From the Guidelines
The medical term for a nose that is slightly pointing down and to the left is "deviated nasal septum with left-sided deviation and downward rotation." This condition refers to an abnormal positioning of the nasal septum (the wall dividing the nasal cavity) that causes the nose to appear asymmetrical. The downward rotation component describes the tip of the nose pointing downward, while the left-sided deviation indicates the nose is angled toward the left side of the face. This condition can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired through trauma or previous surgeries, as noted in studies such as 1. While often just a cosmetic concern, a significantly deviated septum can sometimes cause breathing difficulties, recurrent sinus infections, or nosebleeds. If breathing is affected, treatment options include nasal steroid sprays for symptom management or surgical correction through septoplasty or rhinoplasty procedures, with techniques such as those described in 1 for septal manipulation and realignment. Most mild deviations require no treatment unless they cause functional problems or significant cosmetic concerns, emphasizing the importance of individual assessment and treatment planning, as discussed in 1.
Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of a deviated nasal septum include:
- The position and shape of the nasal components, including the septum, dorsal septum, and conjoined upper lateral cartilages, as analyzed in 1
- The potential for breathing difficulties, recurrent sinus infections, or nosebleeds, as discussed in 1
- The various surgical procedures available for correction, including septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and turbinate reduction, as described in 1 and 1
- The importance of preserving cartilaginous tissue and maintaining nasal function, as emphasized in 1
From the Research
Description of Nasal Deformity
- A nose that is slightly pointing down and to the left can be described as having a deviated nasal septum with a caudal septal deviation, which may also be associated with a nasal tip ptosis 2, 3.
- The deviation of the nose to the left can be characterized as a linear deviated angle, which may be corrected through surgical techniques such as septoplasty and the use of spreader grafts or septal extension grafts 2.
- The downward pointing of the nose can be associated with a loss of caudal septal support, which may require reconstruction using costal cartilage or other grafting materials 2, 4.
Medical Terminology
- The medical term for a deviated nasal septum is nasal septal deviation (NSD) 5.
- A nose that is pointing down and to the left may be described as having a crooked or deviated nose, which can be caused by a variety of factors including septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, and inferior turbinate hypertrophy 6, 3.
- The correction of a deviated nasal septum and associated nasal deformities may require surgical techniques such as septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and the use of grafting materials to restore the nasal airway and improve the aesthetic appearance of the nose 2, 4.