Patients with a slightly crooked nose may consider a surgical procedure to straighten it. This nose surgery involves the surgeon reducing some bone or cartilage, or physically moving the tissue.
They may also place a splint to enable the nose to remain in position as it heals, akin to a broken nose after functional rhinoplasty.
The degree of the crookedness of the nose depends on the underlying cause. In general, crooked noses are only a cosmetic concern. However, sometimes this condition can lead to breathing problems.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides rhinoplasty to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.
Why a Nose becomes Crooked?
There are two primary types of crooked noses. The first type occurs due to a problem within the complex bone, cartilage, and tissue system of the nose. This may happen because of the below mentioned reasons:
- Severe infections
- Birth defects
- Nose surgery
- Injuries, such as a broken nose
- Tumors
The cause for the crookedness of the nose will determine whether the nose will be I, C, or S-shaped.
The second type of crooked nose develops due to septal deviation. The septum is the internal wall that bifurcates the nose into left and right airways.
A deviated septum causes this wall to lean to one side and partially block the nose. Some people have a deviated septum since birth while others may develop it after an injury.
A deviated septum can cause the nose to appear crooked as well as the following conditions:
- Problems sleeping on one side
- Loud breathing
- Nosebleeds
The patient should consult an experienced surgeon to understand the reason for their crooked nose and to be able to identify the most appropriate procedure for them.
Surgical Treatment
Dermal fillers may be effective in straightening a slightly crooked nose. However, more severe cases will typically need surgical intervention.
Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery aims to address the aesthetic issues of the nose. Septoplasty, on the other hand, straightens the wall that divides the inside of the nose into two parts.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can be classified as cosmetic and function rhinoplasty. The sole focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty is correcting the nasal appearance. On the other hand, functional rhinoplasty helps address breathing problems.
A 2015 study indicates that rhinoplasty can effectively straighten crooked noses in patients with or without facial symmetry, irrespective of the technique used. Facial symmetry refers to the similar appearance of both halves of the face.
Septoplasty
In septoplasty, the surgeon reshapes the wall between the nasal airways to straighten the nose. For patients who have a crooked nose due to a deviated septum, this is likely the most effective procedure. This procedure can straighten the nose and relieve nasal airway impediments occurring due to septal deviation.
The Bottom Line
The most common causes for the development of a crooked nose include an injury or a deviated septum. Nearly 80 percent of individuals have some type of a deviated septum.
The patient should identify a suitable treatment if their crooked nose is causing breathing problems or major aesthetic issues.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com
Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other suburbs and towns in this part of California.
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579