Asymmetriclal Nose from nose picking?

Question

I’m 9 months post op and one of my nostrils is more oval and longer than the other, it sits higher on my face as well. Whilst the other one is circular and lower on my face. I don’t know what to do with myself, I feel so regretful that it’s my fault. I did this to myself from picking my nose too much or something. I’m so scared I hindered my results as I’m a chronic nose picker.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

It's impossible to know whether or not digital manipulation has resulted in a change in your nasal appearance. Digital manipulation of the nose can lead to nose bleeds and a septal perforation. Please consider re asking your question with photographs for a more detailed answer. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can understand from your question if you can send 2 photos at 95 degree angles from the front and side profile for evaluation, it will be possible to make a more accurate evaluation.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best Regards!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

It's only a concern if you've picked your nose excessively, potentially causing damage to the septal wall. Generally, the advice is not to insert anything sharper than your elbow into your nose. Therefore, it's safer and more advisable to focus on blowing your nose rather than picking it to maintain nasal health.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

If you draw a line in the middle of the nose and look upward, no one's nostrils are perfectly, precisely, exactly the same to the millimeter. The nostrils are not twins, but sisters. A moderate amount of "finger manipulation" (to put it nicely) generally would not change these structures. If you look carefully at your "before" pictures, you will probably find that there was asymmetry of your nostrils to begin with. However, postoperatively it's never a good idea to pick one's nose or to put any objects (q-tips etc.) inside the nose. This can lift the skin off the surgical site, thereby allowing space for scar tissue to form. My best advice is to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

While it's remotely possible that picking at your nose shortly after surgery could have provoked some asymmetries, it's more likely that it was either 1) present pre-operatively (take a close look at your surgeon's pre-op photos of your nose, or 2) a result of the surgical technique itself. Follow up with your surgeon to address these concerns and note that it's still healing at only nine months post-op.

All the best,

--David C. Pearson, M.D.

All the best,

--David C. Pearson, M.D.

Asymmetriclal Nose from nose picking?

Answers (9)