Why does my nose look crooked in front view pictures? (Photo)

Question

The mirror doesn't show me the same affect so I never notice it unless I look at pictures of myself, and I ask people and they don't seem to notice it either.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

I am actually conducting a study on this exact topic. When people have crooked noses or faces, they look worse in photos than "real life." Real life refers to the mirror. We look at ourselves in the mirror a dozen times a day. Brushing your teeth, washing your face, applying makeup for women and shaving for men. This is what you are used to seeing. Photos are backwards. If you show a significant other your mirror image, they will think that nose or face is more asymmetric. I go over all these things during a consultation using computer imaging.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are a variety of issues that can cause the nose to appear crooked in photographs. The nasal bones can be asymmetrical, there can be a collapse on one  upper lateral cartilage in the mid-vault area, and the nasal tip cartilages can be asymmetric along with a deviated dorsal nasal septum. A thorough internal and external examination of the nose is required to make a customized surgical treatment plan for each individual patient.  Digital computer imaging would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with the procedure upon your nose and facial procedures. For many examples of crooked nose repair from our practice, please see the link and the video below

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Your nasal asymmetry is likely due to asymmetry of your lower lateral cartilage.  Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose. Make
sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients
who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer
animation system. The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty can be used to address a crooked nose for patients. In most cases, this is due to a combination of septal deviation and possibly bony asymmetry.  Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations.

Why does my nose look crooked in front view pictures? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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