Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Straightening a Crooked Nose

A rhinoplasty plastic surgery is an appropriate procedure for individuals who have a slightly crooked nose or a nose that has moved to one side. A plastic surgeon can create a straighter nose by removing some cartilage or bone or shifting tissue manually.

The nose surgeon may place a splint (similar to placing a splint in case of a fractured nose after functional rhinoplasty) to make sure that the nose remains in the proper position as it heals.

The cause for the crookedness will determine its level. A crooked nose is usually only a cosmetic problem. But in some cases, it can also cause breathing obstructions.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

What causes a Crooked Nose?

There are two kinds of crooked noses. The first one develops due to a problem within the delicate nasal system of bones, cartilages, and tissue within the nose.

A crooked nose may develop due to various reasons, including:

• Birth defects
• Severe infections
• Injuries, such as a fractured nose
• Tumors
• Nose surgery

Depending on the cause for the crookedness, the nose will take on an I, S, or C-shape.

The second type of nose crookedness occurs due to a deviated septum. The septum is the internal wall that divides the nose into two identical passageways.

But in the case of septal deviation, this wall leans to one side causing partial obstruction in one nasal airway. Some individuals may develop a deviated septum after an injury while others may have this condition since birth.

Other than nose crookedness, septal deviation can also cause:

• Loud breathing
• Nosebleeds
• Issues in sleeping on one side

An experienced surgeon can help identify the reason behind the crooked nose and recommend the most suitable course of treatment.

Surgical Treatment

If the nose is only slightly crooked, dermal fillers can help correct it. But more severe cases of crookedness will require surgery. Rhinoplasty plastic surgery can help address the cosmetic problems of the nose while septoplasty can help straighten the septum.

Rhinoplasty

There are two kinds of rhinoplasty procedures – cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on improving the appearance of the nose. Conversely, functional rhinoplasty treats breathing issues.

According to a 2015 study, irrespective of the technique used, rhinoplasty can successfully straighten crooked noses in patients with or without facial symmetry. Facial symmetry is the similar appearance of both halves of the face.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty can straighten a crooked nose by reshaping the wall that divides the nasal passageways. If the cause for the crooked nose is a septal deviation, the surgeon will likely recommend the patient to undergo a septoplasty. This procedure can effectively straighten the nose and relieve the nasal passageways of obstructions due to a deviated septum.

The Final Word

A crooked nose is a commonly occurring condition which developed due to an injury or a deviated septum. Almost 80 percent of people have some type of septal deviation. The patient should seek an appropriate treatment option if their crooked nose is leading to breathing issues or significant cosmetic problems.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.