Can Tip Rhinoplasty correct asymmetrical cartilage?

I have an asymmetrical nose, specifically the cartilage of the columella and its upper junction, and would like to have it corrected. The left side protrudes further than the right side, which causes my right nostril to appear higher than the left nostril.

I like the shape of my nose, but I would like a more symmetrical version of it. Would tip Rhinoplasty correct this problem or would the procedure cause further asymmetries?

Can Tip Rhinoplasty correct asymmetrical cartilage?
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12 answers to “Can Tip Rhinoplasty correct...”

A: Tip Rhinoplasty

C. Spencer Cochran, MD

In rhinoplasty jargon, the term "Tip Rhinoplasty" or "Tip Refinement" simply means reshaping the nasal tip to improve its appearance. This can involve making the tip more symmetric, narrower, smaller, less bulbous, less boxy, more/less upturned, etc.  -- depending on the goals of the... more

A: Asymmetries can be addressed through a tip plasty

William Portuese, MD

It depends on the presenting problems with regards to tip rhinoplasty. A tip rhinoplasty can be performed as a standalone procedure without having to do the remainder of the nose, provided the nose is in excellent balance relative to the shape of your current nose. Asymmetries can be addressed through a tip... more

A: Tip Rhinoplasty ideal if you only need tip correction

Robert M. Freund, MD

If all you need is correction of the tip, then a tip rhinoplasty is ideal. This would encompass evening out and suturing the tip cartilage until they look even.  Just a couple of warnings: 1. Scar tissue and cartilage memory always conspire to reverse the surgical improvements. 2. The tip of youe nose may... more

A: Operative approach probably best for asymmetrical cartilage

Sirish Maddali, MD

Given the one picture you show, it is possible to improve tip appearance with both fillers or surgery. In my opinion, an open approach and sutures to improve your tip will be the best way to go. However, you do need to understand that most (if not all) of us are born with asymmetries and that is a natural... more

A: Asymmetrical tip cartilages

James H. Fuller, MD

A major goal of rhinoplasty is symmetry. Certainly your asymmetrical tip can be corrected and most likely without bone work. I would want to see the whole face including the profile before committing to only correcting the tip. Someone has already pointed out that a perfect nose is a rarity. It is best you... more

A: See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Toby G. Mayer, MD

A tip plasty should solve your problem. Often this is done under local anesthesia. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and he will improve your asymmetry. Surgery is the way to correct this: fillers only give temporary results and to  be repeated.

A: Asymmetry of the nasal tip.

Steven Wallach, MD

First, everyone has a bit of asymmetry in their nose as they do in all parts of their body.  It can never be made perfectly symmetric. On the other hand, tip asymmetry can be improved with a tip rhinoplasty using sutures to align the cartilages better and trimming any excess cartilage that one side may... more

A: You could consider a Non-surgical Rhinoplasty to correct this assymetry.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

Dear Annalynn, If the assymetry of your nostrils is all you want fixed, consider having an injectable filler placed on the right side to lower that nostril to the same level as the left. This is an office procedure with topical anesthetic and no downtime. If this did not meet your expectations, surgery... more

A: Goal of Rhinoplasty is Symmetry

Frank P. Fechner, MD

Although perfect symmetry is always difficult to achieve, a symmetrical nose (including the nasal tip) is certainly one of the many goals of rhinoplasty. Your lower lateral cartilages are asymmetrical in shape producing the tip appearance you dislike. During rhinoplasty, the shape of these cartilages is... more

A: A tip rhinoplasty would help improve the asymmetry

Ricardo Izquierdo, MD

 A tip rhinoplasty would help improve the asymmetry.  However, you must understand that perfect symmetry is difficult to find in nature, let alone produce it.  Direct changes to the tip cartilages via an open approach would best serve your problem.

More answers to Can Tip Rhinoplasty correct asymmetrical cartilage?
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Comments

annalynn02
4 posts
29 May 2009

Thank you all for your prompt responses! This problem has bothered me for several years and now I feel more hopeful about improving it!

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