The Skinny
Whether you were born this way or your nose didn’t heal exactly right after a nasal fracture (i.e. broken nose) or other nasal trauma, crooked and angled noses come in all shapes and sizes. Generally, a crooked or angled nose is defined as any nose that appears noticeably asymmetric (learn more in our complete guide to nose angle concerns). While some people like their crooked or angled nose, those who wish to improve the shape or contour can visit a plastic surgeon to restore or create the desired symmetry and aesthetic.
The Specifics
Who might consider a procedure to correct an angled or crooked nose?
An angled or crooked nose can result from genetics, trauma, or aging. Medically speaking, a crooked nose is a nasal deformity characterized by deviations in the planes of the nose between the upper third (nasal bones) and the lower two thirds (cartilage aspect) down to the nasal tip. Deviations in nasal structures can be further classified into C, I, or S-shaped.The Anatomy of the Nose
Nasal deviations can be both functional and aesthetic. Functional crooked noses may be correlated to abnormalities of the nasal passages, a deviated septum, and breathing problems. A facial plastic surgeon may recommend surgical techniques such as a septoplasty nose surgery or septorhinoplasty in certain severe, medically necessary cases (check out our guide to Breathing Concerns to learn more).
What can you expect from a procedure to correct an angled or crooked nose?
A cosmetic procedure to correct an angle or crooked nose can be as invasive as facial plastic surgery (think: a rhinoplasty or nose job) or as simple as at home makeup applications.- Rhinoplasty: An invasive surgical procedure that produces significant and permanent results, albeit with a few weeks to months of recovery time.
- Liquid Rhinoplasty: A non-surgical alternative to more traditional rhinoplasty methods utilizing temporary dermal fillers to contour and alter the nose appearance.
- Septorhinoplasty: If a crooked or angled nose has led to a nasal obstruction, a combination septoplasty (performed to correct a deviated septum) and rhinoplasty may be utilized to correct the nose deformity and return nasal septum to its intended original position
- Makeup: Highlights. Lowlights. Contours. Makeup can be trialed (and erred) in the comfort of your home. Highly effective in the hands of a skilled artist, makeup is relatively inexpensive and temporary.
A rhinoplasty procedure will provide permanent and far reaching results, however, it will necessitate weeks to months of downtime. Liquid rhinoplasties can be effective at temporarily creating the illusion of a dorsal hump reduction (check out our guide to nose bump concerns). The right makeup and contour technique, meanwhile, can provide the most basic improvements on a daily basis.
When should you consider a procedure to correct an angled or crooked nose?
The best time to pursue a procedure to correct an angled or crooked nose is when you’re ready! In all seriousness, we all know makeup can be applied any time of day, and taken off just as easily (most of the time), but plastic surgery procedures should be evaluated for their invasiveness and needed recovery.Most rhinoplasties require a few weeks to months of recovery, and the results evolve over 12 to 18 months. A liquid rhinoplasty with dermal fillers will produce more immediate results that are temporary (think: 6 to 12 months). A conversation with a board certified plastic surgeon can determine what treatment options are most appropriate, and also provide a more specific timeline for an individual candidate.
To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to rhinoplasty recovery.
Why should you consider a procedure to correct an angled or crooked nose?
It goes without saying that any plastic surgery is most always a matter of personal aesthetics. Considering a procedure to correct an angled or crooked nose makes sense if you have a misshapen or misaligned nose that you want to straighten. It also makes sense if you are looking to achieve better facial symmetry, are having trouble breathing because your air passages are wonky, or it’s just something you want to do.Surgical Procedures to Correct Nose Angle
We all know about the so-called ‘nose job.’ Turns out, there are a number of different rhinoplasty techniques depending on the state of the nose and aesthetic goals of the patient.- Open Rhinoplasty
- Overview: Allowing for the most correction, this means the nose is cut open and all internal structures are visualized. It is the most invasive approach.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: The nose heals over the course of 12 to 18 months, and the results are permanent.
- Closed Rhinoplasty
- Overview: The opposite of an open approach, no external incisions are required, which means less recovery time. It also means less access to the internal nasal structures.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Requires less recovery than an open approach, and the results are similarly permanent.
- Endoscopic Rhinoplasty
- Overview: While you won’t achieve the same results as an open rhinoplasty, this is a closed approach assisted by a lighted camera.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Requires less recovery than an open approach, and the results are similarly permanent.
- Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
- Overview: Vibrating tipped instruments are employed for a more precise surgery with less surrounding tissue damage.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Stated to have less recovery time due to the reduced damage; results are permanent.
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty
- Overview: Performed open or closed, this is a type of rhinoplasty designed to assist individuals with creating nose angles more consistent with specific ethnic groups.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: The recovery is dependent on whether an open or closed approach is used, and the results are permanent.
- Youth/Teen Rhinoplasty
- Overview: Refers to a rhinoplasty performed in a child under age 18 (with parental consent, of course) using an open or closed approach.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Recovery varies by approach. The results are permanent, but may require revision as patients age.
- Revision Rhinoplasty
- Overview: A secondary rhinoplasty performed to correct or alter the results of a primary procedure.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: The results are permanent.
- Rejuvenation Rhinoplasty
- Overview: A less invasive rhinoplasty that is used to correct age-related cosmetic concerns, rather than structural issues.
- Cost: $3,000 - $15,000
- Recovery & Results: Due to the level of invasiveness, recovery time is usually less than a more involved approach, but results are permanent.
- Septorhinoplasty
- Overview: A plastic surgery to simultaneously improve nose aesthetic (via rhinoplasty) and correct breathing concerns (with a septoplasty).
- Cost: $6,000 - $10,000
- Recovery & Results: The recovery time is a few weeks to months. The septum and nose heal over the course of 12 to 18 months and results are permanent.
Non-Surgical Procedures to Correct Nose Angle
Less invasive but also less permanent, dermal fillers and even makeup can be used to refine an angular or crooked nose.- Liquid Rhinoplasty
- Overview: Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers (like Juvederm® and Restylane®) are injected into the nasal area to shape and contour.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recovery & Results: The results are immediate following the procedure, but temporary. They can be maintained with regular treatments every six to 12 months.
Makeup
While not all of us are professional makeup artists, using makeup to contour and define the face can create contrasts to alter the nasal appearance. At home, over-the-counter beauty products can be highly effective, relatively inexpensive, and simple to apply. Plus, a plethora of YouTube tutorials can help develop and foster your burgeoning cosmetic skills. Here are a few tips:
- Use a cream-based highlighter straight down the nose to help deflect light away from the nasal bridge.
- Apply a foundation or contour product that is darker than your natural skin tone on the side of the nose with the pronounced curve and lighter foundation on the other side.
- Apply darker foundation to the nasal hump and then blend gently into lighter foundation on the sides of the nose and down towards the nostrils.
- Avoid dark lipsticks that may draw attention to the center of the face.
The Takeaway
The causes of a crooked nose or angled nose vary as much as the plastic surgery and other treatment options that exist for straightening and reducing facial asymmetry. Cosmetic surgery, dermal filler injections, or at-home makeup routine can be used to balance and refine facial features and facial symmetry. For some, a functional rhinoplasty can help to not only improve the vertical line of the nose but also improve breathing problems.
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Source List
- Andreas Zanki Growth Charts for Nose Length, Nasal Protrusion, and Philtrum Length from Birth to 97 Years onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Jack R Harkema The Nose Revisited: A Brief Review of the Comparative Structure, Function, and Toxicologic Pathology of the Nasal Epithelium pubmed.gov
- Stewart, MG, et al. “Development and Validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale.” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, vol. 130, no. 2.; 2004-02-01
- Weiner, JS. “Nose Shape and Climate.” American Journal of Physical Anthropology, vol. 12, no. 4.; 1954-12-01
