Can rhinoplasty correct asymmetric nostrils?
My nose looks fine but my nostrils are asymmetrical. Can rhinoplasty fix this kind of problem?
Asked by: Anonymous
Answers (5)
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. This is an example of a recent revision rhinoplasty I performed for correction of nostril asymmetry:
Before
After
For more information and before and aftre photos visit http://www.seattlerhinoplasty.com
Facial Plastic Surgeon
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.
Rhinoplasty can fix asymmetric nostrils
Facial Plastic Surgeon
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 Persky, MD, FACS
Correcting asymmetric nostrils
Facial Plastic Surgeon
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 want to find out if the septum is an issue:
- Push on the bottom of your nose and feel your septum.
- It will be a sharp edge running all the way from the base of your nose to your tip.
- If this edge is off center, then a deviated septum is likely causing your nostril asymmetry.
Even subtle deviations to the septum can affect nostril shape. If not, then tip cartilage asymmetry may be the reason for your problem. In order to understand the problem completely, a consultation is often necessary.
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 surgery. In this case, fixing the cartilage problems will go a long way towards improving nostril symmetry.
Sometimes, one nostril is just naturally smaller or shaped differently than the other one. The nostrils can be made to appear more similar in size and shape, but they may not be made perfectly symmetrical. This is usually cosmetically acceptable because noses and faces aren’t naturally perfectly symmetrical. So, the goal is to have every aspect of your nose look nice, natural, internally balanced, harmonious with other features and unoperated upon.
When there is a major difference in nostril symmetry, such as in someone with a cleft lip and palate, deficient bone and soft tissue is often responsible. In these situations, we have to do a lot of work including grafting to get things looking more similar. But, even in these cases, improvements can be had.
We encourage you to discuss your particular concerns with your surgeon directly, so you can be evaluated individually.
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