Determining whether a big or small nose is "good" depends on facial proportions, rather than size alone.
Understanding Ideal Nasal Proportions
The reference provided, "Vertical Fifths of the Face", explains that facial proportions play a crucial role in perceived attractiveness. The ideal nose width is equal to the middle fifth of the face, which is also equal to the width of the eyes.
Here's a breakdown:
- Facial Width Division: Imagine dividing your face into five equal vertical sections.
- Nasal Width Target: The width of the ideal nose is the width of one of these sections, specifically the middle one.
- Eye Width Connection: This middle section is the same width as the distance between the inner corners of your eyes.
- Proportionality is Key: It's not necessarily about whether a nose is "big" or "small," but if it is proportional to the rest of your face.
Addressing Variations in Nasal Width
- Wide Noses: If a nose is wider than the middle fifth of the face, it may be perceived as disproportionately large. The reference mentions alarplasty, a procedure to reduce the width of the nostrils, as a possible option.
- Narrow Noses: Conversely, a nose that is significantly narrower than the ideal width may be seen as disproportionate in the other direction.
Practical Insight
Here's a simple way to assess nasal width:
- Look in a Mirror: Look directly into a mirror.
- Imagine Facial Fifths: Mentally divide your face into five equal vertical segments.
- Compare Nasal Width: Observe if the width of your nose aligns with the middle fifth.
- Compare to Eye Width: Check if your nasal width is roughly equal to the distance between the inner corners of your eyes.
Conclusion
The "goodness" of a nose size is determined by how well it harmonizes with the overall facial structure. A nose that adheres to the 'vertical fifths' principle, where its width matches the width of the middle facial fifth (or the width of one's eyes) is generally considered ideal. Therefore, it's not about "big" or "small" in isolation, but rather proportional nasal width that is perceived as aesthetically pleasing.
