What is considered "ideal" nostril show from the front, for a woman?

Question

It is often said that columellar show should be 2-4mm from the side. But I can't find anything about how much nostril show there should be from the front. Should you see nostrils when looking straight at someone? If so, how much should you see? Is it the same answer whether smiling or not?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Most patients prefer about 2 mm of nostril show from the side. There is no absolute answer but if there is more than this it usually appears to be a hanging columella.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There is a lot of variability there and certain other nasal and facial relationships may make nostril show more unacceptable from a cosmetic point of view.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

For a female, generally the desired amount of show is approximately 2mm from the profile view.  From the front, there isn't a defined ideal amount.  This is based largely on your facial appearance and other nasal features.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you with achieving the results you seek.  3-dimensional computer imaging can help you visualize what you may look like afterwards and serve as an important communication tool with your surgeon.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The amount of nostril show should be 2-3 mm from the slide and 2 mm from the front. That depends on the angle of the nose as well.  Digital computer imaging would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with your nose upon your facial features. For many examples of columellar show repair, please see the link and video below

Andrew Winkler, MD · Answer

Excellent question.  There is no accepted "millimeter" amount of nostril show that is considered ideal on the frontal view.  What is often discussed is a gentle "sea gull-in-flight contour" of the nostrils and columella of the nose (the flesh between the nostrils).  This contour and the amount of nostril that you see on frontal view can be affected during rhinoplasty by manipulations of the nasal tip cartilages.One thing to think about is head position when looking at your own frontal view in a mirror.  If you tilt your head back, your nostrils will show more and vice versa.  Surgeons place patients in the Frankfort Horizontal when analyzing the nose.  That means that a line drawn from the lower orbital bone to the top of the ear canal is horizontal.  Please read more about "Prerhinoplasty Facial Analysis" in an article I wrote for Medscape.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and there is no fixed answer as the amount of show that is acceptable varies with the height of the patient and relationship to her or his  other facial featuresDr Corbin

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

You are correct in stating 2-4mm should show from the side.  From the front, it is a matter of the angle of tip rotation.  It should be rotated 105-115 degrees for a woman.

What is considered "ideal" nostril show from the front, for a woman?

Answers (7)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Is there weir excision performed every time during opened Rhinoplasty? (photos)

Could I get a nose like MJ?

Asian and super soft silicon Vs America and Cartilage. Which is best?

I apply a lot of pressure to my nose hump. Is there a permanent solution other than rhinoplasty?

How long does swelling go down after rasping or shaving callus?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS