Nose shape
Nose shape includes the size, profile, width, tip, nostrils and symmetry of the nose. Considerable variation is normal. Appearance and breathing are related but not identical: a cosmetic concern may exist without obstruction, while functional nasal problems may not be obvious externally.
What you may notice
- A hump or depression in profile
- A broad, narrow, drooping or upturned tip
- Nostril or overall asymmetry
- Deviation after injury or development
- Breathing difficulty that may or may not match appearance
Why it can happen
Bone, cartilage, skin thickness and facial proportions determine nasal shape. Genetics and development are primary influences. Injury, previous surgery or conditions affecting the septum can alter form and airflow. Photographs alone cannot assess internal obstruction.
What may help
Makeup can change perceived contour. Filler may camouflage selected profile irregularities but cannot make a nose smaller and carries rare serious vascular risks, including vision loss. Rhinoplasty reshapes bone and cartilage; functional septorhinoplasty may address obstruction. Results are constrained by skin, anatomy and healing, and revision can be complex.
When to consult
Consult an ENT or appropriately trained surgeon for breathing difficulty, recurrent blockage, trauma or rapid change. A cosmetic consultation should assess function as well as proportions and discuss realistic limits and revision risk.
Evidence and sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Rhinoplasty [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty (new tab)
- National Health Service. Cosmetic surgery [Internet]. London: NHS; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/ (new tab)
- DermNet. Dermal fillers and augmentation procedures [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2002 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dermal-fillers-and-augmentation-procedures (new tab)