The Greek nose, in aesthetic surgery terminology, is the characteristic nasal structure in which the nasal dorsum descends from the radix point where it meets the forehead to the nasal tip in an almost straight and uninterrupted line. This morphology, which generally has a high dorsal line, is distinguished from other nose types by the transition between the forehead and the nose (the nasofrontal angle) being quite shallow or absent altogether. Symbolizing power and aesthetic perfection in ancient sculptures, this profile creates a clear, shadowless, and highly symmetrical expression on the face because it reflects light evenly without interruption.
İçindekiler
What Are the Greek Nose Type and Its Basic Characteristics?
The most fundamental feature that distinguishes the Greek nose from other nose types is that famous fluidity in the profile view. In many people’s noses, there is a distinct hollow or curve between the forehead and the point where the nose begins. However, in the classic Greek profile, this transition is quite indistinct, and sometimes even absent. The line that begins at the forehead continues along an almost straight path all the way to the nasal tip. This causes the nose to be the most dominant and most attention-grabbing structure on the face.
This nose type generally has what we call a “high dorsal line.” In other words, the roof of the nose projects quite far forward from the facial plane and creates a very clear, sharp silhouette when viewed from the side profile. The nasal root, namely the area between the two eyes, is full and has a balanced relationship with the nasal tip. However, there is an important detail here: the concept of “straightness” in aesthetic surgery does not mean a nose that descends perfectly straight like a ruler. Even in a natural Greek nose, there are millimetric curves where light breaks and shadows form.
The characteristic features of this nasal structure are as follows:
- High nasal bridge
- Shallow nasal root
- Straight profile line
- Strong nasal tip
- Prominent alae
Why Is This Nose Type Considered a Reference in Aesthetics?
Behind the fact that the Greek nose has been accepted as an ideal of beauty for centuries lies the human eye’s biological inclination toward symmetry and smooth lines. The absence of any arch, hump, or depression on the nasal dorsum provides an uninterrupted and “clean” flow in the profile view of the face. When light hits this straight line, it disperses homogeneously, does not create shading on the face, and this gives the person a brighter, more self-confident expression.
In aesthetic surgery, the goal is always to achieve naturalness. The Greek profile, when applied correctly, creates a perfect geometry with the other facial features (forehead, lips, chin). However, here the difference between “taking as a reference” and “copying” is very important. The noses we see in classical sculptures, descending from the forehead without any break (also called an “avatar nose”), may not always look natural on modern human faces.
In our modern aesthetic understanding, we aim to preserve the noble straightness of the Greek nose while creating, at the microscopic level, a transition that begins at the nasal root (radix) just slightly behind the forehead. In this way, that classic and strong stance is preserved, but the facial expression does not become harsh. In other words, the aim is not to mount a historical sculpture onto the face, but to adapt the aesthetic principles of that sculpture to modern facial anatomy.
Which Face Types Are Suitable for a Greek Nose?
The rule that not every nose suits every face is much more valid, especially for dominant, strong-character noses such as the Greek nose. In rhinoplasty planning, we never consider the nose independently from the rest of the face. This is a holistic approach. The clear, straight, and strong line of the Greek nose must be in harmony with the overall geometry of the face.
Generally, this nose type provides tremendous harmony in faces with more angular, defined features. For example, in individuals with rectangular or oval facial contours, the straight line on the nasal dorsum complements the character of the face. In individuals with prominent cheekbones and a strong jawline, the Greek profile balances these strong elements on the face.
However, on a very round, petite, or softly contoured face, a sharp and high Greek nose can look overly harsh and dominant. In addition, the structure of the forehead is also very critical. If your forehead is very flat or set back, a high Greek profile can make your nose appear much larger than it is. Conversely, in a patient with a retruded chin, excessive nasal projection can lead to a “bird face” appearance. For this reason, sometimes correcting only the nose is not enough; to balance the profile, it may be necessary to consider complementary procedures such as small adjustments to the chin tip or fat injection to the forehead.
The parameters we pay attention to during facial analysis are as follows:
- Forehead width
- Cheekbone prominence
- Chin tip position
- Lip structure
- Facial length
Is Greek Nose Aesthetics Different in Women and Men?
It is definitely different, and this difference constitutes one of the most delicate points of surgical planning. The Greek profile is, by nature, a strong structure that can carry masculine codes. Great care must be taken when bringing this strength to a female face; otherwise, an undesirably harsh expression may form on the face.
In male patients, the straight, clear, and strong dorsal structure of the Greek profile is generally desired to be preserved or created as it is. In men, a very upturned nasal tip is not desired; an angle of around 90–95 degrees between the nasal tip and the lip is ideal. This provides a charismatic stance in which the nose looks neither too low nor feminine. In the male nose, the dorsum descending perfectly straight gives the face a leader-like and decisive expression.
In female patients, however, the strategy changes. We like the straightness of the Greek profile, but we need to soften it a bit. Even if the nasal dorsum is straight, it is preferred that the angle the nasal tip makes with the lip is around 100–105 degrees, meaning the nose is very slightly rotated (upturned). In addition, in women, having a millimetric transition at the point where the nasal dorsum ends and the nasal tip begins—what we call the “supratip break”—adds elegance to the face by breaking that harsh Greek profile.
The main differences in planning for women and men are as follows:
- Nasal tip angle
- Nasal dorsum width
- Nasal tip transition
- Nasal root depth
- Nostril visibility
Can a Greek Nose Type Be Achieved from a Humped Nose?
One of the most frequently asked questions by our patients is whether their current humped nose can be transformed into the straight Greek profile of their dreams. The answer is yes, but this transformation requires much more than an ordinary rasping procedure. Because the Greek nose does not merely mean a “nose without a hump”; it also means a nose with a certain height and dorsal fullness.
Here we encounter two main scenarios. In the first scenario, the patient’s nasal dorsum is truly very high and has a pronounced hump. In this case, with the procedure we call “dorsal reduction,” the bony and cartilaginous structure is lowered in a controlled manner. However, while doing this, it is necessary not to over-scoop the nose and to preserve that characteristic straight roof. An overly scooped nose shifts away from the Greek profile and turns into what we call a “ski-slope nose,” an aesthetically weak appearance.
The second scenario is more interesting: the “pseudo-hump.” Sometimes the patient’s nasal hump is not actually very high, but the nasal root (radix) is very low. This makes the middle of the nose appear humped. At this point, the art of surgical illusion comes into play. Instead of rasping the hump, we place millimetric pieces (radix grafts) prepared from the patient’s own cartilage at the nasal root. When the nasal root is augmented, the hump appearance automatically disappears, and a perfect straightness emerges. This technique prevents the nose from looking smaller than it is and yields a much more noble, natural result.
The techniques used include:
- Ultrasonic rasping
- Cartilage grafting
- Bone shaping
- Radix augmentation
- Dorsal reconstruction
Do Aesthetic Corrections Make Breathing Difficult?
This is perhaps the most important red line in aesthetic surgery. According to the principle of “functional and aesthetic balance,” a nose that looks beautiful must also be a nose that breathes perfectly. In straight and sometimes narrow noses like the Greek type, preserving this balance is even more critical.
When we narrow or lower the nasal dorsum for aesthetic purposes, if we do not take the necessary precautions, the airways inside the nose may also narrow. We call this “nasal valve insufficiency.” To prevent this, while performing the aesthetic procedure, we simultaneously rebuild the internal architecture of the nose. By placing tiny cartilage supports called “spreader grafts” on the roof, we ensure that the airway always remains open.
In addition, if there are curvatures that obstruct breathing inside the nose (septal deviation) or enlarged turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy), these must also be corrected in the same surgical session. Correcting only the outside and leaving the inside means condemning the patient to nasal sprays for life. As an ENT and Facial Aesthetic Surgeon, for us, success is as much about our patient looking in the mirror and feeling happy with their new nose as it is about being able to breathe comfortably and deeply at night when they lay their head on the pillow.
Functional interventions include:
- Septoplasty
- Turbinate radiofrequency
- Valve surgery
- Sinus cleansing
- Polyp removal
How Are Expectations Managed in the Preoperative Process?
In rhinoplasty surgeries, the biggest cause of disappointment is the mismatch between the patient’s expectation and surgical reality. Especially in patients who have a very specific request such as a Greek nose, the preoperative analysis process is vital. Coming in saying, “I want this celebrity’s nose” can be a starting point, but how that nose will look on your skin and your facial skeleton is an entirely different matter.
At this stage, technology is our greatest helper. The 3D simulations we perform on high-resolution photographs enable the patient to see possible outcomes on their own face. These simulations are not a “promise” but a communication tool. The surgeon and the patient begin to speak the same visual language.
In addition, skin thickness must definitely be discussed in this process. In a thick-skinned patient, it is more difficult to achieve the sharp, pencil-drawn-like lines of the Greek nose because the skin covers the underlying bony structure like a quilt. In thin-skinned patients, even the smallest irregularity can be visible from the outside. Therefore, before surgery, all these anatomical boundaries must be explained to the patient honestly and transparently. A surgery entered with realistic expectations always yields the happiest results.
The evaluation criteria are as follows:
- Skin thickness
- Cartilage strength
- Facial asymmetry
- Previous surgeries
- History of trauma
How Long Does the Healing Process and the Final Result Take to Settle?
After Greek nose aesthetics, patience is the most important medicine in the process. Immediately after surgery, you will have tapes and splints on your nose. The first week can be a bit uncomfortable, but pain is generally very minimal. The nose you see in the mirror after the splints are removed is not your final result. What you see at that moment is an edematous and swollen structure.
Especially the nasal dorsum and the nasal tip are the areas that lose edema the latest. It takes time for the razor-sharp straightness and smooth transitions of the Greek profile to emerge. By the end of the first month, 70% of the coarse swelling subsides and the nose begins to reveal its shape. However, for the nose to say “this is me now,” for the skin to settle onto the bone, and for fine details to appear typically takes between 6 months and 1 year. In thick-skinned patients, this process may extend up to 1.5–2 years.
During this period, protecting the nose from impacts is very important. The bony structure that is still healing is sensitive to the pressure of glasses or a hard blow. In addition, massages recommended by your doctor may help the edema subside more quickly and the nose take its final shape faster by accelerating lymphatic drainage. The healing process is not linear; you may see your nose more swollen on some days and more reduced on others—this is completely normal.
Things to pay attention to during the healing period are as follows:
- Use of glasses
- Sun protection
- Risk of impact
- Sleeping position
- Salt intake
Why Should a Specialist Surgeon Be Chosen in This Field?
Creating a characteristic profile such as the Greek nose requires not only technical skill but also a serious artistic vision. Creating a straight line may seem easy on paper, but doing this with millimetric precision in a three-dimensional, living tissue with a healing process requires great experience. There is a world of difference between an ordinary nose reduction surgery and creating an ideal profile that defines the character of the face:
Correcting a nose that is done incorrectly, over-scooped, or designed incompatibly with the face (revision surgery) is always much more difficult than the first surgery. Tissues may be adhered, cartilage reserves may be reduced, and anatomy may be distorted. Therefore, it is necessary to hit the target in the bullseye on the first shot.
A physician specialized in facial aesthetics and the nose does not deal only with the bone of your nose. They consider your gaze, your smile, the aging dynamics of your face, and your psychology as a whole. When deciding which technique (open technique, closed technique, piezo surgery, etc.) is most suitable for you, they act not by rote but according to your anatomical needs. Natural, functional, and aesthetic perfection is possible only with this holistic expertise, experience, and meticulousness.
Important factors in choosing a surgeon are as follows:
- Length of experience
- Case diversity
- Aesthetic vision
- Patient communication
- Complication management
Prof. Dr. Murat Songu – Burun Estetiği (Rinoplasti) Uzmanı
Prof. Dr. Murat Songu, 1976 yılında İzmir’de doğmuş, tıp eğitimini Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nde tamamladıktan sonra Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Kulak Burun Boğaz Anabilim Dalı’nda uzmanlık eğitimini tamamlamıştır. 2005–2006 yıllarında Fransa’nın Bordeaux kentinde Prof. Vincent Darrouzet ve Dr. Guy Lacher gibi rinoloji alanının önde gelen cerrahlarıyla çalışarak rinoplasti, fonksiyonel burun cerrahisi ve kafa tabanı cerrahisi üzerine ileri eğitim almıştır.
Burun estetiğinde doğal görünüm, nefes fonksiyonunun korunması ve yüz estetiği dengesini ön planda tutan Prof. Dr. Songu, açık teknik rinoplasti, piezo (ultrasonik) rinoplasti, revizyon rinoplasti, burun ucu estetiği ve fonksiyonel septorinoplasti operasyonlarında ulusal ve uluslararası düzeyde tanınan bir cerrahtır. Yurt içi ve yurt dışında çok sayıda rinoplasti kongresinde eğitici ve konuşmacı olarak yer almış; yüz estetiği ve burun cerrahisinde modern tekniklerin yaygınlaşmasına öncülük etmiştir.
100’den fazla bilimsel yayını, kitap bölümü yazarlıkları ve 1700’ü aşkın uluslararası atfıyla rinoplasti alanında Türkiye’nin en saygın akademisyenlerinden biri olan Prof. Dr. Murat Songu, doğal, yüzle uyumlu ve fonksiyonel sonuçlar hedefleyen cerrahi yaklaşımıyla hem bilimsel hem estetik başarıları bir araya getirmektedir.
