Have Scientists Found the Perfect Female Nose?

It seems throughout history humans have been captivated by defining perfect beauty, especially in the female sex. What constitutes beauty? This is a question that has been pondered since early Egyptians idealized facial proportions displayed in their ancient art. As time has progressed, humans have been able get closer to defining what perfect beauty is through cosmetic surgery and scientific research. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, reshapes the nose to achieve an ideal balance of facial features. Over time this procedure has become common, and several studies have been conducted on rhinoplasty. Recently scientists have claimed they have discovered the perfect female nose. This evidence was based on findings from a study, which was published in the JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery Journal.

What makes a perfect nose on a female’s face? According to recent research, the perfect angle of a woman’s nose should be 106 degrees. Scientists refer to degrees when explaining nasal tip rotation. As each degree increases, the tip of the nose is rotated upward. Scientists claim this angle creates a look that is more feminine. Researchers have also concluded that a nose with an upward angle of more than 90 degrees can enhance femininity. A recent study of nose surgery has provided agreement on what the model angle of a woman’s nose should be, but this study was performed on Caucasian woman so the findings may not apply to other races. Previous studies on rhinoplasty have failed to offer a consent on the perfect angle of a woman’s nose, so this is a groundbreaking study.

This study used a group of 18 to 25 year old Caucasian women. Photographs were taken of these women, and then the photographs were altered to place the nose at different angles on their faces. The angles were 96, 101, 106, 111, and 116 degrees to their faces. The outcome of the study showed after participants viewed the photographs, they preferred an angle of 106 degrees. In addition, an identical online survey concluded that 4,000 participants had the same preferences as the participants in the original study. Although the study revealed the ideal angle of the angle of a woman’s face is 106 degrees, 90 degrees is the preferred angle for a man’s face, as this angle would make the face appear more masculine.

The first to write about the study was Dr. Omar Ahmed of New York University. He has stated, “To our knowledge this is the first population-based study to attempt to simultaneously determine the ideal NTP – nasal tip protection – and rotation.” The data also supported previous research papers, which claim the ideal nose is between 104 and 108 degrees. Although further research is needed, according to Dr. Ahmed, this study has brought humans closer to defining perfect beauty.