I recently had a rhinoplasty. While I’m happy with the results from the side profile, I’ve noticed that my nostrils are asymmetrical. This asymmetry is really bothering me. My surgeon has suggested an in-office procedure using cartilage grafted from my ear to correct it. Before moving forward, I wanted to get a second opinion. Given that the initial surgery didn’t achieve nostril symmetry, I’m unsure whether this is a relatively simple fix or if I should consider seeing a different surgeon for the revision.
Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can see from your photos you should definitely have a revision operation in line with your surgeon's guidance. While doing research, I recommend that you pay attention to the fact that your doctor is a surgeon in the field of ent and facial plastic surgery, doing research will be useful in eliminating the question marks in your head. Best Regards!
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Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can see from your photos you should definitely have a revision operation in line with your surgeon's guidance. While doing research, I recommend that you pay attention to the fact that your doctor is a surgeon in the field of ent and facial plastic surgery, doing research will be useful in eliminating the question marks in your head. Best Regards!
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May 31, 2025
Answer: Nostril Asymmetry It is almost impossible to achieve nostril symmetry. Any attempts can lead to taking too much off one side and then going back to take some more from the other side. As this goes on permanent scarring with poor healing can lead to worst asymmetry than before the surgery was done. Also, it is very important to remember that nobody will look at your nostrils from below. From the front view the nostrils don't look as asymmetric as from below. Unless the asymmetry is really obvious and disfiguring, it should be left alone. Regards Dr. J
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May 31, 2025
Answer: Nostril Asymmetry It is almost impossible to achieve nostril symmetry. Any attempts can lead to taking too much off one side and then going back to take some more from the other side. As this goes on permanent scarring with poor healing can lead to worst asymmetry than before the surgery was done. Also, it is very important to remember that nobody will look at your nostrils from below. From the front view the nostrils don't look as asymmetric as from below. Unless the asymmetry is really obvious and disfiguring, it should be left alone. Regards Dr. J
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May 31, 2025
Answer: Revision rhinoplasty for nostril asymmetry Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a revision with placement of extended alar contour graft placement and nasal tip deprojection. Ear cartilage is not a good choice for this as it lacks structural integrity. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person. Best wishes and good luck. Richard G. Reish, M.D. Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
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May 31, 2025
Answer: Revision rhinoplasty for nostril asymmetry Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a revision with placement of extended alar contour graft placement and nasal tip deprojection. Ear cartilage is not a good choice for this as it lacks structural integrity. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person. Best wishes and good luck. Richard G. Reish, M.D. Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
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June 2, 2025
Answer: Nostril Asymmetry After Rhinoplasty: Is Early Revision a Good Idea? Thank you for describing your experience so clearly. It’s important to know that nostril asymmetry is a relatively common concern after rhinoplasty, and even very subtle differences can feel quite noticeable in your daily mirror checks. However, early intervention should be approached cautiously. Revision rhinoplasty typically requires at least 12–18 months of healing time before any secondary corrections are planned. Scar maturation, swelling resolution, and tissue remodeling all continue well beyond the first year. If your surgeon has suggested an in-office correction this early, it might be helpful to ask if there’s a specific structural issue that requires earlier intervention. If not, and your concern is purely aesthetic, patience often provides better surgical planning and more stable long-term results. Secondary rhinoplasty procedures can be more technically challenging than primary surgeries. Once the healing period is complete, you may consider consulting with a surgeon experienced specifically in revision rhinoplasty, to ensure that any adjustments are made with long-term function and aesthetics in mind. Wishing you clarity and comfort in your next steps. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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June 2, 2025
Answer: Nostril Asymmetry After Rhinoplasty: Is Early Revision a Good Idea? Thank you for describing your experience so clearly. It’s important to know that nostril asymmetry is a relatively common concern after rhinoplasty, and even very subtle differences can feel quite noticeable in your daily mirror checks. However, early intervention should be approached cautiously. Revision rhinoplasty typically requires at least 12–18 months of healing time before any secondary corrections are planned. Scar maturation, swelling resolution, and tissue remodeling all continue well beyond the first year. If your surgeon has suggested an in-office correction this early, it might be helpful to ask if there’s a specific structural issue that requires earlier intervention. If not, and your concern is purely aesthetic, patience often provides better surgical planning and more stable long-term results. Secondary rhinoplasty procedures can be more technically challenging than primary surgeries. Once the healing period is complete, you may consider consulting with a surgeon experienced specifically in revision rhinoplasty, to ensure that any adjustments are made with long-term function and aesthetics in mind. Wishing you clarity and comfort in your next steps. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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