J Cosmet Med.  2023 Dec;7(2):66-70. 10.25056/JCM.2023.7.2.66.

Ideal nose shapes in Koreans: achievable aesthetics

• Lee TH
• Jang JW
• Kim SJ
• Suk SH
• Nam JG

• KMID: 2561181
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25056/JCM.2023.7.2.66

Abstract

Background
Effective preoperative planning, which is essential to rhinoplasty success, requires a deep understanding of nasal aesthetics and open communication between surgeons and patients. Ideal values are often identified by subjective surveys and questionnaires and may differ from patient–surgeon discussions.
Objective
This study employed three-dimensional computer-simulated images to investigate the real-world ideal aesthetic values of the nose compared with established ideals.
Methods
Image data collected from January 2020 to October 2023 included 199 computer-simulated rhinoplasty patients with an average age of 32.3 years (114 male, 85 female).
Results
Simulated nasofrontal angles averaged 145.75 degrees for male and 148.80 degrees for female, whereas nasolabial angles averaged 101.53 degrees for male and 102.92 degrees for female. Nasofacial angles averaged 29.56 degrees for male and 29.78 degrees for female, while nasomental angles averaged 131.66 degrees for male and 132.22 degrees for female. Simulated nasal lengths averaged 4.58 cm for male and 4.01 cm for female, while nasal heights averaged 2.61 cm for male and 2.27 cm for female. The mean tip projection ratio was 0.57 for both male and female.
Conclusion
The ideal nasofrontal angle for Koreans was greater than previously thought and potentially influenced by a preference for a natural-looking nose profile and less pronounced glabella. The nasolabial angle and tip projection ratio exhibited the most and least variation, respectively. Notable sex-based differences in nasofrontal angle, nasal length, and nasal height were observed, whereas other measurements remained consistent. The nasolabial angle disparities between male and female were smaller than the widely accepted 5-degree difference, indicating a higher degree of sex similarity in nasal aesthetic preferences among Koreans.

Keyword

beauty; esthetics; nose; rhinoplasty