Can Fixing my Deviated Septum Also Fix my Asymmetrical Nostrils? (photo)

Question

I have a deviated septum and I am getting it fixed later this year. My nostrils have always been slightly different sizes and I realised it is because of my deviated septum. It's not extremely noticeable but it is something I would prefer to be fixed. I was wondering if once they straighten my septum, would my nostrils look a little more symmetrical? Only the very very end of my septum is crooked. Thank you!

Brock Ridenour, MD · Answer

I assume that you have already have had a detailed intranasal examination and that you have a deviated septum.  However, the end of your septum (known as the caudal septum) is straight in your photographs and does not contribute to nostril asymmetry. Your nostril asymmetry appears to be caused by a subtle difference in the outer curvature of the nostrils and by mild asymmetry of the tip cartilages.If anything, I would consider a minor alar (nostril) modification, which will improve but not eliminate the asymmetry. Perfect symmetry is not possible.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The caudal septum is midline, and the nostril asymmetry is not particularly marked.  A septoplasty, if indicated, would not change the appearance of the nostrils.  Sometimes the treatment for minor nostril asymmetry can produce a less desirable result.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

A deviated septum can make the nostrils asymmetric but in your posted photos the nostril asymmetry looks like it is due more to asymmetric tip cartilage than it is due to deviated septum. I doubt septoplasty alone will correct your asymmetric nostrils. Although tip cartilage surgery can make the nostrils more symmetric perfect symmetry is not possible.
	
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Jeremy Hunt, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

It is true that the end of the septum will create assymetry to the nostrils if it is not straight. A septoplasty will likely improve the assymetry but may not correct it fully as there may be assymetry to the other cartilages of the nose that will not be correct with septoplasty alone, and may need a rhinoplasty.  A full assessment is what is needed and then a well planned procedure by an experienced surgeon.  This way I do think you can achieve the result you are after.  All the best

	Jeremy Hunt

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the pictures. You have a very mild asymmetry of the nostrils which is quite common. This may be caused in part from a deviated septum, and could improve after surgery. It is difficult to tell from a picture only, so you should discuss this with your surgeon. Examination of the septum would be needed to determine if straightening it would help the nostrils. Good luck.

Can Fixing my Deviated Septum Also Fix my Asymmetrical Nostrils? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Assymetric nostrils and rhinoplasty

Answer: Assymetric nostrils and rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Asymmetry

Answer: Nostril Asymmetry

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Can Fixing my Deviated Septum Also Fix my Asymmetrical Nostrils? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Assymetric nostrils and rhinoplasty

Answer: Assymetric nostrils and rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Asymmetry

Answer: Nostril Asymmetry

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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.