Flat nose

What is a flat nose?

It is a nose with low projection. The root between the eyes is low, the bridge stays close to the face, and the tip does not stand far forward.

From the front, a flat nose often looks wide, because the base spreads out rather than forward. Many flat noses fall in the broad or very broad nasal index bands.

Where flat noses are common

A low nasal bridge is common in East Asian, Southeast Asian and African populations, and present in every group. It is part of normal variation in how the middle of the face is built.

All babies have a low, flat bridge. It rises as the face grows. In some children it stays low, and that is usually just family resemblance.

The width of your nose is the part a front photo can measure. Our nose shape analyser gives you that in seconds; the profile is for your side photo.

Flat nose vs saddle nose

A saddle nose is a medical term for a bridge that has collapsed in the middle. Causes include a hard knock, earlier surgery, or illnesses that damage the septum cartilage.

A naturally flat nose is low along its whole length and has always looked that way. If your bridge has sunk in recent months, see a doctor.

Glasses for a flat or low bridge

This is the most practical question for people with a flat nose. Standard frames often slide down or rest on the cheeks, and the lenses sit too close to the eyelashes.

• Look for frames labelled low bridge fit or Asian fit. They have higher, longer nose pads.
• Frames with adjustable metal pads can be raised by an optician.
• A slightly upswept frame stops the lenses touching the cheeks when you smile.

Makeup and surgery

To add height with makeup, people apply a light line of highlight down the centre of the bridge and soft shadow on each side near the inner eye corners.

Surgery to raise the bridge is called augmentation rhinoplasty. It uses the patient's own cartilage or an implant. It is one of the most requested procedures in East Asia.