We all appreciate facial symmetry, but what happens when your nose isn’t cooperating? A plastic surgeon can help address your concerns.
Overview
We naturally gravitate towards balance and symmetry. Studies have shown that facial symmetry is often associated with higher attractiveness, better health, and even more appealing personalities. However, genetics or nasal trauma (like a nasal fracture) can lead to a crooked nose, nasal deviation, or concerns with the nose’s angle. These issues can be purely aesthetic or cause functional problems, such as a deviated septum. Fortunately, facial plastic surgeons, along with some makeup techniques, can effectively restore or create the nasal symmetry and function you desire.
The Specifics
Anatomy of the Nose
To understand how to address nasal concerns, it’s essential to know the nose’s anatomy. The nose is primarily composed of bone and cartilage. The nasal bones form the nasal bridge, while cartilage extends towards the nostrils. The area between the eyebrows is known as the root, and the nasal tip is the apex. The dorsum nasi runs from the root to the apex.
Anatomy Highlights:
- Nasal bones: Form the nasal bridge.
- Cartilage: Extends towards the nostrils.
- Root: Area between the eyebrows.
- Apex: Nasal tip.
- Dorsum nasi: Runs from the root to the apex.
- Alae: Cartilaginous structures forming the nostrils.
- Nasal septum: Composed of bone and cartilage, dividing the nasal passages.
Causes of an Angled or Crooked Nose
An angled or crooked nose can result from genetics or acquired factors, such as trauma or surgery. Here are common causes:
- Nasal Structure Deformity: Trauma, surgery, infection, genetics, or tumors can lead to deformities, causing a crooked or angled nose. If you notice changes in breathing or nose shape and haven’t experienced recent trauma, seek an assessment from a healthcare provider.
- Deviated Septum: A deviated septum means the wall dividing your nasal passages isn’t centered, which can cause breathing issues.
Main Concerns Related to an Angled or Crooked Nose
An angled or crooked nose can lead to both aesthetic and functional concerns. Addressing breathing issues with a healthcare provider is crucial, but cosmetic concerns can also be effectively managed through plastic surgery.
Who May Wish to Correct Their Angled or Crooked Nose?
You might consider straightening or refining your nose’s contours if you seek more facial symmetry, want to improve breathing, are correcting previous trauma, or simply desire your nose to look its best.
How to Correct an Angled or Crooked Nose
Correcting an angled or crooked nose can range from a full surgical rhinoplasty (nose job) to simpler, at-home makeup routines. Depending on your concern and desired outcome, various procedures are available.
For Nasal Structure Deformity
Structural deformities involving bone, cartilage, and soft tissues can be treated with surgical rhinoplasty options such as:
- Open Approach Rhinoplasty
- Closed Rhinoplasty
- Endoscopic Rhinoplasty
- Youth/Teen Rhinoplasty
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty
- Rejuvenation Rhinoplasty
- Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
A less invasive option is a Liquid Rhinoplasty, which uses dermal fillers to temporarily reshape the nose.
For those who prefer non-surgical methods, a dedicated makeup routine using contouring techniques can temporarily alter the nose’s appearance.
For Deviated Septum
Addressing a deviated septum typically involves a septorhinoplasty, which combines rhinoplasty to improve appearance with septoplasty to alleviate breathing issues.
The Takeaway
A crooked or angled nose affecting facial symmetry can be effectively treated through various surgical and non-surgical methods, including rhinoplasty and liquid rhinoplasty. For temporary solutions, makeup techniques can also be used. Nose appearance plays a significant role in overall facial symmetry, and consulting with a facial plastic surgeon can help you achieve the desired aesthetic and functional improvements.
