A hooked or aquiline nose has a prominent, curved bridge and a tip that points downward, giving a profile likened to an eagle’s beak. It is usually inherited and sometimes becomes more noticeable with age. Rhinoplasty can reduce the hump and lift and support the tip to create a straighter profile, tailored to the rest of the face.
Features of a hooked nose
- Curved bridge: a convex, arched profile, often with a hump of bone and cartilage.
- Drooping tip: the tip points downward, which can make the nose look longer.
- Tip movement: the tip may drop further when smiling because of muscle pull.
- Projection: the nose may project strongly from the face.
The term ‘aquiline’ comes from the Latin for eagle. Such noses have long been associated with strength and character, and many people are happy with them.
What causes a hooked nose?
The main cause is genetics. A combination of a high bridge, a hump and strong or long cartilages at the tip creates the curved profile. With age, the supporting tissues of the tip weaken and it may droop further. A previous injury can create or exaggerate a hump. Occasionally, a hooked appearance accompanies a deviated septum, which may also affect breathing.
When to see a GP
See your GP if you have persistent difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent nosebleeds, recurrent sinus infections, or a change in nose shape after an injury, especially if accompanied by a swelling inside the nose or clear fluid draining from the nose after a head injury (which needs same-day assessment at A&E).
Non-surgical options
Dermal filler can make a hooked profile appear straighter by filling around the hump, and a small amount may support the tip. However, it adds volume rather than reducing it, cannot significantly shorten the nose, and does not improve breathing. The nose has a complex blood supply, so there is a small but serious risk of blood vessel blockage; treatment should only be performed by an experienced medical practitioner.
Rhinoplasty for a hooked nose
Surgery usually combines several steps: reducing the dorsal hump, narrowing the bridge if needed, and reshaping and supporting the tip so it no longer droops. Cartilage grafts may be used to strengthen the tip, and the muscle that pulls the tip down on smiling can sometimes be addressed. Septal work can be included to improve breathing. Mr Nassab will consider your overall facial proportions, including the chin, to create a result that looks natural and suits your face.
Open or closed approach
Because a hooked nose often needs tip work, an open approach, with a small incision across the skin between the nostrils, may give better access and control. Some cases can be managed through incisions inside the nose. The approach will be discussed at consultation.
Planning your rhinoplasty
At consultation, Mr Nassab will ask what bothers you most about your nose, whether you have any breathing difficulty, and whether you have had previous injury or surgery. The inside and outside of the nose will be examined, including skin thickness and the strength of the tip cartilages. Photographs from the front, side and below help plan how much the hump should be reduced and how much the tip should be lifted. Many patients with a hooked nose want to lose the downward point of the tip more than the bridge itself, and small changes at the tip can make a noticeable difference to the profile.
Recovery, risks and cost
A splint is typically worn for about a week, and visible bruising usually settles over two weeks. Subtle swelling, particularly of the tip, may take a year or more to resolve fully. Risks include bleeding, infection, breathing problems, asymmetry, irregularities, altered sensation of the tip and the need for revision surgery. Rhinoplasty costs from £8,950 and the £150 consultation fee is separate. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hooked and a Roman nose?
Both have a strong bridge, but a hooked nose typically has a more pronounced curve and a tip that points further downward.
Can rhinoplasty lift a drooping tip?
Yes. Tip reshaping and support, sometimes with cartilage grafts, can lift and stabilise the tip.
Will rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
If breathing problems are caused by a deviated septum or other structural issues, these can often be addressed at the same time.
Can the nose keep some of its character?
Yes. Many patients prefer a softened profile rather than a completely straight bridge.
