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Nose straightening

Straightening a nose is done when the nose is crooked. A crooked nose is usually caused by a past trauma or accident. If the nose became crooked in early childhood, where there is still growth, the crookedness may worsen with age. Sometimes a misalignment is congenital, but is not noticeable at birth. In that case, it is usually the nasal septum that has become crooked (in addition to the pedestal on which it rests), which may result from its position in the womb.

If a crooked nose is caused by the bony nasal bones, we cannot straighten it without re-breaking the bones. That requires general anesthesia. If the cartilaginous nasal bridge is crooked or curved, it is sometimes possible to correct it under local anesthesia.

The internal portion, or nasal septum, can also be crooked. This can cause nasal congestion on one or both sides. This also requires a septum correction. In this case, health insurance companies sometimes reimburse part of the costs. We will examine this for you and, if possible, make arrangements with the health insurance company.

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Possibilities

If the straightening of a crooked nose also requires the nasal bones to be broken, this is called a major rhinoplasty (under anesthesia in an operating room). Sometimes only the cartilage needs to be straightened, which can be done under local anesthesia. This depends on exactly what needs to be done, and whether the septum also needs to be straightened.

The treatment

The treatment process consists of several steps, starting with a free consultation in which we discuss your wishes. During this consultation it is possible to use a 3D computer simulation.

Whether it is a bony or cartilaginous correction of the misalignment, the approach is usually through a small incision at the base of the nose (in the gap between the nostrils). This involves a very small scar that can hardly be seen again after six months. However, this technique or “open approach” has many advantages. For example, the surgeon can work much more precisely with both hands (because the assistant holds the tissues aside).

If the bony nasal bridge needs to be straightened, then the nasal bones are broken in a controlled manner, through very small incisions next to the nose (under the eyes). This requires anesthesia and such an operation takes a little less than 2 hours. Depending on how many structures need to be loosened, tampons (1 or 2 sides) are placed. After the procedure, a cast is placed on the nose for about 10 days.

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Aftercare and recovery after nose straightening

The day of the procedure itself and the day after, you will cool the nose and eyes. This is best done by placing a washcloth with frozen peas in it on the eyes (and the nose cap). You do that every hour for about 5 minutes. No need to get up at night for it.

If applicable, after 3-4 days, remove the tampons and replace the nasal cap. If you wear a cast cap (and the nasal bones are broken), you will be in “visible surgery” during all this time. That means you have swelling and bruising around the eyes. These discolor, sink to the cheeks, and disappear after 7-10 days. As long as the nasal cap is in place, it is best not to exert yourself too much physically. Light housework is allowed. Administrative work, reading, studying, computer work, … can all be done. Upon removal of the nasal cap, you will be “presentable” again. It is best to avoid all exertions that cause you to sweat for 2-3 weeks. Slow cycling is allowed after 2 weeks, running after 3-4 weeks and contact sports after 5-6 weeks. The sutures at the base of the nose are dissolvable and may be cut short to the skin after 10-14 days. As long as they are present, the sutures may be rubbed with oily ointment. The scars next to the nose do not require sutures and are no longer present after a few months.

Most swelling is gone after 6 weeks. The nasal tip feels stiff and lumbering at first, and it may take us six months to regain full flexibility.

Before and after photos of nose straightening

Costs

The cost of surgery to straighten a crooked nose varies widely. Therefore, it is not possible to quote a general price. However, we do know that most nose straightening surgeries cost between €4,500 and €7,500. Want to know exactly what it would cost for you? Schedule a free video consultation!

Nose straightening at Neuscorrectiespecialist

The Rhinoplasty Specialist is the specialist for both cosmetic and functional nose surgery. All operations are performed by Dr. Koen Ingels, Dr. Niels van Heerbeek and Dr. Arthur Scheffer. Together they have more than sixty years of experience in doing rhinoplasty operations on a weekly basis and are therefore among the best nose surgeons currently working in the Netherlands. These years of experience are crucial because of the close relationship between the shape and function (breathing) of the nose. Indeed, any correction of the shape of the nose can have an adverse effect on breathing and vice versa. We couple this surgical expertise with an open and approachable contact. In addition, at the Nose Correction Specialist, quality and safety are paramount. Also, at the Nose Correction Specialist, we are one of the few to have a Piezo device.

Are you considering straightening your nose? Please contact us via the contact form. You can also call 0031 85 760 47 27 or email info@neuscorrectiespecialist.nl.