Broken Nose, Uneven Nostrils, Should I Get Surgery? (photo)

Question

ok so ill start at the beginning. I had a mole removed on my far right cheek 6 or 7 years ago (when i was 12). They cut an sort of oval shape around the mole and then sewed it back together. (small red scar in the 4th picture). 2 years ago i broke my nose. now my nostrils are hard to breathe through and are very uneven. the left one is exposed and some what sensitive. Im not sure which of these 2 events caused this my dermatologist said it probably wasn't my mole scar though.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty can make your nostrils more even and straighten your nose with or without removing the bump. You could also benefit from a chin implant.

John Bitner, MD · Answer

I agree with the dermatologist, I think your crooked nose and breathing problems are the result of your broken nose, not the mole removal.  You look to be a good candidate for a functional rhinoplasty, a procedure done for primarily breathing related issues.  While the procedure will change the shape of the nose, the primary goal is to get your nose working the way it is supposed to.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello John,

	Thank you for the question.  Anytime there is breathing problems it seems reasonable to have it evaluated and to understand what your options are for repair.  It doesn't really matter which of the two events is the source of your breathing problem as much as what solutions are available.  I would consult with a couple of board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options.

	All the best,

	Dr. Remus Repta

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A mole removal has nothing to do with the twisted nose.  When the nose is broken, the nasal bones are twisted off their normal alignment and to straighten them requires a rhinoplasty surgery.  The surgery involves resetting the nasal bones back to their normal alignment and possibly even placing a spreader graft on the concaved side.  The spreader graft is composed of the patient’s own cartilage and is inserted directly under the concaved upper lateral cartilage to give symmetry.  The base view from the nostrils also shows a bent and fractured septum which is addressed and

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The excision of the mole certainly did not cause your breathing problem. As for your nasal fracture, it looks like you have a septal deviation which when correcteed may help your breathing.

Broken Nose, Uneven Nostrils, Should I Get Surgery? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

Answer: Can't breathe through your nose

Answer: Can't breathe through your nose

Answer: Nasal breathing problems should be evaluated and fixed

Answer: Nasal breathing problems should be evaluated and fixed

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Answer: Broken nose, uneven nostrils, should I get surgery?

Answer: Broken nose, uneven nostrils, should I get surgery?

Answer: Nasal issue and red scar

Answer: Nasal issue and red scar

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Broken Nose, Uneven Nostrils, Should I Get Surgery? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

Answer: Can't breathe through your nose

Answer: Can't breathe through your nose

Answer: Nasal breathing problems should be evaluated and fixed

Answer: Nasal breathing problems should be evaluated and fixed

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Answer: Broken nose, uneven nostrils, should I get surgery?

Answer: Broken nose, uneven nostrils, should I get surgery?

Answer: Nasal issue and red scar

Answer: Nasal issue and red scar

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.