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

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.

     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

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.

I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.

My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship in order to know if this assessment is valid.

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 

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.