Types of noses and reasons for nose surgery

A study of 1,793 people by Israeli scientist/professor Abraham Tamir in various shopping centers in Europe and Israel in 2011 led to the conclusion that 14 different types of noses can be distinguished. He conducted this research on behalf of the University of Ben-Gurion. As many as 14 different types of noses were discovered. In addition, he also distinguished the Greek and Roman noses. People have their noses operated on for two different reasons: because they are not satisfied with it (via plastic surgery) or for medical reasons.

Types of noses: Abraham Tahir’s research

In his search for which types of noses can be distinguished in different people, Abraham Tamir toured several shopping centers in Europe and Israel in 2011. There he took photos of 1,793 people who he thought had a distinctive type of nose. Ultimately, he was able to discover 14 different types of noses. Each type of nose was characterized by a specific shape, to which he also gave a specific name and took a famous person as a role model.

Greek and Roman nose

this discus thrower reflected the Greek ideal of male beauty / Source: Marie Lan Nguyen, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

He linked other types of noses to origins, such as from Greek and Roman culture. He studied Greek and Roman art and from there he created the parable. He speaks of the Greek (‘The Greek’) and Roman nose (‘The Roman’). Throughout their history, the Greeks have been fascinated by ideals of beauty. A well-known work of art that was intended to reflect the ideal of male beauty is the discus thrower: made in the fifth century BC. Extensive attention has already been paid to creating the ideal Greek nose. This nose was characterized by a sleek and very symmetrical shape. As a contemporary example of the prototype of the Greek nose, he refers to the footballer Cesc Fabrégas. Although the Romans adopted many beauty ideals from the Greeks, their perfect Roman nose was the same as the Greek nose, but one important detail differed: the tip had to point downwards. Abraham Tamir thinks Tom Cruise is a role model for this. According to his research, the fleshy nose is the most common (1 in 4) and, according to him, the hawk nose and the thick fleshy nose are the two ugliest models.

The ideal nose?

He describes the perfect nose as that of Kate Middleton, where the nose is at an angle of 106 degrees relative to her mouth surface. The fact that the tip of the nose points upwards is very feminine according to him, but also according to many other British women, because they see her nose as a model for plastic surgery. Many consider it the ‘ideal nose’. Many men regard the Greek nose as beautiful.

Reasons for nose surgery

Plastic surgery

The most common reasons why rhinoplasty (also called rhinoplasty) is considered is to adjust the size, change the tip of the nose or to make changes to the nasal bone (for example removing a bump). In principle, rhinoplasties can only be done take place from the moment the nose is fully grown (usually this is at the age of eighteen). Rhinoplasties are considered one of the most difficult operations in plastic surgery due to their fragility. That is why it is important to think carefully about a possible operation, especially when it comes to undergoing plastic surgery in pursuit of an ideal image. Every nose has its charm!

Medical reasons

Surgery on the nose is often unwanted. If the nose shape is not correct, this can cause physical complaints, such as nasal congestion or headaches. Nasal congestion can cause difficulty breathing and be the source of infections and sinusitis.