The World's Biggest Noses

By Author: Peter Wendt
Total Articles: 34
Comment this article

For humans and animals, the nose is a vital body part for multiple uses. As the central hub of the olfactory system, the nose is responsible for a sense of smell and a major organ for respiration. Made of cartilage that continues to grow as we age, the nose can be pierced, groomed, and nurtured like any other body part. The protruding feature, located in the middle of a person's face, sets the tone for other facial features and offsets their side profile.

Plastic surgery for reshaping noses, called "rhinoplasty", remains the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. However, more people are sticking with their naturally large noses in various ways. From starring roles to unique contests, the world's biggest noses and their owners have become more culturally accepted and proud of their outstanding feature.

Noses come in all shapes and sizes, and even A-list celebrities are noted for their noses; sometimes, even more than their acting talents. Adrien Brody, star of films like The Pianist and Splice, stands out among male actors for his larger, Eastern European nose. Owen Wilson, an actor and screenwriter ...
... known for his romantic-comedy roles, plays both a leading man and comedic sidekick with his unique nose. Barbara Streisand, award winning singer and actress, is celebrated for her undeniable talent and crooked nose. Sofia Coppola is a renowned director and Hollywood royalty, famous for her films and prominent Italian nose.

In Langenbruck, Germany, the Big Nose World Championships have been held since 1961. The contest began when a minister and local brewers teased each other at a pub and decided to form The Big Nose Club to celebrate their diversity. Membership required a minimum of a nose measuring 40 millimeters wide or 60 millimeters long. Today, the club boasts 330 members and the championship is held every five years. Male and female winners are chosen, with the current male title clocking in at five inches and the female at four inches long.

Turkey also holds an annual longest nose competition, and the winner since 2005 has gone on to achieve worldwide celebrity status. Turkish man Mehmet Ozyurek held the Guinness World Record for the Longest Nose On A Living Person; the 62 year old has a 3.46 inch nose from tip to bridge. However, Ozyurek's title was passed on in 2011 by Faizan Agha from Pakistan. Agha's claim to fame is his 4.8 inch nose, which will be featured in the 2012 Guinness World Record book.

Rather than shunned for their uniqueness, the world's largest noses are celebrated and rewarded. Prominent noses continue to show up in mainstream media and have a positive cultural impact on people's self confidence and body acceptance.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher working out of the great state of Texas. He has been writing about this subject for several years, and he finds that a great resource is the website at California rhinoplasty experts.