Why is One of my Nostrils Bigger Than the Other, but Yet I Don't Have Breathing Problems? (photo)

Just wondering if I have what many say is a deviated septum. Just wondering what it would cost for a more symmetrical look.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by ad5276

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Asymmetric nostril and deviated septum

The reason one nostril is larger than the other is due to a caudal septal deviation. There is likely some degree of nasal obstruction on the patient’s left side. This septal deviation is hugely due to some sort of prior trauma and can be fixed through a small incision inside the nostrils. A rhinoplasty does not necessarily have to be performed unless the patient wishes to do so.

Asymmetric nostrils

Actually most people's nostrils are asymmetric, we just rarely look at other people from that angle. It does appear that the caudal (bottom) end of your septum is in the left nostril adding to the asymmetry. If you are not bothered by your breathing, surgery is not necessary.

Asymmetrical Nosrils without Breathing Problem

It is possible that your obviously deviated septum is not causing a breathing problem. But how do you know that you don't have any breathing obstruction? I once did a cosmetic rhinoplasty on the #1 woman tennis player in the world who told me she did not have any breathing problems. After I did her nose and septum she realized how poor her breathing had been.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

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Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Correction of a Deviated Septum

From your photos, it's evident that the very front of your septum, what we call the caudal septum, is deflected into your left airway. This can obstruct the external valve of the nose and cause difficulty breathing for some patients. In these cases, correction of this deviation (septoplasty) may be considered medically necessary and insurance coverage could be obtained. If you are breathing normally, correction of this issue would likely be considered cosmetic. Straightening... more

Nostrils and breathing C

Clearly both of your nostrils are large enough for air to flow through them the same must be true for the passage ways behind them I see what you see the aperture of your left (to the right in the picture but your true left) nasal vestibule does appear smaller this makes the nostril look smaller the cause of this is likely caudal septal deviation Why do you ask?

Asymmetric facial features

First and foremost, if you took a picture of anyone's face and cut it in half down the middle and compared the two sides no one is the same on both sides. No one. That said, it does appear the bottom part of the cartilage that is adjacent to your inner nostril is flared in to the nostril. I have the same thing. I have had it all my life. It's just a normal variant. To convince yourself that your nostrils are the same size, print that picture. Take a sharpie marker and color in... more