How Can Asymmetrical Nostrils Be Corrected?

Question

I have one nostril larger than the other.  What can be done to make them more symmetrical?  It’s just a small difference, but sure is noticeable in pictures.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The difference is so slight in your nostrils that I would leave it alone. It only shows with your head back and is so slight that only you would notice the difference. The chances of making them perfect are remote.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Rhinoplasty is used to correct malformation in the nose, including assymetry. A rhinoplasty may even be medically necessary if your nasal assymetry affects your breathing. Cheek and chin augmentation are the most effective procedures for correcting severe facial assymetry. I wish you all the best.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The lower picture demonstrates the asymmetry the best. However, this is the least likely view that your public will see you. The top picture demonstrates little deformity or asymmetry. Although this is a "small difference" to you, the surgery would require addressing the 3 dimensional problem. It is probably more involved than you would like to hear. However, a simple alar base excision could correct about 60% of the problem if that is acceptable to you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The base view of your nose shows the asymmetry best. Your columella leans a bit to your left. And on your front view, your right nostril is a bit lower than your left. The asymmetry on your front view is barely noticeable. You seem to have thick, oily skin which can limit the beneficial results you could see after Rhinoplasty surgery.
You should consult a board-certified Rhinoplasty specialist to discuss your options.
I hope this is helpful for you.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Correcitng nostril asymmetry is usually done surgically when other areas of your nose are addressed such as your wide tip. However, it can be done as a sole procedure if you desire either with a graft or moving your nostrils as in an alar base reduction. However, that being said most nostrils are slightly asymmetric and it is very difficult to create perfect symmetry if not near impossible. So my advice unless it really bothers you I would leave it alone unless you also want some work done to narrow the tip of your nose.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Improving symmetry in the nostrils can be achieved through surgery. It looks like you have deficient cartilaginous support of the nostrils and excess tissue. Through cosmetic rhinoplasty focused primarily on your nostrils and tip, I think that you can see some improvement.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

It is possible to reduce the asymmetry between the nostrils.   The question is, should it be done in your case; what are the pros and cons?
By reducing your right nostril to match the left, the tip of the nose may appear more bulbous.  Also the breathing will be less on that side.  These issues can be minimized, but other procedures will then be necessary.
In addition, your left nostril simply inserts higher than the one on the right.  Correcting this asymmetry can cause additional scarring.
There are many changes of sun damage on the nose as well, which could be addressed at the same time.  As one of my colleagues has astutely noted, there appears to have been some intervention on the left nostril in the past.  What are the ramifications of this?
An experience board certified plastic surgeon can guide you through these questions.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hello,
Nostrils are very difficult to make perfectly symmetric.  If your nostrils bother you a great deal, then surgery would help.  It looks as if there may be some weakness in your left lateral ala, perhaps you have had skin cancer removal?
I would consider using your nasal septal cartilage as an alar rim graft to help support your left nostril and attempt to restore the natural arch.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

A certain degree of asymmetry between nostril sizes is usually not noticeable to most people. Also in our daily interactions we do not get to see anyone's nose from below and the nostril shape is not an issue.
However, if you find the shape issue bothersome you can have surgery to narrow the larger nostril and make them both symmetrical.
Regards

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The notching that occurs in the nostrils can be addressed through composite skin grafts from the ear, which consist of both cartilage and skin and would bring down any alar notching. When the base of the entire nose is tilted off, it is very difficult to straighten and involves scars that would be unacceptable. Alar base excisions can be done either symmetrically or asymmetrically to improve asymmetric nostril shape.

How Can Asymmetrical Nostrils Be Corrected?

Answers (14)

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