again, noses are often depicted as small, with only a brief l-shaped mark to locate them. with female characters, the nose can sometimes be removed completely when the character is facing forward. in profile, female noses are often button shaped, consisting little more than a small triangle. a nosebleed indicates sexual excitation following exposure to stimulating imagery or situation. it is based on a japanese old wives' tale. a balloon dangling from one nostril (a "snot bubble") indicates sleep.