Module
Nose analysis: how Facet scores your nose
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Facet's nose module currently scores frontal nasal width ratio: the alar (nostril) width as a fraction of bizygomatic (cheekbone) width. The ideal varies by ethnicity; the scoring engine resolves the threshold per ethnicity automatically. Profile-only parameters (Goode tip projection, nasofacial angle, nasolabial angle, nasofrontal angle, radix position) require a side-view CV pipeline that Facet has not yet built and are deferred to V3.
Why this matters
The nose is the central facial feature and a frequent target for aesthetic intervention. Rhinoplasty consistently ranks among the top three most-performed cosmetic surgeries globally. Frontal nasal width matters because it determines proportional balance with the cheeks and mouth. A wide nose (alar/face >0.32) reads heavier; a narrow nose (alar/face <0.22) reads sharper. Both have aesthetic merit; the ideal is the one that matches your overall facial structure and ethnicity baseline.
Parameters measured
| Parameter | Units | Citation | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontal nasal width ratio | Ratio (alar/face-width) | Ethnicity-keyed thresholds | Caucasian ideal differs from East Asian ideal; engine resolves per ethnicity |
| Goode tip projection (deferred) | Ratio (deferred) | Goode 1984 | Requires profile photo |
| Nasofacial angle (deferred) | Degrees (deferred) | V3 roadmap | Requires profile photo |
| Nasolabial angle (deferred) | Degrees (deferred) | V3 roadmap | Requires profile photo |
| Nasofrontal angle (deferred) | Degrees (deferred) | V3 roadmap | Requires profile photo |
What your nose score means
| Score band | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 8.0 to 10 | Excellent. Nasal width within the ethnicity-specific ideal range. |
| 6.5 to 7.9 | Good. Nasal width close to ideal, minor visual width adjustments possible. |
| 5.0 to 6.4 | Average. Nasal width slightly off ideal range. |
| 3.5 to 4.9 | Below average. Nasal width noticeably off ideal. |
| 0 to 3.4 | Significant nasal width disproportion. Aesthetic consultation may be relevant if desired. |
How to improve your nose score
- Contouring (shading the sides of the nose, highlighting the bridge) is the most effective non-surgical way to visually narrow a wide nose.
- For a nose that scores low on frontal width, consider that bridge shape (only visible in profile) may be the actual issue. Upload a profile photo when V3 nose module ships.
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty (filler) can address minor bridge or tip projection issues but cannot reduce width. Surgery is the only option for actual narrowing.
- If you are considering rhinoplasty, get at least two surgeon consultations. The procedure is irreversible and outcomes vary substantially by surgeon.
- Document with controlled front-facing AND profile photos so you can track changes if you pursue intervention.
Frequently asked
Why are most nose parameters deferred to V3?+
Most clinically relevant nose parameters (Goode tip projection, nasofacial angle, nasolabial angle, nasofrontal angle, radix position) are profile parameters that require a side-view of the face. Facet currently uses front-facing photos as primary; profile photos are optional and not yet fully analyzed. A profile-CV pipeline is on the V3 roadmap.
Why does the ideal nasal width vary by ethnicity?+
Nasal anatomy genuinely differs across ethnic groups (West African baseline nasal width is wider than Caucasian or East Asian baselines). Scoring against a single cross-ethnic ideal would mis-score most non-Caucasian faces. Facet's scoring engine resolves the threshold per the ethnicity you provide at scan time.
Can my nose be 'too narrow'?+
Yes. The frontal nasal width score is a curve, not a one-sided gradient. Both unusually wide and unusually narrow noses score below the ideal range. The ideal is proportional balance with the rest of the face, not minimum width.
Is Goode index measurable from a front photo?+
No. Goode tip projection requires a profile (side) view to measure the ratio of nasal length to tip projection accurately. Facet defers Goode scoring pending profile-CV pipeline.