My Left Nostril is Now Lower Than the Right One Due to Grafting

asked 1 year ago by Brooke C in Los Angeles, CA
Latest answer by Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS
Question viewed 563 times
Tags: nostrils, graft, uneven

I had rhinoplasty in mide Feb of 2010. I had my deviated septum fixed and also a bit of tip work as well as having my left nostril grafted to meet the right. It has been over 10 months now and although I do see improvement (minimal) my left nostril is now lower than my right and looks bigger now. It is because the left side was grafted and had the septum on that site that the nose is still swollen ? Will the left nostril eventually meet the right? It bothers me and I am considering a revision?

10 answers to My Left Nostril is Now Lower Than the Right One Due to Grafting

Nostril asymmetry after rhinoplasty.

You need to wait at least 1 year for the swelling to go down but the change will probably be minimal. It is difficult to say if the graft is doing this without seeing it. Send me photos and I can give you a better answer.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Revision Rhinoplasty for Nostril Assymetry

These nostril adjustment procedures can be quite tricky, and at 10 months there is unlikely to be much more of a difference. I’d suggest speaking with your surgeon and/or discussing your goals with another surgeon experienced in these refined techniques.

Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurgeryoftheface.com

Post Rhinoplasty Nasal Asymmetry

Brooke: It is difficult to answer your question without examining you nose or at least seeing pictures. You are in my community, so I'd be happy to see you. If you prefer, send pictures. 10 months after surgery, it is appropriate to consider your options.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

A bit early to tell..

There will still be healing going on throughout the first 12 months after rhinoplasty. See your surgeon for advice and expectations. Based on your description however, there may have been a significant amount of twisting and asymmetry encountered in surgery. Best to give it some more time. - Dr. G

Edward J. Gross, MD
Orlando Facial Plastic Surgeon

Left Nostril is Lower Than the Right One Due to Grafting

Hello, It would be best to speak with your surgeon, as he/she knows the extent of your surgery and exactly what was performed. You are still experiencing some residual swelling after 10 months. He/she may be able to give you the best advice regarding your issue at this time. If you are still not satisfied with your nose following that point, please feel free to send any photos to my office and I would be happy to evaluate them for you. My contact information is listed in my profile. Th... more

Paul S. Nassif, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Revison Rhinoplasty

Hi Brooke, At this point it is reasonable to consider revision rhinoplasty for the asymmetry of your nostrils. Discuss your concerns with your rhinoplasty surgeon. You can also use the time before any revision surgery to have multiple consults for other opinions. Certainly if you feel comfortable with your surgeon, have your revision surgery there as he/she knows exactly what was done at your original surgery. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nostril Asymmetry with Deviated Septum

Hi Brooke C, As other plastic surgeons, one generally should wait one year to allow rhinoplasty swelling to settle down. A deviated septum may contribute to nostril or tip asymmetry. Cartilage grafts could help treat the nostrils. Without a comprehensive evaluation, let alone seeing several photographs at various angle, a plastic surgeon cannot provide any options for you. Revision rhinoplasty surgery may or may not be appropriate. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Asymmetries After Alar Rim Grafts

Pre and Postoperative photos would be the key to evaluating your concerns. Also, the specific type of graft used would also help in diagnosis. I am assuming it was an alar rim graft fashioned from septal cartilage. In any event, it will take up to one year for all swelling to resolve. It will also take a year for the "shrink wrap" effect of scar tissue formation under the nasal skin and soft tissue to truly show what the final appearance of your nose... more