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Can Rhinoplasty Correct Asymmetric Nostrils?

asked 4 years ago by gladiator in London, England
Latest answer by Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Question viewed 13,794 times
Tags: nostrils, asymmetry, uneven

Septoplasty has left my left nostril larger than before. Is it possible to correct it back to its original size? Can rhinoplasty fix this kind of problem?

18 answers to Can Rhinoplasty Correct Asymmetric Nostrils?

Nasal Asymmetry

Persistent deviation of your septum or asymmetry of the tip cartilages may have caused your problem. An experienced surgeon could improve the appearance of your very thick uneven tip as well as improve your nasal breathing.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Rhinoplasty can offer some improvement to asymmetric nostrils

We are often asked by patients whether nostril asymmetry can be corrected. This is something that often really bothers people a lot even though they know that no one else really sees their nostrils on a regular basis (except for maybe the family pet). The answer depends on the cause of the asymmetry. Much of the time, it is caused by asymmetry of the cartilages that make up the tip of the nose. You can be born this way but, more often than not, it happens from over-aggressive previous... more

Jason Litner, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Yes, you should see a rhinoplasty specialist

Very often patients have asymmetry of the nostrils due to the crooked end of the septum pushing into one side of the nostrils. A rhinoplasty specialist will be able to correct this problem, usually by removing the deviated part of the end of the septum and restoring the symmetry of the nostrils.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Usually, but it depends on the structural damage

Usually the defect can be addressed quite successfully, but the outcome depends on the exact location of the structural change that altered the nostril size to begin with. Obviously you're going to want to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with the skills and experience necessary to deal with a revision rhinoplasty procedure. Do your homework and listen to the doctors you're going to interview. You'll find the one that is able to fix the problem and meshes well with you on a human... more

H. Steve Byrd, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty can fix asymmetric nostrils

Hello, In most cases an expert rhinoplastic surgeon can correct asymmetric nostrils. The method used to accomplish the correction depends upon the diagnosis of why they are different. Remember, it is not the "rhinoplasty" that corrects the asymmetry, but the experienced, skilled rhinoplastic surgeon. Take the time to choose your surgeon most carefully. Be well and good luck.

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Correcting asymmetric nostrils

Asymmetric nostrils often results from nasal tip deviation. Other issues, such as facial asymmetry can also be a factor in its development. The most important question for a surgeon and patient is why this occurred in the first place. While asymmetry of the nasal tip cartilages can be a factor, there is usually a septal deviation that is the true underlying cause. Deflections of the caudal septum (the lowest point) can push on the tip cartilages, causing differences in the nostrils. If you... more

Richard W. Westreich, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

Correction of Asymmetric Nostrils in Rhinoplasty

Everyone has asymmetry of the nostrils. Correction of significant asymmetry of the nostrils is usually done in one or two ways. The outer part which is called alar flaring has extra skin on the outside of the nose and then there is the inside of the nostril, both be corrected. They are two different operations. Correction of alar flaring is done with a wedge removal of skin and tissue on the outer aspect of the nose just at the alar base. This must be done very carefully and meticulously... more

Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Correcting nostril asymmetry

If this asymmetry resulted from septoplasty, the caudal septum is probably curved toward your right side pulling the left soft triangle to a more acute angle while simultaneously flattening the right soft triangle. If you are happy with the tip from the front (e.g. it is not deviated toward the right), then I would not resort to a columellar strut and septal revision (and possible crural strut grafts), but would adjust the size and shape of the left nostril to more appropriately... more

Steve Laverson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

Correcting assymetric nostrils

Fixing nostrils that are different sizes after nose surgery can be done but is difficult. Everyone has some asymmetry, but some asymmetry is more noticeable than others. While there are many different surgical techniques to correct the different sized holes the risk and benefit ratio should be considered. This should be carefully discussed with your physician as realistic expectations are clearly needed. i often point out asymmetries to my patients prior to having nose surgery as some of... more

Carlos Wolf, MD
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty to correct asymmetric nostrils

Rhinoplasty is effective at correcting assymetries to some degree, but there are certain genetic asymmetries that can not be corrected. Your surgeon should be able to guide you appropriately as to what to expect from rhinoplasty

Jason B. Diamond, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Correcting nostril asymmetry

It is normal in the face and body to have a asymmetry between the left and right sides. It is likely that a skilled plastic surgeon can correct the asymmetry of your nostrils, but one should keep in mind that asymmetry is normal and present in everybody.

Deason Dunagan, MD
Huntsville Plastic Surgeon

Correction of asymmetric nostrils

In some cases asymmetric nostrils can be corrected, depending on what is causing the problem. In the picture show with this question, the nostrils can be evened with a grafting technique that brings down the rim of the larger nostril.

Howard T. Bellin, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of asymmetric nostrils

Rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of asymmetric nostrils; however, it is almost impossible to guarantee perfect nostril symmetry. Most asymmetries of the nostril are caused by persistent septal deviation and thus can result from a septoplasty, asymmetric tip cartilages either from surgery or preexisting, or deviation of the lower third of the nose. Sometimes nostrils are just asymmetric and if that is the case then there are some techniques that can be performed to shift around, reduce... more

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty can correct nostril asymmetry

Assymetry of the nose, or elements of the nose, including the nostrils, tip, columella, dorsum, or bony hump are caused by the underlying support mechanism and cartilaginous architecture. In most cases, as in yours, there is an obvious asymmetry caused by malpositioning of the cartilaginous support units of the nose. To correct, I would advise undergoing an open rhinoplasty to assess nasal tip support and architecture. This will identify normal elements and deficient cartilaginous... more

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Septoplasty shouldn't have affected nostril asymmetry

A septoplasty should not have impacted nostril asymmetry. Nostril asymmtery is normal but if yours is excessive, a simple procedure to reduce one nostril base may correct your problem.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Nostril asymmetry can be corrected with Rhinoplasty

The short answer is yes, but the treatment depends on the causes for the asymmetry. Nostril asymmetry can be caused by a deviated septum, asymmetry is the lower lateral cartilage, asymmetry alar soft tissues and developmental problems such as a cleft lip deformity. In your case, with the one view, I suspect you have several contributing factors including thick soft tissue asymmetry, alar cartilage mal-position and poor nasal tip support. However, I recommend that you have several... more

Daniel Reichner, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

Nostril asymmetry can be improved with rhinoplasty

Nostril asymmetry is a challenging problem but can be improved with advanced Rhinoplasty techniques and cartilage grafting. At times the asymmetry of the nostrils may be due to deviation of the septum. This can be corrected with a Septoplasty procedure. See before and after pictures of a recent revision Rhinoplasty I performed for correction of nostril asymmetry here.

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Yes, the goal of Rhinoplasty is to create a nose that...

Yes, the goal of Rhinoplasty is to create a nose that fits harmoniously with the face and balanced for each individual patient. Asymmetric nostrils can be improved upon and made to look more symmetrical. However, largely asymmetric nostrils can be quite difficult to be made to look perfect. It can be very difficult to adjust one oval nostril to match a more round nostril, but the nostrils can be done to look more symmetrical.