Which procedure would straighten out the tip of my nose after breaking the base of my nasal bone? (photo)

Question

I am wondering if there is any way to just straighten the nose tip without having to break the nose or go through a complicated procedure. I don’t have a deviated septum but some cartilage deficiency on one side following an impact which broke the base of the nasal bone right above my lip.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A septoplasty would straighten the tip of your nose.  There may need to be an incision in the columellar skin or just on the inside of your nose depending on what needs to be done.  The bone does not need to be fractured.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have a reverse C-shaped appearance to your nose. I believe part of this is due to the fact that your tip appears to be veering off to the right side. Depending on your examination, fillers could be considered for improving upon the indentation along your right nasal side wall, however, this would not address your crooked nasal tip appearance. In order to properly reposition somebody's nasal tip after trauma, surgery is typically necessary. I hope this is helpful, sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You can have tip surgery.  However, that will not correct the bone that is fractured.  You would be better off having a complete rhinoplasty done to straighten the bone cartilage as well as the tip.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty and agree with your assessment. In your case, you definitely need a rhinoplasty to fix the crooked nose.  Rhinoplasty is not an enormous operation.  Most times, a rhinoplasty takes only an hour and a half to perform in the recovery is minimal. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery. It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. Best wishes to you.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from a rhinoplasty to help straighten your nose. There are many different maneuvers that could be used to accomplish this including septal reset. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Which procedure would straighten out the tip of my nose after breaking the base of my nasal bone? (photo)

Answers (5)