I was born with a crooked nose, as its growing it's hurting at the tip like pushing through skin? What can be done? (photo)

Question

My nose has been crooked since birth, it's really horrible looking and gets me down, as its growing it seems to be wanting to push out the skin to the left at the end( as nose is crooked to the left) breathing through my nose has not always been well, I always use my mouth. What could be done? Could it be straightened? How much would it cost? Should I see my doctor ?

Sophie Ricketts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Your nose is crooked for a few reasons and I can see why you are having problems!The nose is a complex structure made up of many components that all inter-relate to support the overlying skin and create the external appearance of the nose as well as serve a functional purpose.Although you can not directly see the 'framework' of your nose, your picture tells a story of what is going on under the skin...The upper 1/3 of your nose is supported by the bony 'vault' comprising of the 2 nasal bones. I can see from your picture that these are deviated toward your right. I can also see that the cartilage septum (the cartilage that divides the nostrils) has an 'S' shaped curve to it. First curving to your right because of where the nasal nones are directing it, then back the left and finally toward the right again at the tip. You can see this faintly in the light reflection on the top of your nose. This would be contributing to your breathing difficulties and fixing this will go a long way to helping you breathe better.To correct this I would use an 'open' approach septorhinoplasty to enable me to access the septum to make it straight as well as to osteotomise (fracture) your nasal bones to correct the deviation. Whilst doing the septoplasty part of the operation some cartilage graft can be harvested from the back of the nose to use to support and hold the tip of the nose in the midline and 'splint' open your airway a little.I think surgery for you would be well worth while and likely to make a positive difference to both your breathing and appearance. All the best with it!

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Asymmetries like yours, where something is off center, can never be 100% corrected, but in expert hands they can likely be significantly improved. And when the outside is straightened, it can go along with straightening of the inside of the nose, which can help the breathing.You should assess if there are other changes you want, too. For example, even this one frontal image indicates that you have a strong bump on the bridge of the nose, and the nose is long, with the tip hanging down. If you want those features changed, they should all be corrected in one operation.Also, when the nose is made smaller, it gives additional opportunities to correct the asymmetries. And also also, if the tip is raised, that can, all by itself, help the breathing, too.You should understand that changes to a nose as asymmetric as yours require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he'll change, and by how much he'll change them -- so you know whether it's enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. Then, he must show you before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.

Sunny Park, MD, MPH · Answer

A crooked nose can be noticeable and can cause unwanted attention.  It can also cause problems breathing.  By getting a septorhinoplasty, you may be able to improve the function (breathing) and appearance of the nose.   I recommend that you find a surgeon who is trained in both functional and aesthetic aspects of the nose.  Good luck!

Jawed Tahery, FRCS · Answer

HI,A septorhinoplasty would be the answer with an experienced Surgeon fully familiar with the function and aesthetic of your nose!Best wishesMr J Tahery ChesterUK

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish straightening the nose somewhat, but it'll never be perfect. Osteotomies,  cartilage removal, and cartilage grafting techniques are all required in order to make the nose straighter. Also important to evaluate breathing on the inside of the nose. For many examples of crooked nose repair in our practice, please see the link and the video below

I was born with a crooked nose, as its growing it's hurting at the tip like pushing through skin? What can be done? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Crooked nose

Answer: Crooked nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty for severely crooked nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty for severely crooked nose

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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I was born with a crooked nose, as its growing it's hurting at the tip like pushing through skin? What can be done? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Crooked nose

Answer: Crooked nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty for severely crooked nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty for severely crooked nose

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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