7 months post-op - What are my options to fix my asymmetrical nostrils?

Question

septorhinoplasty done 7 months ago. My doctor told me that I would not have much if any swelling and I have not had any. However, my nostrils are completely different shapes and heights. The alar rim looks different from front and side views. My surgeon is not offering any options or even taking responsibility for the error. I had a consultation with a revision surgeon who specifically performs alarplasties and he said another surgery would worsen my nostrils.

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

Good Afternoon! I'm sorry that you're experiencing trouble with your surgical result. For nostril asymmetry after a base reduction and rhinoplasty, you certainly have to be careful. That's not to say improvements can't be made. You have to be careful with making them too small in a revision which can lead to a pinched look and breathing trouble. Expanding overly small nostrils is quite difficult. I would suggest meeting with other revision surgeons if you're comfortable to get more opinions. Hope that helps!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank-you for your questions. While some asymmetry of the nostrils is very common and noticed by only someone looking from down below, gross asymmetry may need to be fixed. I would request you to wait till a full year has passed since your surgery before planning any procedure.  In the meanwhile some exercises and massages may be advised by your rhinoplasty surgeon that can help. If you still have concerns you can get a second opinion from another Board certified rhinoplasty surgeon who is experienced in reoperative rhinoplasty procedures. All the best!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Asymmetry is almost impossible to fix. Unless the asymmetry is remarkable, it is not worth trying to make it symmetric. The risk of it looking worst is very high.
Regards
Dr. J

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Can you show us a frontal photo? The nasal base view is least important since few people look at that view. If your front view reveals a higher left nostril, then microdroplet Silikon-1000 may be considered for nostril lowering, depending on your exam. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I see that your nostrils are asymmetric but not terrible. The rest of your nose looks great and it’s a very good result overall. I would not do any revision.  You have a good result

7 months post-op - What are my options to fix my asymmetrical nostrils?

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Answer: 7 months post-op - What are my options to fix my asymmetrical nostrils?

Answer: 7 months post-op - What are my options to fix my asymmetrical nostrils?

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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7 months post-op - What are my options to fix my asymmetrical nostrils?

Answers (5)

Answer: 7 months post-op - What are my options to fix my asymmetrical nostrils?

Answer: 7 months post-op - What are my options to fix my asymmetrical nostrils?

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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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.