reveals one's personality. This seems to come from physiognomy, but the shape of the nose may also have an impact on the impression it gives. For example, "a dumpling nose is cute and friendly" and "an eagle nose is cool and powerful." Since the nose is located in the center of the face and is a prominent part, it seems to greatly influence the overall impression of the face.
Of course, there is no scientific evidence to prove the relationship between nose shape and personality, but it is good to know what impression your nose shape gives. It will help you to self-analyze what kind of impression you want to make on others, and what shape of nose is ideal for that purpose. For men, there is a theory that a straight nose is associated with sincerity and trustworthiness. The impression that the shape of the nose gives may have an impact on business situations as well.
The ideal "condition for a beautiful nose."
Among the different types of nose shapes, there are some that are easily perceived as complex. In particular, many Japanese people have low, round noses, such as the dango or agura noses, which are cute and attractive, while many people yearn for a high, straight nose like that of Westerners.
So what does a beautiful nose look like?
The standard for a beautiful nose varies from country to country and culture to culture, so it is difficult to generalize, but by the standard of the average Japanese...
- The mouth fits within the E-line (line connecting the tip of the nose and the tip of the chin) in profile.
- Tunny nasal apex and narrow nasal tip
- The bridge of the nose is straight.
- Width of the nose is 2/3 of the width of the lips
- No visible nose or nostrils (forgetful nose)
These standards can be approached to some extent with makeup, but it is not possible to change even the skeletal structure. If you want to achieve a fundamentally beautiful nose, cosmetic medicine is an option.
Cosmetic surgical approaches to nose reshaping
The following cosmetic surgical approaches can be used to radically improve the nose to its ideal shape.
| Treatment Name | Treatment Overview |
| nasal septum extension | Grafting of own cartilage (auricular cartilage, nasal septum cartilage, rib cartilage) to the nasal septum cartilage to adjust the nose tip to the desired height and length |
| auricular cartilage graft | Transplanting ear cartilage into the nasal tip area to form a taller and sharper nose tip. |
| Nose Tip Reduction / Nose Tip Reshaping (Bulbous Nose Correction) | Stitching the cartilage at the tip of the nose (nasal wing cartilage), approaching a nose with a bunched nose or too large nasal tip, and sharpening the tip of the nose |
| Nasal Wing (Minor Nose) Reduction Nasal Wing Elevation | Cutting out a portion of a large, spread out nose to make the nose smaller or raise its position |
| nasal descent | Auricular cartilage is grafted to the nasal bridge separating the nostrils to draw out the retracted bridge and line the nose from the side. |
| Eagle nose correction and hump excision | To remove the protruding bone (hump) and improve an eagle nose with a protruding nasal bridge. |
| Rhinoplasty (prosthesis and crushed rib cartilage graft) | Lifting of the forehead muscle by inserting a silicone prosthesis or autologous tissue into the ⿐ muscle. |
Bianca also offers a combination of these procedures, emphasizing the total balance of the entire face, including the nose.
▶For more information about the nose procedure, please contactFrom here
What BIANCA CLINIC values in rhinoplasty
Bianca Clinic has several plastic surgeons certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery who specialize in nasal procedures and provide “custom-made” procedures according to the type of nose shape.
A smooth, high nose is often a prerequisite for a beautiful face, but excessive changes are often avoided as a “plastic face”. For natural beauty, it is important to choose a procedure that matches the type of nose shape and to focus on the total balance of the entire face. In particular, the nasal apex and the nasal line can be greatly affected by millimeter-by-millimeter differences in the finished product.
Bianca has introduced the 3D simulation system "VECTRA" to confirm the three-dimensional image of the finished product from every angle. We share the images with our patients so that they do not have the disappointment of thinking, "This is not how it was supposed to be....
For precise cosmetic treatment for nose shape, visit Bianca Clinic!
The nose, located in the center of the face, is a part that is easily complexed. Therefore, there may be many people who would like to have their noses beautifully shaped someday through cosmetic surgery. However, while improving the shape of the nose through cosmetic surgery can bring about significant changes, it also brings with it a great deal of regret in the event of failure. To avoid this, it is important to decide on a treatment plan while exploring the best balance between the type of nose shape and your face.
At Bianca, we design a natural and balanced nose while respecting the patient's wishes and individuality. If you would like to know what kind of nose shape you have, or if you would like to change your nose beautifully while making the most of its shape, please contact us for a consultation.
Web reservations are available atHere
Dr. Takashi Nakao's Instagram account (@dr_nakao_rhinoplasty) isHere
The official Instagram account for Bianca Clinic (@biancaclinic) isHere
