How to Define the “Perfect Nose”
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but what is it, exactly, that makes one thing more appealing to the eye than another? Although art and beauty seem to go hand-in-hand, the answer to this question actually lies within a quite famous mathematical equation, known as the “golden ratio” or the “phi ratio.” This ratio seems to be the key to understanding why we tend to view certain things as more aesthetically pleasing than others, and in fact, it can actually play a part in cosmetic procedures like nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty.
It’s All about Balance
The so-called “golden number,” 1.618, represented by the Greek letter Phi, stands at the heart of the golden ratio. This number comes up quite frequently in nature, and thus, many artists, sculptors, and architects have since used it in their works of art to create the most aesthetically pleasing symmetries in their subject matter. In nature, things like flowers, seashells, and pinecones all follow this magic number of symmetry, and these structures have been imitated to create the Parthenon in Greece, the Great Pyramid of Giza, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and many, many others.
It might not be so surprising, then, that the golden ratio also applies to the human figure. Michelangelo famously used the golden ratio in the creation of David, a life-size sculpture of a nude man, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man even outlines the exact dimensions that each part of the human body should be in relation to each other to create the “perfect” human form. (International Journal of Arts, The University of Georgia)
Because there’s actually a very methodical, mathematical approach to what we consider the “perfect” body or the “perfect” nose, when performing cosmetic surgeries to enhance the shape and/or size of a person’s natural features, plastic surgeons need to be both aware of and experienced in using the golden ratio to create the most natural-looking results. A skilled plastic surgeon will take into account a person’s ethnic background and the natural balance of his or her facial features when tailoring a rhinoplasty surgery to suit the needs and desires of that person in particular. Thus, choosing the right plastic surgeon for your rhinoplasty procedure is the most important step in achieving a beautifully balanced and natural look.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon
While any plastic surgery needs to be performed with care and a keen attention to detail, a rhinoplasty procedure is especially delicate because it involves the natural balance of the face. That’s why committing to do plenty of research to find the right plastic surgeon to perform your nose reshaping is of the utmost importance. Here are three important qualities to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon:
- Ability to communicate. As with any procedure, it’s important that you are comfortable so that you can confidently and clearly communicate your goals to your surgeon. Then he or she can transform that information into the natural-looking results you want.
- Professional schooling and experience. It’s okay to inquire about board-certifications and other professional schooling, training, and even residencies when choosing a plastic surgeon. It can also be a good idea to ask to see before and after photos of previous rhinoplasty procedures that the surgeon has performed to give you a better idea of the quality of results that they produce.
- Skill and attention to detail. Inexperienced plastic surgeons may make the mistake of not working within the balance of your natural facial features to give you the best shaping and contouring for your face. Another mistake would be failure to take into account a person’s ethnic background when planning a rhinoplasty, which can result in an unbalanced and unnatural look. Be sure to work with someone who has the necessary experience to understand how to incorporate your body’s natural symmetry into your rhinoplasty. (Seminars in Plastic Surgery)
Why Choose Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology for Your Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Brian Heil knows the importance of combining technical skill with aesthetic artistry to create the most balanced, natural-looking results. At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh, he strives to bring out a pleasing, natural beauty unique to each client. Dr. Heil’s formal education is extensive and serves as a wonderful basis for his success. But, his passion is to bring only the best new developments in the field to his patients.
Dr. Heil completed the two-year board certification process through the American Board of Plastic Surgery after a rigorous five-year integrated residency training program in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a fellowship in Micro Surgery and Thrombosis Research from the University Medical Center of Pittsburgh. He holds membership in many professional associations where he is able to connect with other surgeons and share experiences, learning from one another. Dr. Heil’s continued involvement in organizations such as these, years of experience, extensive professional training, and personal pursuit of excellence in all things related to his patients make him one of the top plastic surgeons in Pittsburgh.
If you’d like more information about rhinoplasty procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil, please contact Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology at 724-264-3608 to take the first step to achieving your balanced, natural new look.
The Bottom Line
Many men and women opt for rhinoplasty procedures for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re self-conscious about the size or shape of your nose, or have medical concerns such as a deviated septum, a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Heil will take into account the natural symmetry of your facial features when designing a surgical procedure to suit your individual needs.
