Straightening a nose. Do you have to break bones to straighten a nose?

Question

Do you have to break bones to straighten a nose?

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Osteotomy or bone breaking depends on what’s causing the curve. Usually the underlying cartilage skeleton is the culprit but the bones can also be involved. You would need an exam in person to know the exact cause of yoir specific nasal curve.Best

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, osteotomies need to be placed in the nasal bones to  in order to straighten crooked nasal bones. The osteotomies  are little cuts made in the nasal bones themselves, and then the bones are shifted back to their normal and straight position. Most patients also require a spreader graft placed underneath the concave upper lateral cartilage which also significantly helps straightening the nose. When the nasal tip itself is crooked, a tip-plasty is performed which involves asymmetrical cartilage removal and cartilage grafting techniques in order to balance and straighten the nasal tip. For many examples of straightening a crooked nose, please see the link and the video below

Paul N. Afrooz, MD · Answer

A deviated or crooked nose can be due to deviation of the bones, cartilage, or both.  In most cases it is due to both.  In order to straighten the nasal bones accurately, they need to be mobilized.  This is done with very precise cuts in the bone.  These cuts are called osteotomies and they facilitate straightening of the nasal bones.  
Many times the nasal septum is largely responsible for a crooked nose.  The septum is the piece of cartilage in your nose that separates your nostrils.  It acts like a tent pole for the nose, and therefore, any deviation or crookedness of the septum will often be a cause of a crooked nose.  There are several techniques available to straighten a septum and therefore straighten a nose.
If your nose requires straightening your bones and cartilage, the recovery is typically between 1-2 weeks.  Depending on how much correction you require, you may or may not have some bruising during your recovery.  All of the bruising is typically resolved between 10-14 days if it does occur.  My patients have an external splint on the nose for 7-10 days.

Straightening a nose. Do you have to break bones to straighten a nose?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Straightening a nose. Do you have to break bones to straighten a nose?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.