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Roman Nose Surgery: How to Fix a Crooked Nose

Tagged: Facial Treatments

Date: 22nd February 2024

Medically Reviewed by:  Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396)

Last reviewed: 22nd February 2024

A crooked nose, otherwise known as a ‘Roman Nose’ or an asymmetrical nose, is a nose that is not perfectly straight, typically featuring an off-centre nasal bridge or septum. Sometimes, this nose deviation can cause functional issues like difficulty breathing. Crooked noses can result from factors like injury or genetics, or they could be caused by developmental issues.

Crooked noses can be treated using non-surgical and surgical options. A non-surgical approach typically involves injecting dermal fillers into some parts of the nose to make it straighter. Surgical options include rhinoplasty and septoplasty. 

What is a Roman or Aquiline Nose?

A Roman or aquiline nose is a specific nose shape with a prominent and slightly curved nasal bridge. This nose shape typically features a protruding nose bridge that extends down from the forehead and curves slightly at the tip. 

The word “aquiline” originates from the Latin word “aquilinus,” meaning “relating to the eagle,” and this nose shape resembles the beak of an eagle. The Roman nose shape is often found in classical artworks like statues and paintings. A Roman nose is also called a hooked nose. 

How Do I Know if I Have a Roman Shape Nose?

To determine whether you have a hooked nose, you need to examine your nose for the characteristics of this type of nose. Below are some of the features of an aquiline nose:

  • Prominent Bridge: A Roman-shaped nose features a high and prominent bridge. You likely have a Roman nose if your nasal bridge is noticeable and runs down from your forehead.
  • Slight Curve: The subtle curve on the nose is another distinctive feature of a hooked nose. Check for a gentle curve around the bridge of your nose.
  • Strong Profile: An aquiline nose also stands out in the face and is often believed to give the face a strong profile. Consider the overall profile of your face to know if you have an aquiline nose. 

Is There a Difference Between a Roman Nose and a Greek Nose?

The terms “Roman nose” and “Greek nose” are common expressions used to describe two distinctive nose shapes. As mentioned earlier, a Roman nose is a prominent nose with a noticeable bridge and a slight curve at the tip. On the other hand, a Greek nose is a straight and well-proportioned nose with a narrow bridge. 

The phenomenon of both Roman and Greek noses can be traced back to classical arts. Many artistic representations of ancient Roman figures depicted them as having what we call Roman noses today. The same goes for ancient Greek artworks featuring what we now know as Greek noses. 

Are Aquiline Noses Considered Attractive?

Many people consider the aquiline nose shape as a desirable beauty trait. This aesthetic preference can be traced back to classical artistic styles, where Romans associated having an “eagle’s nose” with beauty and dignity. However, the classification of nose shapes is purely subjective, depending on cultural backgrounds and individual preferences.  

How Can I Fix a Crooked or Hooked Nose?

Some surgical and non-surgical intervention options are available to people looking to fix their hooked noses. Here are some of them: 

Surgical Interventions 

Undergoing nose surgery has proven to be one of the most common and effective ways to fix a crooked or curved nose. Below are the surgical interventions available for a crooked nose: 

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is a surgical process that aims to change the size, shape, or overall outlook of the nose. The surgeon may work on the nose's bone, cartilage, and/or soft tissues during the surgery to produce the desired nose shape. Many rhinoplasty before and after pictures show that the procedure often yields the expected results.

Septoplasty

A septoplasty is a nose surgery aimed at correcting a deviated septum. This surgery is usually more functional than aesthetic, as the surgeon changes the position of the septum to make breathing easier for the patient.  

Septorhinoplasty

This procedure combines the methods used in both rhinoplasty and septoplasty to achieve both functionality and aesthetics. In a septorhinoplasty, the surgeon can modify the look of the nose while also addressing breathing issues caused by a deviated septum. 

It is important to note that the surgical interventions needed to fix a hooked nose depend on the specific details of a patient’s situation. Hence, we advise you to speak to one of our plastic surgeons before deciding. 

Non-Surgical Interventions 

Correcting a crooked nose without surgery often involves using temporary measures to create a more aesthetic appearance. These methods may not be as effective or permanent as surgical interventions. Here are some options: 

Dermal Fillers

People with hooked noses can get injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid to temporarily add volume to the needed areas.  

Botox

Another option is to use botox injections to weaken the muscles, causing the deviation on the nose. While this procedure will not straighten the nose, it may improve its appearance.  


What is Crooked Nose Surgery, and When is It Necessary?

Crooked nose surgery or rhinoplasty aims to correct or reshape a crooked, deviated, or curved nose. Rhinoplasty patients are usually put under general anaesthesia, and the procedure may take 90 minutes to three hours to complete. 

A crooked nose rhinoplasty may become necessary if an individual wants to fix the hook in the nose, as the surgery can help straighten a curved nose. However, the surgery can also be for functional purposes. A hooked nose can cause breathing problems, which may require surgery to fix. In this case, a crooked nose surgery may become necessary. 

Rhinoplasty is a crooked nose operation common among male and female patients. Rhinoplasty for men can be sought to fix functional problems resulting from genetics or injuries like a broken nose. However, it is also common for men to get the surgery for aesthetic purposes.  

After the procedure, a patient may experience some rhinoplasty swelling or bruising around the cheeks or upper lips. This is normal and should disappear about ten days after the surgery.  

Sometimes, a patient may require a second crooked nose operation to correct the results of the first operation. This is often referred to as revision rhinoplasty. This is a complex surgery that many surgeons avoid altogether. We advise that you seek expert advice from our plastic surgeons if you’re considering going this route.  

What Are the Benefits of Crooked Nose Surgery?

A crooked nose surgery can offer patients many benefits, including the following: 

  • Improved Aesthetics: One of the most common reasons people seek nose surgery is to improve the appearance of their nose. A nose surgery can address deviations and improve the overall aesthetics of the nose. 
  • Enhanced Facial Harmony: A crooked nose may affect a person’s facial symmetry. With a crooked nose surgery, the nose can better align with a person’s other facial features. 
  • Better Breathing: A deviated septum on a crooked nose can cause breathing difficulties. Hence, getting nose surgery to fix a deviated septum can improve a patient’s breathing.  
  • Correction of Trauma or Injury: Some people seek nose surgery to address an injury or trauma their nose has suffered. Rhinoplasty can restore the nose to its pre-injury stage. 
  • Correction of Congenital Issues: Many people are born with congenital nasal problems, including crooked nose. Crooked nose surgery can help address these problems. 
  • Boosted Self-Confidence: Many people experience a boost in confidence and self-esteem after undergoing crooked nose surgery. This surgery can improve their overall sense of well-being.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgeons may use different techniques to fix a crooked nose depending on the specifics of the situation. Here are some of the techniques: 

  • Closed Rhinoplasty: This surgery is often used for mild cases. The surgeon typically makes incisions on the nostrils to perform this surgery. Many patients prefer this procedure because it has minimal scarring. 
  • Open Rhinoplasty: Here, the surgeon makes incisions on the columella to have better access to the parts that need modification. This procedure is more suitable for complex cases. 
  • Tip Rhinoplasty: This procedure is typically done when the crookedness is primarily on the tip of the nose. The surgery makes the nasal tip straight. 
  • Osteotomy: This procedure involves breaking the nasal bones to reposition them. This can help fix an asymmetrical nose. 

Typically, rhinoplasty recovery takes six to eight weeks, depending on the patient. However, certain factors may delay healing, including participating in rigorous activities, like exercising.  

Here are some of the risks involved in hooked nose surgery: 

  • Allergic reactions to anaesthesia 
  • Post-surgery infections that may cause complications if not quickly addressed 
  • Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery 
  • In some cases, the patient may have visible scars 
  • Temporary or permanent changes in sensation, especially feeling numbness around the nose 
  • Revision surgery may be required in some cases 

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