Nose Angle: How To Treat Your Concern

What is the anatomy of the nose?

First things first, a brief anatomy lesson. The nose is made mostly of bone and cartilage. The nasal bones sit at the nasal bridge and then cartilaginous tissue runs down towards the nostrils. The area of the nose between the eyebrows is the root and the area at the nasal tip is the apex. The dorsum nasi (nasal dorsum) runs from root to apex.

The Anatomy of the Nose

Cartilaginous alae are a fancy name for the nostrils. The nasal septum lies within the nose and is made of bone and cartilage. It can be further broken down into the dorsal septum (along the top of nose) and the caudal septum (down by the nostrils). As mentioned, changes to nasal deviation (S-shaped, C-shaped, or I-shaped) can cause issues with the nasal septum.

What causes an angled or crooked nose?

So what exactly causes an angled or crooked nose? Well, sometimes it’s the genetic lottery and other times it may be an acquired look… like from a broken nose. A crooked or angled nose may be an aesthetic concern or a functional concern.

• Nasal Structure Deformity: Trauma, surgery, infection, genetics, and tumors can all cause nasal structure deformities leading to a crooked or angled nose. If you notice sudden changes in breathing or the nose shape and contour (and you haven't been recently hit in the face by a flying projectile) you should have an assessment with your healthcare provider.
• Deviated Septum: A deviated septum means the wall that is supposed to divide your nasal passages (and airways) equally is not equal. This can cause breathing concerns. See our detailed look at cosmetic breathing issues.

For those who are impacted (functionally or otherwise) by the angle of their nose, both nasal structure deformities and a deviated septum can be corrected with facial plastic surgery.

What are the main concerns related to an angled or crooked nose?

An angled or crooked nose can cause both aesthetic and functional concerns. All breathing issues should be addressed by a healthcare provider, but certain cosmetic breathing issues can be effectively addressed through plastic surgery. Regardless of whether your concern is aesthetic or functional, there are multiple treatment options to straighten and define the contours of the nose.

Who may wish to correct their angled or crooked nose?

So, why would you want to straighten or refine the contours of your nose? Well, maybe you are seeking more facial symmetry, you’d like to breathe easier, you’re correcting a previous trauma, or you just want your nose back to it’s old shape. Whatever works for you.

How can someone correct an angled or crooked nose?

Correcting an angled or crooked nose can be as involved as a full, surgical rhinoplasty (a.k.a. nose job) or as simple as a dedicated at-home makeup routine. Depending on your unique concern and desired aesthetic, a more or less involved procedure may be appropriate.

You can check out our full guide to Nose Angle Solutions or read on for an overview of the treatment options:

For Nasal Structure Deformity

Nasal structure deformities (i.e. issues with bone, cartilage, and soft tissues) can be treated with a surgical rhinoplasty like an Open Approach Rhinoplasty, Closed Rhinoplasty, Endoscopic Rhinoplasty, Youth/Teen Rhinoplasty, Ethnic Rhinoplasty, Rejuvenation Rhinoplasty, or Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty. A Liquid Rhinoplasty is a less invasive option using dermal fillers.

If surgery and injectables aren’t for you, a dedicated home makeup routine can utilize contouring, highlights, and lowlights to alter the appearance of the nose in a temporary and easily adjustable way.

For Deviated Septum

A deviated septum falls more under the category of cosmetic breathing issues, but it can be caused by a crooked or angled nose. A septorhinoplasty simultaneously enhances the appearance of the nose (with a rhinoplasty), while also alleviating mild breathing concerns (with a septoplasty). Consider that a win-win!