The Nose Bridge: Should Yours Stand High or Low?
Sir Isaac Newton once said: “We build too many walls and not enough bridges”. He obviously never met a rhinoplasty surgeon—they can sculpt breathtaking nose bridges out of the most stubborn nasal shapes.
Of course, that raises the question: how high or low should your nasal bridge be? And how wide or narrow? This post will examine different variations in nasal bridges, how surgeons determine the right nasal bridge dimensions for patients, and how they achieve these corrections.
What is the Nasal Bridge Anyway?
Take your index finger and tap the upper bony part of your nose (as if you’re aiming to touch right in between your eyes). That is your nasal bridge. Now run your finger down along this bony part down to your nasal tip. That’s where your nasal bridge ends.
Of course, a look “under the hood” of your nose reveals a slightly more complex makeup.
Anatomy of the Nose
- Nasal root—The uppermost part of the nose, sandwiched between the eyes (where we told you to tap).
- Nasion—The midpoint between your eyes and where your nasal and frontal bones meet.
- Nasal Ridge–The length of the nose from the root to the tip.
- Nasal Base—The bottommost part of the nose where it connects to the face.
- Nasal Tip—Then endmost point of your nose.
- Ala—The outermost edges of your nostrils.
- Columella—The tissue that separates your nostrils, like mullions separating glass panes in a window.
These structures make up the overall shape of your nose. They also influence your nasal bridge, the way its shaped, and how it appears in proportion to your face.
1. Low Nasal Bridge a.k.a Saddle Nose
Description: A low nasal bridge, a.k.a “saddle nose”, looks flatter than the typical nose bridge. How flat? Well, that can be subjective, but if it draws attention to itself, then it’s likely a saddle nose.
Causes: Injury and genetics (which influence nose shape) are the typical perpetrators of a low nasal bridge. However, congenital conditions such as Down Syndrome and William Syndrome or others like polychondritis, granulomatosis may cause it as well.
When it’s a Problem: Low nasal bridges become an issue when they trigger sinus troubles, facial pain, nosebleeds, and a loss of sense of smell. Rarely, it may even diminish breathing.
2. High Nasal Bridge
Description: A high nose bridge, as its name implies, is elevated and pronounced. A few searches online reveal that high nasal bridges are seen as refined and elegant, the ideal bridge height. Granted, these are eurocentric, Western beauty ideals.
Causes: High nose bridges are largely genetic, and commonly seen among Caucasian individuals. In some cases, though, conditions like fetal alcohol syndrome (and other congenital issues) can lead to high nasal bridges. But these causes are rare.
When it’s a Problem: High nasal bridges are usually not a cause for concern, unless they’re somehow intertwined with another nasal issue that affects one’s health.
3. Broad Nasal Bridge
Description: A broad nasal bridge looks wider than usual at the top part of the nose. It’s not a defect and is considered normal—just another variation in nasal shape. Of course, in rare cases, it can be a sign of an underlying condition.
Causes: Genetic variation among different ethnicities and nationalities are the most common causes of broad nasal bridges. However, genetic disorders such as Basal cell nevus syndrome and fetal hydantoin effect can create this nasal bridge shape.
When it’s a Problem: Broad nasal bridges usually don’t cause health problems, but they can interfere with breathing on occasion (which requires surgery to fix).
4. Narrow Nasal Bridge
Description: A narrow nasal bridge looks thinner than most nasal bridges due its reduced width. This shape is a popularly-requested one for people seeking rhinoplasty since Barbie and influential media mascots have it.
Causes: A narrow nose is typically an inherited trait, but it can arise from trauma, ageing and a collapsed nasal valve.
When it’s a Problem: A naturally narrow nose is usually not an issue, but it can be a problem if caused by external factors. Typical problems include difficulty and loud breathing (which can affect sleep), and frequent nosebleeds. Treatment usually requires surgery to improve airflow and breathing.
5. Crooked Nasal Bridge
Description: A crooked nasal bridge deviates to the side, lacking the typical straight alignment that most noses have.
Causes: Crooked noses usually arise from trauma and injuries, failed nasal surgeries or a deviated septum. Some can be the result of congenital deformities.
When it’s a problem: Crooked nasal bridges usually require surgical fixes, because they cause breathing difficulties. Also, they throw off facial symmetry and can affect one’s self-image, so it’s common for people to correct a crooked nose to improve their confidence.
Finding the Perfect Bridge Height
There’s no nasal bridge that is “right” (or wong) to have. All that matters is that your nasal bridge suits your face and nasal anatomy. While you might be correct in assuming your particular nose bridge is disproportionate, only a rhinoplasty surgeon determine the degree of correction it needs. That applies whether your bridge is too high, low, wide or narrow. So the takeaway is simple: don’t stress too much about it and let a surgeon steer you in the right direction through an assessment.
With that said, they can adjust the nasal bridge using one of two options.
- Dermal fillers to temporarily reshape the bridge, especially if the desired outcome is not too dramatic.
- Nasal dorsum rhinoplasty to permanently reshape the bridge if it’s significantly “misshapen”.
Again your rhinoplasty surgeon will give you scoop on the form and amount of treatment you’ll need for your goals.
Keeping Realistic Expectations
An out-of-place nasal bridge can be an eyesore in the mirror, especially if you’re not satisfied with it. With that said, rhinoplasty surgeons of today are architects when it come to sculpting a nose bridges, and they can do wonders to improve your health and confidence.
But it’s important to remember that the nasal bridge you want may not be the one that best suits your face. For example, if your nasal bridge is too broad, the narrow Barbie look might not necessarily be realistic for you.
So, again, trust your surgeon. They’ll make the corrections you need without forcing changes that don’t suit you.
Looking to correct a nasal bridge that just doesn’t sit right? Get in touch with us to start your bridge reshaping journey today!