Ideal Nasal Angle Preferences Among Japanese People: A Prospective Observational Study on Aesthetic Perception

Abstract Background The aesthetic ideal of the nose varies across nationalities and cultures, making it challenging to define an “ideal” nasal shape in rhinoplasty. Objectives The authors of this study aimed to provide foundational data for generalizable aesthetic standards for nasal surgery in Japanese individuals. Methods A randomly selected group of 783 Japanese adults was presented with digitally modified images depicting 12 nasolabial and nasofacial angles. Aesthetic evaluations were conducted using Google Forms or paper surveys. The images were categorized into 3 groups: “aesthetic,” “average,” and “not aesthetic.” Statistical analysis was conducted using JMP software. To minimize bias, the order in which the images were presented was randomized. The Steel–Dwass test was used to assess statistically significant differences between angles. Results For men, a nasolabial angle of 95° and a nasofacial angle of 33° were rated as aesthetic, whereas for women, a nasolabial angle of 105° and a nasofacial angle of 30° were considered favorable. The results indicate a preference for sharper nasolabial angles in men and slightly obtuse angles in women. When calculating the ideal angles using the weighted average, the ideal nasolabial angle for men was 105° and the ideal nasofacial angle was 30°. For women, the ideal nasolabial and nasofacial angles were 105° and 30°, respectively. Conclusions The authors of this study highlight sex-specific nasal preferences within the Japanese population and emphasize the importance of tailoring rhinoplasty procedures to demographic factors. Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)