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Types of Noses

A nose is the fingerprint of the face

types of nose surgery

A nose is the fingerprint of the face

No two noses are exactly alike, yours is unique to you, and it identifies you. But many noses share enough traits with each other that we can group them into basic categories.


Nose surgeons categorize noses by their shape. The shape is determined by the main structures within the nose: the nasal bones, the nasal cartilage, and the type of skin covering the bones and cartilage.


A successful rhinoplasty depends on 3 factors, above all others:
1. Your surgeon’s ability to identify and understand both your basic nose type and your specific, unique nose.
2. Good communication between you and your doctor – regarding your goals, your needs, the limitations and strengths of different surgical techniques, etc.
3. Executing the rhinoplasty technique that matches your vision.


Much depends on your surgeon’s knowledge of how certain types of noses respond to different techniques, and exactly how one of those noses needs to change to look just right on you. So that you and your nose surgeon can be on the same page, below are the basic types of noses.

Note: Dr. Siegel specializes in preservation and ultrasonic rhinoplasty, both of which produce superior results. He is one of the few surgeons in the US experienced in these types of rhinoplasty.  Find out more.

Fleshy nose

Sometimes described as “fatty,” “pudgy,” or “meaty,” this type of nose has a large, protruding shape. This nose can be large or small in size, but either way tends have a “fleshy” appearance.

Turned-up nose – AKA elevated, celestial, or Barbie nose

Also known as the celestial, or Barbie nose-they are relatively small with a curvature at the middle of the bridge and a slightly protruding tip. This is one of the most requested nose shapes identified by rhinoplasty patients.


When done in a heavy-handed manner, the result can resemble a “Michael Jackson’s nose”: an overly upturned and thin nose with visible nostrils. However, an exceptionally experienced rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Siegel can help you get the balanced and subtle result you are looking for.

Roman nose

The Roman nose is named after the noses carved on the faces of ancient Roman sculptures. This type of nose is marked by its straight and exaggerated high bridge that protrudes high from the forehead, and is commonly associated with a masculine look.

Bumpy nose – AKA hook nose or hump nose

This nose is marked by its bumpy outline, with either a subtle or prominent bump on the bridge of the nose. This shape is one of the most common reasons patients seek a rhinoplasty. The shape of the bridge can be adjusted to a patient’s preference.

Hawk nose

Also sometimes called a “beak” or “aquiline” nose, and very similar to the “Roman nose” (described above), the hawk nose is characterized by a prominent bridge below an exaggerated concave curve.

Greek nose

Also called “the straight nose,” the Greek nose is often associated with a strong masculine profile. This nose is defined by a remarkably straight bridge, which is generally free of any humps or curves, and reminds us of the straight noses on the head sculptures of Greek gods. This type of nose is a common shape requested by male patients.

Nubian nose

Sometimes called a Black or African nose, the Nubian nose features a wider bridge with a wide base. This nose requires the placement of cartilage to “build up” a less-rounded shape.

East Asian nose

The shape of this nose is marked by its slim, flat shape with a shorter tip. It is one of the most common noses on people of East Asian descent. Many patients with East Asian noses usually request a nose shape that is considered more characteristically “Western”.

Bulbous nose

Sometimes called a “round,” “full,” or “parentheses” nose, this shape of nose is rounded, has a curved tip, and protrudes outward to create a circular silhouette at the bottom of the nose. Refining a bulbous tip is the most common change requested by patients who want a different shape.

Combo nose

No nose necessarily fits into a single category. Many noses feature a combination of specific shapes, with elements from 2, 3, or even more distinct types of noses. The “average” nose is a mixture of different types of noses. That is what makes every nose unique. Because rhinoplasty requires a personal, tailored approach, refining specific aspects of a combo nose is needed to achieve each patient’s goals.

Need a smooth rhinoplasty that achieves the nose that’s perfect for you?

Your nose is unique, and so are your needs.  You may want an extra-gentle rhinoplasty with a very short recovery time (consider a preservation or ultrasonic rhinoplasty), or you may want a surgeon who has experience with patients of your background, or you may want another surgeon’s work corrected and made to look like your vision. Wherever you are now, we know where you will end up: you’ll love your new nose.  Here are a few videos that capture the mood of our patients on seeing their new look for the first time. 

Dr. Siegel is known as one of the finest nose surgeons in Houston (or anywhere, for that matter). For each patient he considers the bone structure, cartilage, skin type, ethnicity, and your vision, in creating balanced aesthetics for a nose structure that will best fit your facial proportions. Getting the nose you have always wanted requires expertise in rhinoplasty, high-level surgical skills, excellent communication skills, and artistry. Nose surgery can complement other facial surgeries, like eyelid surgerycheek augmentation, or facial liposuction. Dr. Siegel has earned a reputation as a top nose doctor in Houston, through years of experience and the ability to create natural-looking rhinoplasty results that truly enhance your features.

Dr. Siegel is one of very few facial surgeons who offers both preservation rhinoplasty and ultrasonic (Piezo) rhinoplasty. You might consider either of those if a short recovery time and minimal or no pain/bruising/swelling are extra-high priorities for you.

People travel from across the US and the world for a rhinoplasty by Dr. Siegel, but many are right here in the Houston area. We often see patients from Cypress, Spring, Bellaire, Sugar Land, Fulshear, Humble, Katy, and other nearby communities. We also see many patients from other areas in Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Midland, Odessa, to name a few.

Wherever you are, we look forward to helping you achieve your best look. You can contact us today to book a consultation with Dr. Siegel (in-office here in Houston or over Zoom).

Schedule your appointment now

People travel from across the US and the world for an improved look by Dr. Siegel, but many are right here in the Houston area. We often see patients from Cypress, Spring, Bellaire, Sugar Land, Fulshear, Humble, Katy, and other nearby communities. We also see many patients from other areas in Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Midland, Odessa, to name a few. Wherever you are, we look forward to helping you achieve your best look.

Call 832-358-322 or use the form below.

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