If you have a crooked nose, it can lead to a great deal of self-consciousness. You might experience issues with your self image even around family members and friends. Thankfully people with crooked or misshaped noses can undergo rhinoplasty (nose job), a cosmetic and reconstructive nasal surgery that can correct the appearance of the bridge and other parts of the nose. The end result is a more symmetrical face and better overall appearance.
San Mateo, CA plastic surgeon Dr. John R. Griffin would like to consider how a rhinoplasty can correct a crooked nose and what patients can expect from the surgical process.
Causes of a Crooked Nose
There are a few common causes of crooked noses. They are as follows:
- Genetics - If you have relatives whose noses are naturally crooked, it’s likely that your nose will also be a little bit crooked as well.
- Physical Trauma - Injuries to the nose from sports, auto accidents, falls, or physical trauma can lead to a broken nose. Damaged cartilage and other structures along the bridge can alter the shape of the nose, sometimes severely.
- Deviated Septum - The septum is the wall within the nose that separates the nostrils. A deviated septum can cause the nose to lean to one side.
- Previous Nasal Surgery - Prior surgery on the nose can cause it to tilt or lean unexpectedly as a result of surgical mistakes or scar tissue.
A rhinoplasty is able to address all of the issues listed above.
Good Candidates for Rhinoplasty
Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are people who would like to correct issues with the appearance of their nose. They should be in good health overall and understand the risks and benefits that are associated with the surgery. It’s important that all candidates for rhinoplasty have realistic expectations about what the surgery can achieve.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
The procedure to straighten a patient’s nose can vary based on the nature of their issue. There are two options for all rhinoplasty procedures:
- Open Rhinoplasty - During an open rhinoplasty, an incision is made along the columella, which is the strip of skin that separates the two nostrils. Working through this incision, a surgeon can have tremendous ability to revise and reshape the cartilage, which can lead to dramatic outcomes.
- Closed Rhinoplasty - During a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are concealed within the nostrils. This means no external incisions will need to be made for the surgery. The amount of revision that can be made the structures of the nose is limited when compared to an open rhinoplasty.
Generally speaking, an open rhinoplasty is used when a surgeon needs to make more dramatic corrections to the shape of the nose and its underlying structures.
The Results of Rhinoplasty
The results of a rhinoplasty can be exceptional. Patients will have a much straighter nose, which improves overall facial symmetry. Scarring is limited and difficult to detect; even an open rhinoplasty will heal nicely, with surgical scars very hard to notice.
Is Rhinoplasty Right for Me?
The best way to learn if a rhinoplasty is right for you is to visit our practice for a consultation. During your visit, we can answer all of your questions and address your concerns about the surgery so you can determine if the procedure is ideal given your goals. We can then develop a custom treatment plan just for you.
Learn More About Nasal Surgery
To learn more about rhinoplasty and how it can benefit you, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Griffin can discuss your surgical options in much greater detail.
