My nose is visibly off center. What can I do to get it fixed?

Question

About 5 years ago a closet door fell on my nose and pushed it the left. I got it fixed shortly after but over time it has been shifting more and more to the left. i can't sleep on my left side anymore because my nose will hurt really bad when i wake up or sometimes it just hurts for no reason. I also breathe better from my right nostril which can get annoying. I also do not want to change my nose just get it more centered.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

The internal and external
nasal areas that you described and would like improved can be addressed with a
nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) and a septoplasty which are typically done at the
same time. A natural appearing nose can be achieved when the procedures are
performed by an artistic plastic surgeon with extensive experience in nasal
surgery.

Keep in mind that following
the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you
what to do without seeing photos and more importantly without examining you,
physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full
medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure
would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified
by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or facial plastic surgeon
(otolaryngologist) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

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.   Make sure you specifically
look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this
surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty can be done to correct both your nasal and septal deviation. This will give you a much better airway and a straighter nose.  Choose a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does natural noses.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Sounds like you are suffering from a septal dislocation/fracture that may have also occurred during that trauma 5 years ago.  As others have noted, getting the nose perfectly straight is difficult, however, making it straighter and improving on your breathing is something that is certainly plausible.  I suggest you consult with someone experienced in rhinoplasty and airway reconstruction as a simple septoplasty is unlikely to help you with your troubles.  Best of luck!

Behrooz Torkian, MD · Answer

Lilly,

Tilted noses can be a major challenge to surgeons and patients alike. It is difficult to get them completely straight, but straightER is definitely possible. From the story you give it sounds like you have a very deviated septum as well. I would approach this with a definitive procedure addressing the septum and the nasal skeleton to get optimal final results.  You need to have a complete consultation by a facial plastic surgeon who is skilled in nasal airway surgery and cosmetic rhinoplasty.

My nose is visibly off center. What can I do to get it fixed?

Answers (8)

Answer: Off center nose

Answer: Off center nose

Answer: Tilted nose.

Answer: Tilted nose.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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My nose is visibly off center. What can I do to get it fixed?

Answers (8)

Answer: Off center nose

Answer: Off center nose

Answer: Tilted nose.

Answer: Tilted nose.

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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.