Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures – Straightening a Crooked Nose

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty - Straightening a Crooked Nose | GlendaleA rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery is a suitable procedure for people who have a slightly crooked nose or a nose that has shifted to one side. A nose surgeon can straighten the nose by eliminating some bone or cartilage or moving the tissue manually.

The rhinoplasty surgeon may place a splint (similar to placing a splint in case of a broken nose after functional nose surgery) to ensure that the nose remains in the correct position while it heals.

The level of nose crookedness depends on the cause behind it. In general, a crooked nose is only an aesthetic issue. However, it can also lead to breathing problems in some cases.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities. 


What causes a Crooked Nose?

There are two types of crooked noses. The first one occurs due to an issue within the intricate nasal system of cartilages, bones, and tissue within the nose.

This can develop due to a variety of reasons, such as:

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

The nose will assume an I, S, or C-shape, depending on the reason for the crookedness.

The other type of nose crookedness develops because of a deviated septum. The septum is the internal wall that bifurcates the nose into two identical airways. In the case of a deviated septum, this wall leans to one side partially blocking one nasal passageway. Some people have a deviated septum since birth while others develop it after an injury.

In addition to causing nose crookedness, a deviated septum can also lead to:

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

A qualified surgeon can help determine the cause for the crooked nose and help determine the most appropriate course of treatment.


Surgical Treatment

Dermal fillers can help straighten a slightly crooked nose. However, more severe cases will require nose surgery. Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery can correct the aesthetic problems of the nose while septoplasty can help straighten the septum.



There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures, namely cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on enhancing the appearance of the nose. On the other hand, functional rhinoplasty addresses breathing problems.

A 2015 research study indicates that regardless of the technique used, rhinoplasty can effectively straighten crooked noses in patients with or without facial symmetry. The similar appearance of both halves of the face is known as facial symmetry.



Septoplasty can straighten a crooked nose by reshaping the wall that bifurcates the nasal airways. If a deviated septum is the reason for the crooked nose, the surgeon will likely recommend a septoplasty to the patient. This procedure can straighten the nose and relieve the nasal airways of obstructions caused by a deviated septum.


The Final Word

A crooked nose is a common condition which occurs due to a deviated septum or past injury. Interestingly, nearly 80 percent of people have some form of septal deviation. The patient should seek a suitable treatment option if their crooked nose is causing breathing problems or major aesthetic issues.


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Eric Yavrouian, MD | Facial Plastic Surgery