What is a Crooked Nose?
A crooked nose or misaligned nose is a common condition where the nasal septum, the cartilage that divides the nostrils, is displaced from its natural alignment. This misalignment can result in both functional issues, such as breathing difficulties, and aesthetic concerns, affecting the overall balance of the face. Many patients consult Dr. Sam Rizk to discuss having surgery to correct their crooked nose at his Manhattan accredited surgical facility.
What Are The Main Symptoms?
Common symptoms of a crooked nose include:
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Nasal obstruction or congestion
- Snoring
- Headaches or facial pain
- A visibly crooked or misshapen appearance
What Causes a Crooked Nose?
Several factors can contribute to this severe nasal deformity, each requiring an individualized treatment approach.
Trauma
Injuries from accidents, falls, or sports can lead to nasal fractures and misalignments, resulting in a crooked appearance.
Genetics
Congenital conditions such as cleft lip and/or palate or inherited traits can lead to a misaligned nose that develops naturally over time.
Developmental Changes
The normal growth and aging of facial structures can cause a nose to become crooked, particularly during adolescence. For example, as the nasal bones and cartilage grow, imbalances in development can lead to a deviation, resulting in a crooked appearance.
Cartilage Collapse
In some cases, a crooked nose may result from cartilage collapse that may require cartilage grafts, like spreader grafts, to make the nose straighter.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is often the most common cause of a crooked nose, where the cartilage separating the nostrils becomes displaced, leading to functional and aesthetic issues. Dr. Rizk does not work with medical insurance providers, and so functional improvements are paid out of pocket and are part of your nose surgery.
Long-term Solutions for a Crooked Nose
If you’ve ever wondered, “My nose is crooked, how can I fix it?”
The best solution often lies in rhinoplasty for a crooked nose. This surgical procedure reshapes the cartilage and bone to restore balance and symmetry, addressing both functional and cosmetic concerns. Unlike temporary fixes like dermal fillers, which may mask the issue, rhinoplasty provides a definitive correction.
Dr. Rizk’s specialized techniques may involve cartilage grafts, bone cuts, and spreader grafts to realign and strengthen the nose. Depending on the severity of the crookedness, he may employ procedures like osteotomies to narrow or widen specific areas that are difficult to modify without surgical intervention. With rhinoplasty, you can expect long-lasting results that prevent the need for further interventions.
Ideal Candidates for Fixing a Crooked Nose in NY
Candidates for fixing a crooked nose are individuals seeking improved symmetry and breathing who also meet essential health and mindset criteria for safe, predictable surgical outcomes.
- Visibly deviated nose, affecting appearance or nasal airflow.
- Completed facial growth, typically age 16–17 or older.
- Good overall health; no uncontrolled chronic medical conditions.
- Non-smoker or willing to quit weeks before crooked nose surgery.
- No active sinus infection or untreated severe allergies.
- Realistic expectations and commitment to postoperative care after crooked nose surgery.
Meet Dr. Rizk, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Sam Rizk is a leading nose surgeon in NYC who has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar. His commitment to excellence extends beyond just surgery; every patient receives individualized care from his expert staff throughout the entire process.
If you’re looking for a reliable expert to help you achieve your desired appearance, then Dr. Rizk is your ideal choice. With his commitment to achieving desirable results, use of advanced technology, and a comprehensive personalized approach, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Book your appointment with this award-winning rhinoplasty specialist today.
Awards & Certifications
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Crooked Nose Surgery – The Process
Initial Consultation
Dr. Rizk examines both the external shape and internal airway in one session, using high-definition endoscopy and 3D imaging to pinpoint cosmetic goals and breathing issues simultaneously. His personalized approach allows him to recommend the most suitable treatment plan for your crooked nose surgery.
Pre-Treatment Guide
You will receive a clear, step-by-step checklist detailing which medications to pause, nutrition tips, smoking cessation, and ride-home arrangements, all informed by Dr. Rizk’s decades of rhinoplasty experience. These precise instructions cut down surgical risk and streamline recovery before you even arrive.
Day of Surgery
You’ll check in at Dr. Rizk’s accredited surgical facility, where, under general anesthesia, he uses micro-instrumentation, ultrasonic bone reshaping, and cartilage grafts to refine form while preserving support. This low-impact setting and technique efficiently fixes a crooked nose and typically limits bruising and swelling, leading to more predictable results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Expect mild swelling and congestion during the first week. Dr. Rizk provides clear guidance, like gentle taping, cool compresses, and activity limits, and makes it essential to avoid any type of glasses, including sunglasses and prescription frames, until he gives approval, as even light pressure can affect healing. Scheduled follow-up appointments allow him to monitor progress, fine-tune care, and answer questions. Most patients return to normal routines within two weeks, enjoying lasting improvements in both appearance and airflow.
Book a Consultation With Dr. Rizk
If you’re looking to correct a crooked nose, contact Dr. Rizk’s office today to schedule a consultation and explore how his expert approach can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Related Conditions
Droopy Nose
A droopy nose, or nasal tip ptosis, occurs when the tip of the nose descends due to weakened cartilage or aging. This condition can affect facial aesthetics and may require surgical correction to restore a more youthful and balanced appearance.
Upturned Nose
An upturned nose has a higher angle at the tip, often giving the appearance of a pig-like or excessively cute look. While some individuals may prefer this feature, others might seek rhinoplasty to achieve a more balanced and proportionate nasal appearance.
Pinched Nose
A pinched nose is characterized by a narrow, constricted appearance, often resulting from previous surgery or genetic factors. This condition can impact both aesthetics and airflow, making it a potential candidate for corrective rhinoplasty to restore a more natural shape and function.
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FAQ
Is there a non-surgical option for correcting my crooked nose?
Yes! If you’re looking for less invasive procedures than surgery, there are some non-surgical options available that can help with minor aesthetic issues related to crookedness. For example, injectable fillers can be used to enhance or add volume in areas of the nose that need more definition or projection to balance out any asymmetries from underlying bone structure or facial features. In addition, skin care products like chemical peels are effective for improving skin texture and tone – this helps remove discoloration or other signs of damage on the surface of your skin that could be contributing to an uneven appearance.
What should I expect after having my crooked nose corrected?
Expect some swelling and soreness around your nasal area that should subside after several days following treatment – this is completely normal as part of the recovery process! During the first week after surgery, you should avoid wearing sunglasses to prevent pressure on the nose.
However, once the swelling and bruising improve, you may start wearing sunglasses for short periods, ensuring they are lightweight with minimal pressure on the nasal area. Depending on what type of correction you received (surgical vs non-surgical) results may vary but overall you should notice an improvement in facial proportions and symmetry once fully healed.
How much does it cost to fix a crooked nose?
The cost of a rhinoplasty procedure to correct a crooked nose depends on multiple factors, including the complexity of the surgery, the anesthesiologist’s fee, and the expected outcome. Additionally, the experience and expertise of your surgeon can also affect the overall price. Contact Dr. Rizk’s Manhattan office to schedule an appointment to discuss your nose job expectations and pricing.
How to contour a crooked nose?
Crooked noses can be contoured by using a combination of rhinoplasty, filler injections, and non-surgical methods such as dermabrasion to sculpt the nose carefully. Rhinoplasty involves reshaping the underlying structures of the nose and adjusting the cartilage to create a more balanced shape. Filler injections, such as hyaluronic acid, help to correct any asymmetries and add definition. Dermabrasion is an additional method used to refine the shape of the nose, improve contours, reduce bumps, and even out irregularities.
Dr. Rizk in the Media
Dr. Rizk was voted by his peers as a Top Doctor in 2025 – For the 21th consecutive year!
Connolly Best Doctor
Dr. Rizk featured in Town & Country Magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak that will turn back time
Voted by peers to New York Magazine's 2013 Top Doctors
New Advances in Facelifting Techniques by Dr. Sam Rizk
By Dr. Sam S. Rizk, M.D., FACS.
Dr. Rizk is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and is a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques. He performs a range of facial plastic surgeries at his New York practice.