I had rhinoplasty including alar base reduction surgery in Feb with a well-known surgery practice. After the surgery I noticed my nostrils were uneven - the nurse assured me this was just swelling. Then after 3 months I had a follow up appointment with the surgeon who again told me that the evenness was caused by swelling. It has now been 6 months since my operation and I’m concerned that the asymmetry is not just swelling. How can I tell if it is swelling or if this is the final outcome?
Answer: Uneven nostrils at six months Uneven nostrils at six months: it usually takes a year to see the final result of the tip and nostrils. Swelling can distort the appearance in the short term. Part of the asymmetry in your case appears to be a tilt to the right of the columella which is the vertical strut between the two nostrils. This tilt is often due to a deviated septum. To answer your question as to whether it will improve with time look at your preop pictures taken from beneath the nostrils. If in your preop photo the columella tilted to the right as it does appear to now then you probably had a deviated septum and still do, in which case it might not improve. If however your nostrils and columella appeared straight and symmetrical before surgery there is a chance that they will continue to improve with time.
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Answer: Uneven nostrils at six months Uneven nostrils at six months: it usually takes a year to see the final result of the tip and nostrils. Swelling can distort the appearance in the short term. Part of the asymmetry in your case appears to be a tilt to the right of the columella which is the vertical strut between the two nostrils. This tilt is often due to a deviated septum. To answer your question as to whether it will improve with time look at your preop pictures taken from beneath the nostrils. If in your preop photo the columella tilted to the right as it does appear to now then you probably had a deviated septum and still do, in which case it might not improve. If however your nostrils and columella appeared straight and symmetrical before surgery there is a chance that they will continue to improve with time.
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August 9, 2021
Answer: Uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty: What you need to know I appreciate your question and your photo. It is very difficult to create perfect symmetry between the nostrils during this surgery. That said, it is difficult to tell at this point whether your results will continue to change as your recovery progresses. At this point, no surgeon is likely to consider a revision procedure, since it can take up to one full year for all the swelling to go down. At that time, you can schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon to review your case and create a customized treatment plan to improve your results if appropriate.
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August 9, 2021
Answer: Uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty: What you need to know I appreciate your question and your photo. It is very difficult to create perfect symmetry between the nostrils during this surgery. That said, it is difficult to tell at this point whether your results will continue to change as your recovery progresses. At this point, no surgeon is likely to consider a revision procedure, since it can take up to one full year for all the swelling to go down. At that time, you can schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon to review your case and create a customized treatment plan to improve your results if appropriate.
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August 2, 2021
Answer: Asymmetry of the nostrils It is asymmetry but keep in mind mild asymmetry is common and does not effect the beauty of the nose. People look at your face from front. If it is not easily noticeable from front then you are ok. Regards Dr. J
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August 2, 2021
Answer: Asymmetry of the nostrils It is asymmetry but keep in mind mild asymmetry is common and does not effect the beauty of the nose. People look at your face from front. If it is not easily noticeable from front then you are ok. Regards Dr. J
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August 3, 2021
Answer: Uneven nostrils after surgery I doubt your uneven nostrils will improve. It's been 6 months since your surgery, so there is unlikely to be improvement.It seems that your tip and columella are not midline. However - no-one looks up your nostrils, so the asymmetry is probably barely noticeable.
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August 3, 2021
Answer: Uneven nostrils after surgery I doubt your uneven nostrils will improve. It's been 6 months since your surgery, so there is unlikely to be improvement.It seems that your tip and columella are not midline. However - no-one looks up your nostrils, so the asymmetry is probably barely noticeable.
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August 5, 2021
Answer: Rhinoplasty Thank you for your questions and for sharing your photograph. I appreciate your concern. Particularly with alar base reduction none can guarantee symmetrical nostrils. Also, during the wound healing due to wound contraction, asymmetry can occur. It will take a year for the healing process to complete and to see the final result. Only then you will be able to discuss any need for a revision surgery with your surgeon and decide if it worth taking further risks of such surgery. Best wishes,
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August 5, 2021
Answer: Rhinoplasty Thank you for your questions and for sharing your photograph. I appreciate your concern. Particularly with alar base reduction none can guarantee symmetrical nostrils. Also, during the wound healing due to wound contraction, asymmetry can occur. It will take a year for the healing process to complete and to see the final result. Only then you will be able to discuss any need for a revision surgery with your surgeon and decide if it worth taking further risks of such surgery. Best wishes,
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