Is there any way I can augment the position of my nostrils? (photo)

Question

One of my nostril bases sit higher than the other. It is typical to have nostril asymmetry but mine is overly obvious and interferes with how my glasses sit on my face. I am aware of two alarplasty techniques- alar wedge excision and nostril sill excision and I don't see how these would improve the look of my nose. Is there any way I could move one of my nostrils down?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is a complicated issue. Your facial muscles on your right side are stronger and pulling the nostril higher up. You also have a strong nostril muscle on your right giving it more roundness and curve. The solution is either; 
a) put a cartilage in right nostril to make it look like the left or
b) remove cartilage from left nostril to make it look like the right

Regards
Dr. Janjua

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your nostrils are at different height. This could be corrected with alar excisions. Make sure your surgeon doe this routinely. Don’t be surprised if a secondary touch up is needed.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Yes, there are ways to improve the position of the ala. An alarplasty wouldn't be my first thought based on your complaint. I would attempt small cartilage pieces under the base of the ala which can move it downward. A crescentic wedge excision under the nostril base to move the nostril downward is another option if the first doesn't work. I would seek a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon who performs alarplasty regularly to find out more. Hope this helps!

Is there any way I can augment the position of my nostrils? (photo)

Answers (3)

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