Is there an ideal nostril width? For example, should your nostrils line up with the inner corners of your eyes?

I believe what you are referring you is known as the alar base - the total distance from the outer aspect of the nostrils.  You are correct in stating that the ideal base width should correlate with the inner aspect of the eyes (medial canthus); however each case is evaluated on an individual basis.  Sometimes maneuvers performed during surgery will actually narrow that distance without having to make incisions (known as lateral crural steal).  Consult with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon who will be able to make that distinction.

Thank you for your question.Back in the 70's, various studies were done measuring all types of relationships in the human's face called anthropometric measurements.  However, this was done mostly on caucasians.  The results of those studies were as you indicated in your question: the inter-nostril width should be approximately the same as the inter-canthal (inner eye corner) distance.Now in my practice in Toronto, I use those guidelines with 'moderation'; I ALWAYS account for the ethnicity of my varied patients' practice (Toronto is very multicultural, as you know), their wishes, etc.  More importantly, I aim for harmony between the various components of one's face - which I call "artistry".One must also take into considerations that the inter-canthal distance may be shorter or longer than the average person.  So yes, there is variation also for the inter-canthal distance.  This can also be modified, although it is a much more complex procedure.Hope this helps!

Best regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

In a very general sense what you say about nostril with is true. Their basic relationships of the face that are considered attractive and can be described numerically. Video imaging would be a good way to see how this translates to your own face. The nostrils can be narrowed independently to give you some idea of this change in your own particular situation.

I agree with the doctor below.  Classically, your nostril width should approximate you inner canthi (inner corners of your eyes).  However, this can be wider in certain ethnicities.Aaron Kosins, MDPlastic & Rhinoplasty Surgeon

What you are stating about the nostril width being equal to the distance between the corner of the eyes is classic teaching in rhinoplasty. In a world in which people have very different ethnic facial features and sometimes mixtures of different ethnicities, there really isn't one true "ideal." The concept is more to blend your nose to match well with your other facial features.

You are correct in that the classic width or amount of alar flare is considered to be the intercanthal distance. In today's world of diversity and ethnic identity the distance might vary, and computer imaging then becomes more valuable in allowing us to "try out" changes and see how results blend and balance with your individual features and expectations.

Thank you for sharing your question. Generally speaking, you are correct.  The inner corners of the eyes (medial canthi) are used as landmarks for the nasal width. However, this is not an absolute among all ethnicities and must be evaluated on a patient to patient basis.  Specific details of the nostril insertion and the amount of flare must also be taken into consideration. I hope this helps. Take care. 

Yes, the standard in assessing nasal anatomy is to favor nostrils that do not extend outside of a vertical line dropped from the inner canthus (corner) of the eye. However nothing is written in stone about this and each individual will have their own aesthetic ideal. Once you have seen a nasal surgeon then he can give you an idea of whether nostril narrowing will have a positive effect on your overall appearance. Best of Luck   Dr Harrell

Yes what you say is generally considered ideal for a caucasian.  However each individual is very different and there are many exceptions.  So for instance someone may still have a very pretty nose but have nostrils that are wider than the width between the inner parts of the eyes, and vice versa.  Ultimately these ideals need to be looked at with an aesthetic eye to determine if they are correct for each individual.

Dear 13almw,

Thank you for your clinical
post. By nostril width I think you mean
the outside margins of the alar base (alar nostrils). Ideal anthropometric teachings to discuss the
vertical and dropping from the medial canthus or inner aspect of the eye
and a direct line with the outer aspect of the nostril ala. However, this pre-supposes that the
intercanthal distance is normal and does not necessarily take into account
their wide diversity of ethnicities. In
general, ideal nasofacial balance and proportion is a function of the
craniofacial skeleton of the patient and the nasal shape, length and width. There are many patients where nostril width
that is slightly wider than the inner canthal distance can be ideal and
certainly circumstances where the alar nostril should line up with a vertical
line drop from the inner canthus or slightly narrower.

To find out more or schedule a
consultation with a plastic surgeon with significant experience in
rhinoplasty. A consultation that deploys
use of computer imaging is critical. The
use of computer imaging in the hands of a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon
can give you the range of improvements that you might expect given proper and
uncomplicated wound healing.

I was fortunate to train in both
plastic surgery and ear, nose, throat, head and neck oncology and have been
performing cosmetic rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures for 24 years. I find that use of two and three-dimensional
computer imaging and help patients understand the range of improvements I know
that I can achieve and this reduces uncertainty and disappointment.

I think seeking out two or three
consultations with experienced certified rhinoplasty plastic surgeons is
important and I think you should expect a result that enhances nasofacial
balance and proportion in which the alar width may or may not be at or just
inside a vertical line dropped from the medial canthus or not.

I hope this information is of some
assistance. And best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below. To schedule a consultation
simply click on one of the consult request forms on the content page or call
the number and a client service representative will help you promptly.R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto