Asymmetric nostrils: is this worth getting fixed? No breathing issues. (photos)

Question

It appears I have some extra "skin" in my left nostril causing them to look pretty uneven. I've been doing some research and it looks like a flared medial crura or caudal septal deviation? I have no breathing issues but for aesthetic reasons is it worth getting fixed? It really bothers me but I don't think other people would notice unless they're looking directly up my nose. What are the options to have it corrected? Thanks in advance

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This fullness is caused by the medial crural footplates that can flare in some patients, or a caudal septal deviation as you mentioned.  For the footplates, the correction is straightforward and can be done in the office under local anesthesia.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! I would agree with what you've come up with regarding medial crural footplate flare or a septal deflection. The footplate flare is relatively easy to fix and can be done in office with suturing. If the septum is deviated, that can be more challenging as we don't want to disrupt the other structures of the nose by being too aggressive. I would seek consultation with a facial plastic surgeon familiar with rhinoplasty as you will likely see a nice result with addressing one or both of the above issues. Best of luck!

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

The asymmetry that you have described is related to the deviation of the caudal or inferior septum, low in the nose on the left side. This could easily be treated using standard septoplasty techniques or included in a slightly more complex septorhinoplasty procedure. If this is the only deformity that bothers you, I would not be too concerned. The "basal view" is not often seen except by pets and lovers and those two groups are going to love you no matter what your nose looks like from that angle.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Nostril asymmetry due to caudal septal deviation: it appears that the asymmetry of your nostrils is due to a leftward deflection of your caudal septum. If you have no breathing issues and the appearance doesn’t bother you, of course you can leave it alone. If the appearance bothers you you can address the problem which would involve a septoplasty, Returning the caudal septum to a midline position. that of course is a personal choice. In your profile view you might also consider the possibility of reducing the projection of the nasal tip, as it appears slightly over projected. Reducing the projection of the tip will also widen the nostrils which currently appear slightly long and columnar. In some cases of overprojecting tips reducing the projection widens the nostril so much that a nostril tuck is that performed as well. These are all issues which should be discussed with a nasal surgery specialist during an in person consultation.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the posted series of photos appears as tip of cartilage septum is deviated to that side. A minor surgery revision can be easily preformed under local anesthesia with IV sedation for comfort. Fee in the $4,000+/_ ranges. Best to virtual consult with...

Asymmetric nostrils: is this worth getting fixed? No breathing issues. (photos)

Answers (5)

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