Our noses play a crucial role in both our facial appearance and our ability to breathe clearly. No two noses are alike—and that’s their beauty. Each shape carries genetic history, ethnic identity, and personality. But for those seeking refinement or correction, understanding the different types of noses can be a helpful first step in determining how rhinoplasty may help improve facial harmony or nasal function.

As a triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, Dr. Ali Sajjadian has helped thousands of patients enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their noses. He is nationally recognized for his advanced expertise in ethnic and preservation rhinoplasty. Whether you’re considering surgery to improve appearance, function, or both, this guide will help you better understand the nose you were born with—and what’s possible through expert care.

Common Nose Types and Their Characteristics

1. The Roman Nose (or Aquiline Nose)

This classic nose features a prominent bridge, often with a slight curve or bend that can create a regal or strong profile. It’s commonly associated with European ancestry, particularly Mediterranean regions, such as Italy or Greece.

Key Traits: High bridge, slight bump or curve, downward tip

Rhinoplasty Goal: Many patients seek a smoother bridge, more defined tip, or subtle rotation for better balance with other facial features.

2. The Nubian Nose (African Nose)

Often found in people of African descent, the Nubian nose typically features a wider base, flared nostrils, and a low bridge.

Key Traits: Broad nasal base, under-projected tip, thick skin

Rhinoplasty Goal: Enhance definition in the bridge and tip while preserving the beauty of ethnic identity. Dr. Sajjadian often uses cartilage grafting and tip refinement techniques to achieve structure and balance.

3. The East Asian Nose

Individuals of East or Southeast Asian heritage often have softer nasal cartilage, a lower nasal bridge, and wider nostrils.

Key Traits: Flat bridge, rounder tip, minimal projection

Rhinoplasty Goal: Build structure and projection with grafts or implants, usually using cartilage from the patient’s septum, ear, or rib.

4. The Middle Eastern Nose

Patients of Middle Eastern descent often have prominent nasal features, including a dorsal hump and drooping tip.

Key Traits: High bridge, downward-pointing tip, thick skin

Rhinoplasty Goal: Refine the profile while preserving cultural identity. Dr. Sajjadian is renowned for Middle Eastern rhinoplasty, customizing each approach to maintain harmony with surrounding features.

5. The Hispanic Nose

The diversity within the Hispanic community means there are several subtypes, including Mestizo and Castilian noses. Many Hispanic patients have a combination of European and Indigenous ancestry, which can impact nasal anatomy.

Key Traits: Thick skin, wide base, rounded or drooping tip

Rhinoplasty Goal: Improve tip definition, narrow nostrils, and create a smooth profile while celebrating the patient’s ethnic identity.

6. The Celestial (or Upturned) Nose

This petite nose type is characterized by an upward-turned tip and shorter nasal length.

Key Traits: Slight concave shape, visible nostrils

Rhinoplasty Goal: Most often, patients are content with this look, but over-rotation from past surgeries can make revision rhinoplasty necessary to restore natural proportions.

7. The Hawk Nose

Similar to the Roman nose but more exaggerated, the hawk nose features a dramatic curve and sharp downward tip.

Key Traits: High bridge, strong downward curve, prominent projection

Rhinoplasty Goal: Smoothing and reshaping the bridge and tip can soften the overall appearance while retaining facial character.

8. The Greek Nose (Straight Nose)

A straight, symmetrical bridge from top to tip is considered ideal in many cultures. People with Greek noses often have minimal nasal curvature.

Key Traits: Straight profile, narrow bridge

Rhinoplasty Goal: Less commonly corrected unless patients are seeking minor refinements or functional improvements.

Ethnic Identity and Personalized Aesthetic Goals

It’s important to note that nose types don’t exist in a vacuum. Most people have a combination of features passed down through generations, reflecting the rich diversity of global heritage. That’s why Dr. Sajjadian specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty—a tailored approach that enhances appearance without erasing the unique features that define your ancestry.

Whether you identify as Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African, Asian, or of mixed heritage, preserving your identity while achieving facial harmony is the core principle of Dr. Sajjadian’s work.