One side of my nose is higher than the other. Would I need a Rhinoplasty for this? (Photo)

Question

My nose is crooked, my nostrils are pretty even. The only issue is that one side of my nose is higher than the other. The left side of my nose is 1/8 of an inch lower than the right side. My mom thinks I can pull the right side of my nose down and sort of stretch it like people that stretch their earlobes, I'm not sure if that's a viable solution though.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. Fascial grafts may also be used to help improve tip refinement. This can be designed to help her improve your tip symmetry as well. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and the picture. Unfortunately, there aren't any good non-surgical options to achieve what you're looking for (and you can't just stretch your nose down). Good news though, addressing the shape of your nose (especially the nasal tip and nostrils) is actually one of the most common reasons people seek out and undergo a rhinoplasty. An open septorhinoplasty can best address both your aesthetic concerns and any functional issues with your nose. I would be able to make your nose straighter, and adjust the size, shape, and definition of your nose (particularly the tip)!

This truly is a surgery of millimeters- and whether you're looking for a minor adjustment or a major transformation, it requires exceptional surgical skill to achieve functional and natural-looking results! Because your nose is the DEFINING feature of your face- I would only recommend seeing a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty procedures, and who has significant training and experience performing these surgeries. I actually trained under one of the world leading rhinoplasty experts (who performs 1,000+ nosejobs annually).

I recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with rhinoplasties) to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate your options, and develop a personalized plan just for you. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Philip Michael, MBBCh, FRACS, FRCS(Ed) · Answer

Many thanks for your question. From the limited photo, it is difficult to make a full assessment of your concerns but there does seem to be a very minor asymmetry between the left and right side which, as you measured is only 1/8 of an inch. Surgery can be undertaken by placing a graft to lower the right nostril rim if the rest of your nose is straight. However, as the level of asymmetry is only 1/8 inch, it would be difficult to get the nose more symmetrical than currently and there may be a risk that things could worsen. It would therefore be wise to consult in person with someone who is experienced in rhinoplasty surgery such that they could assess things more formally.
Best Wishes

One side of my nose is higher than the other. Would I need a Rhinoplasty for this? (Photo)

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One side of my nose is higher than the other. Would I need a Rhinoplasty for this? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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