Is it still possible to correct asymmetrical nostrils? What are my options, now 4 months post op?

Question

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
In my experience, nostril asymmetry is usually present prior to surgery.  This is something that would be confirmed with your preoperative photos.  Many times, surgeons do not address the problem during the rhinoplasty and the problem persists.  At four months from your surgery, there is still swelling in the tip of your nose.  This may contribute to the asymmetry as well.  Confirm with your surgeon that this is a problem present before surgery and allow him to review options to correct it as there are several. 
Best of Luck,

Elias G. Gikas, MD · Answer

Yes, you can correct the nostril asymmetry, but you need to wait for the tip swelling to subside in order to more accurately evaluate what needs to be done.  Changes in tip shape as swelling subsides can at times affect tip projection and nostril size/symmetry.  I would wait until 9 to 12 months after surgery to evaluate.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Nasal healing really does take up to a year after surgery, and while the nostril shape and size can be changed relatively independently from the rest of the nose, this local anesthesia revision (Weir excision) should be delayed so that the best result (improved symmetry) can be achieved.Weir excision involves incisions along the nasal ala-cheek interface, and removal of a small bit of the nostril sill tissue, narrowing and improving the shape and size of the nostril to better match its opposite side. The resultant scars are usually nearly invisible once fully matured, and the improvement can be dramatic. Absolute symmetry may prove to be an elusive goal, but much improvement can be expected from the present appearance.But only if your surgeon is not operating on a still-changing nose. Let it continue to heal and soften for another 8 months. You can make arrangements for surgery and see several additional plastic surgical consultants in addition to your own rhinoplasty surgeon to ensure the surgical plan is correct and makes sense to you. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Couple of thoughts.Wait until 9 months before considering a revision. Your tip is swollen which can effect the appearance. That being said, your nostrils are assymetric. If they stay that way after the swelling resolves you could discuss a revision rhinoplasty with cartilage grafting to improve the tip shape. Best

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

As others have said, I would wait a full 12 months from your rhinoplasty before considering any revision. That being said you must first determine if you had any asymmetry before your surgery. If you did not and there was an alar base reduction (nostril/base) and they are not equal now, this should be able to be fixed. Nostril asymmetry that is inherent in an individual, particularly in the area near the soft triangle (front/top of nostril) is very difficult to correct. There is a good chance this could be from tip swelling so I would sit tight and see if things do not get better on their own.

Is it still possible to correct asymmetrical nostrils? What are my options, now 4 months post op?

Answers (6)

Answer: Nostril Assymetry

Answer: Nostril Assymetry

Answer: Is it still possible to correct asymmetrical nostrils?

Answer: Is it still possible to correct asymmetrical nostrils?

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Is it still possible to correct asymmetrical nostrils? What are my options, now 4 months post op?

Answers (6)

Answer: Nostril Assymetry

Answer: Nostril Assymetry

Answer: Is it still possible to correct asymmetrical nostrils?

Answer: Is it still possible to correct asymmetrical nostrils?

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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.