Crooked Nose

What Is a Crooked Nose?

A crooked nose is a condition in which the nose shifts to the right or left of the midline when viewed from the front. This deviation may involve only the bone, only the cartilage, or both. In some people the deviation is hereditary; in others it develops after a past blow or fracture. The degree and the structure of the deviation vary from person to person.

A crooked nose concerns not only appearance but most often breathing function as well, because the deviation seen from the outside is frequently found together with a deviation in the internal structure, for example a deviated septum (a deviation of the wall dividing the inside of the nose). When assessing crooked noses, Prof. Dr. Esra Bayrı considers these two dimensions — appearance and breathing — together.

Causes

There can be different factors behind a crooked nose:

• Hereditary bone and cartilage structure
• A past blow to the nose or a fracture
• The wall dividing the inside of the nose (the septum) being deviated
• Asymmetries that appear during the developmental period

Which factor comes to the fore in your case is determined by the assessment made during the examination.

Treatment Approach

The main goal with a crooked nose is to give it a balanced appearance, as much in harmony with the midline of the face as possible. Along with correcting the external deviation, the deviation in the internal structure can also be addressed in the same session where deemed appropriate; this way both appearance and breathing are dealt with together. Where the deviation originates in the bone, options such as the piezo (ultrasonic) method, which shapes tissue in a more preserving way, may be considered. The appropriate approach is determined individually according to the structure of your nose and the nature of the deviation.

The Recovery Process

Because the procedure involves bone and cartilage structure, a protective splint is usually worn during the first week after surgery. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common in this period and subside over time. The time it takes to return to social life varies from person to person. The swelling of the nose resolving completely and the nose taking on its final shape is spread over a longer period.

Planning

Realistic expectations matter with a crooked nose; the degree and the structure of the deviation may affect the outcome. During the examination the anatomy of your nose is examined in detail, your breathing function is assessed and the approach that suits you is discussed together. The details of the process, including cost, are addressed during the examination according to the structure of your nose.