Very few noses are perfectly straight, but for some people the nose clearly bends to one side, has an S-shape or leans at the tip. A crooked nose can also affect breathing, so it is worth understanding the cause before choosing a treatment.
What causes a crooked nose?
- Injury: a broken nose that healed out of position is the most common cause, sometimes from an injury in childhood.
- Deviated septum: the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the nostrils bends to one side, pulling the nose with it.
- Development: some people are born with asymmetry or it develops as the face grows.
- Previous surgery can leave a nose off-centre.
Does a crooked nose affect breathing?
It can. If the septum is deviated you may feel blocked on one side, snore, or breathe through your mouth. Surgery to straighten the septum (septoplasty) can improve airflow.
Recently broken nose?
If you have just broken your nose, see a doctor. A new fracture can sometimes be realigned within the first couple of weeks, before the bones set. A blood clot inside the septum needs urgent treatment.
Filler for a crooked nose
Filler can make a mildly crooked nose look straighter by filling a dip on one side, but it does not correct the underlying bend or breathing problems.
Septorhinoplasty
Septorhinoplasty straightens the septum and the outer nose in one operation. The bones may be repositioned and cartilage grafts used to support the straightened structure. Because the tissues have a ‘memory’, crooked noses are among the more challenging rhinoplasties, and a small degree of asymmetry can persist.
Recovery
Expect a splint for about a week, one to two weeks off work and several months for swelling to settle fully. Avoid contact sports for at least six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a crooked nose be fixed on the NHS?
Surgery to improve breathing may be available on the NHS depending on local criteria; cosmetic straightening is not normally funded.
Can a crooked nose straighten on its own?
No. Once healed, the shape does not change without treatment.
Will my nose be perfectly straight after surgery?
The aim is a clearly straighter nose, but faces are naturally asymmetrical and minor asymmetry can remain.
How much does septorhinoplasty cost?
Rhinoplasty with Mr Nassab starts from £8,950; septorhinoplasty is quoted at consultation.
