Why does my nose look worse in certain angles?

Question

My nose looks different in mostly all pictures and especially in comparison to looking in the mirror. Sometimes my side profile shows no bump and other times it shows a bigger bump, and sometimes a smaller bump. From a 45 degree angle it is the worst and it looks super bumpy. Straight on it's fine. Is this normal/common for noses? How do I know what it really looks like to other people?

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

I have been performing facial plastic surgery for over 12 years and have performed thousands of surgical procedures in the face.  I can tell you that I have never seen a symmetric face.  The Assymetry is what actually makes the human face look unique.  What rhinoplasty (nasal refinement surgery) aims to do is to bring the nose within balance with the remainder of the face.  Do not be too hard on yourself for being different on each side.  Make sure that you are only seeing a specialist in the face whom is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for the nose to have some asymmetry between the two sides. If you cover over 1/2 the nose and take a picture of each side, you will see that it is not superimposable on each other. That is no two sides look the same. However, if the appearance bothers you or if you would like a straighter profile or removal of a concerning bump, etc. then I would recommend consultation with a facial plastic surgeon in your area.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Many people describe this exact same issue when looking in mirrors or photographs from certain angles.  Some of this has to due with light reflection and shadowing on your nose and nasal asymmetry.  This can often be improved with rhinoplasty surgery.  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

Jeffrey H. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  The nose is a very subtle and intricate part of your face and each little bump can be magnified depending on the angle of view.  Sometimes you have a bump on one side of your nose that is best seen from one side or one angle.  Best to discuss your nose with a surgeon who can do a good analysis of your nose and tell you what is possible with surgery or potentially nonsurgical means.  Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The nose is not only a three-dimensional structure, it is asymmetric and the dorsal  hump itself  can be asymmetric. Look for  a rhinoplasty specialist to sort trough these issues

Why does my nose look worse in certain angles?

Answers (5)