Gender and nasal shape: Measures for rhinoplasty
Author(s)
N. Springer, Ingo
Zernial, Oliver
Nolke, Frederike
H. Warnke, Patrick
Wiltfang, Jorg
A. J. Russo, Paul
Terheyden, Hendrik
Wolfart, Stefan
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2008
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background: Gender-specific nasal shapes are recommended for rhinoplasty. This study was conducted to clarify whether there truly are gender-related differences and to determine optimal nasal shapes in a Caucasian population. Methods: The authors created female and male composite photographs of "average" (n = 128 each), "optimal" (n = 16 each), and "most unpleasant" (n = 8 each) noses stratified on the basis of each photographed subject's (n = 311) own evaluation of the attractiveness of her or his nose, using a visual analogue scale. These composites were also assessed by 308 independent judges. Results: Optimal female ...
View more >Background: Gender-specific nasal shapes are recommended for rhinoplasty. This study was conducted to clarify whether there truly are gender-related differences and to determine optimal nasal shapes in a Caucasian population. Methods: The authors created female and male composite photographs of "average" (n = 128 each), "optimal" (n = 16 each), and "most unpleasant" (n = 8 each) noses stratified on the basis of each photographed subject's (n = 311) own evaluation of the attractiveness of her or his nose, using a visual analogue scale. These composites were also assessed by 308 independent judges. Results: Optimal female noses showed a horizontally and vertically lower nasion and were concave to straight in profile as compared with optimal male noses, which had a vertically and horizontally higher nasion and a straight profile. A supratip break was not found in any of the composites. At least half of the judges rated average and optimal male composite noses as female. A significant majority mistook the composite of the most unpleasant female noses as male (frontal view, 62.0 percent; lateral view, 72.4 percent; p < 0.001). Optimal and average female and male noses were found to be independently significantly more attractive than the most unpleasant ones (p < 0.001, n = 308 judges). Women and men with a straight or concave profile were significantly (p = 0.017 and p = 0.006, respectively) more satisfied with the appearance of their nose than those with nasal humps. Conclusions: Gender-related differences in nasal shape appear to be subtle, with nasion position being one of the main factors. A nasal hump and a supratip break are not desirable.
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View more >Background: Gender-specific nasal shapes are recommended for rhinoplasty. This study was conducted to clarify whether there truly are gender-related differences and to determine optimal nasal shapes in a Caucasian population. Methods: The authors created female and male composite photographs of "average" (n = 128 each), "optimal" (n = 16 each), and "most unpleasant" (n = 8 each) noses stratified on the basis of each photographed subject's (n = 311) own evaluation of the attractiveness of her or his nose, using a visual analogue scale. These composites were also assessed by 308 independent judges. Results: Optimal female noses showed a horizontally and vertically lower nasion and were concave to straight in profile as compared with optimal male noses, which had a vertically and horizontally higher nasion and a straight profile. A supratip break was not found in any of the composites. At least half of the judges rated average and optimal male composite noses as female. A significant majority mistook the composite of the most unpleasant female noses as male (frontal view, 62.0 percent; lateral view, 72.4 percent; p < 0.001). Optimal and average female and male noses were found to be independently significantly more attractive than the most unpleasant ones (p < 0.001, n = 308 judges). Women and men with a straight or concave profile were significantly (p = 0.017 and p = 0.006, respectively) more satisfied with the appearance of their nose than those with nasal humps. Conclusions: Gender-related differences in nasal shape appear to be subtle, with nasion position being one of the main factors. A nasal hump and a supratip break are not desirable.
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Journal Title
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Volume
121
Issue
2
Subject
Dentistry not elsewhere classified
Clinical Sciences