One side of the nose lifting more than the other (photo)

Question

Hi! When I smile, one side of the nose is lifting more than the other. Is my smile crooked? Is cheek pulling it more from one side ? I tried nostril botox but it didn’t help. What is the issue and how can I fix it? Should I try botox in another area to balance it? Thank you!

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

I believe I see the asymmetry that you're talking about. There are a bunch of good reasons to just try to accept it and leave it alone. Mostly, we don't have any reasonable ways to "fix" it. We have things to "try," things that might make mechanical sense, but when it comes to the body and the complicated ways muscles interleave with each other and work differently on everyone, and the natural asymmetries that everyone has, mechanically-sane treatments often just don't seem to work the way you might think they would. Then, eventually, some doctor is going to offer you some "small, safe" operation to "try", and it's going to ruin something or leave a permanent scar, and that will be a problem 1000 times worse. When a doctor, any doctor, says that three-letter word, "let's **try** this...", it's usually correct to duck and run for the front door.

Small asymmetries like yours (and I mean "small" when measured in millimeters, not small in how much it bothers you) are usually not on other people's radar, so they don't notice them unless you point them out. A big bump on the bridge is on the radar, or a long droopy-tipped nose is on the radar, but your problem isn't. So, even if we don't care what *other* people think, at least it doesn't bother them like it bothers you.

You have a small beautiful nose and a gorgeous face, and sometimes we just have to accept some irritating features and not pursue their correction. That would be my advice.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Greetings, based on your photo, you appear to have a pleasing nasal appearance. If you are concerned that there is a bit more nostril show on your left, compared to your right, depending on your examination, microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections maybe considered for achieving several millimeters of left nostril lowering, to improve upon your nostril symmetry. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Asymmetry in facial features, such as one side of the nose lifting more than the other when you smile, is quite common and can be influenced by muscle activity, natural anatomy, or previous treatments. Here are some options and considerations that might help address this concern:

Facial Muscle Activity:
Asymmetry during facial expressions can often be attributed to differences in muscle activity. Consulting with a specialist can help determine which muscles are more active and contributing to this asymmetry.

Botox Adjustments:
If the previous Botox treatment did not yield the desired results, it might be worthwhile to revisit the treatment plan. A skilled injector can assess whether additional Botox in specific areas, such as the muscles around the mouth or nose, might help achieve a more balanced appearance.

Dermal Fillers:
In some cases, asymmetry can be addressed with dermal fillers to add volume or adjust the positioning of facial features. This might be an option if there is a structural component to the asymmetry.

Facial Exercises:
Some people find that targeted facial exercises can help improve muscle balance, although results can vary and are generally subtle.

Consultation with a Specialist:
A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics can provide a personalized assessment and recommend tailored treatment options.

Considerations:
Patience and Observation: Sometimes, it can be beneficial to observe how your face naturally changes over time, as minor asymmetries can become less noticeable with age or change.
Second Opinion: If you're unsure about previous advice or treatments, seeking a second opinion might provide new insights.

Ultimately, achieving facial symmetry can be complex, and a personalized approach is usually the most effective. Discussing your concerns with an experienced practitioner will help you explore the best options for your specific needs.

One side of the nose lifting more than the other (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Nonsurgical Nose Job

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One side of the nose lifting more than the other (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Nonsurgical Nose Job

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