Why does my nose look bigger from one side? (Photo)

Question

When I take pictures I always show the right side of my face because my nose looks more proportionate. But sometimes when I'm caught off guard for a picture I have to show the left side and my nose looks even bigger than it already is. I have rhinoplasty scheduled for Dec 29 2014 but I want other doctors opinions on why you think my nose looks bigger on one side and what can be done to make both sides equal

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

It's not uncommon for your nose and the rest of your face to be asymmetric. That's why people have a 'good side' and a 'bad side'. Your dorsal hump is more pronounced on one side. Traumatic bumps often produce asymmetry, but people can genetically have asymmetric noses also. This can be easily addressed when taking down the hump during surgery. Good luck with your surgery.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

The reason is that your nasal bones and their junction with the upper lateral cartilages are not symmetrical.  No human is perfectly symmetrical in the face (or any other part of the body, for that matter).  Some of us, however, are more asymmetrical than average, and that can make a midline body part (like the nose) look different from the two views.This is perfectly normal.  Your surgeon will hopefully be able to reduce the asymmetry, but you shouldn't expect perfect symmetry from the different aspects even after surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The reason the nose looks bigger on one side than the other is due to a larger hump on the one side which is the junction between the cartilage and bone. This may be due to a fracture or simply developed that way. During the rhinoplasty procedure there is more taken off the bigger side of the hump than the opposite side to make the bridge look symmetrical. For many examples of hump removal, please see the link and video below

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

It is called genetic/develpomental asymmetric differences that are acceptable. Best to discuss in person...

Jarrod Little, MD · Answer

It looks like the asymmetry of your nasal bones is contributing to the perceived difference.  This is often corrected during a rhinoplasty procedure with osteotomies (fracturing the bones) and repositioning.  It is important to remember that you may not see your final result for 9-12 months after your procedure.

Why does my nose look bigger from one side? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Why does my nose look bigger from one side?

Answer: Why does my nose look bigger from one side?

Answer: Nasal Asymmetry

Answer: Nasal Asymmetry

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.

Why does my nose look bigger from one side? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Why does my nose look bigger from one side?

Answer: Why does my nose look bigger from one side?

Answer: Nasal Asymmetry

Answer: Nasal 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.