Is the misaligned tip of my nose able to be corrected with a rhinoplasty? (photos)

Question

Hello! I’m a 43yo female. Prior septoplasty in my 20’s for a deviated septum with an ENT. Since then the tip of nose that connects to the upper part of my lip is not in alignment. Is this from my septoplasty? Is this able to be corrected? I had one rhinoplasty consult and the surgeon didn’t know if he could fix the alignment deviation.

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Although an exam in person is ideal, from your photographs alone it appears that you can benefit from a subtle tip rhinoplasty where the nasal tip cartilage is modified to straighten the columella -- the central portion of nasal skin between your nostrils where your "nose connects to the upper lip".  The modification of your nasal cartilage can be done with trimming, stitching or grafting.  However, the key in that last sentence is "grafting" -- typically your septum is harvested for cartilage in a rhinoplasty; if you already had a septoplasty, your septal cartilage was likely resected and you may need MTF (cadaver) cartilage to use as a graft to align the nasal tip as you mentioned.

The next step for you is to find the right aesthetic plastic surgeon.  In your rhinoplasty consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your aesthetic goals and concerns specifically, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations), the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course.  Also, be sure to see plenty of before-and-after pictures in women who have a similar nose appearance to yours, and preferably at different time frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own surgical outcome.

After seeking out a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery, I think the most important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon.  It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear coleman1,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos. it looks like you would benefit from rhinoplasty. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to see on these photos, where the problem is? It looks that your distal septum attachment to nasal spine is off; this can be corrected with revision surgery. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

An in person exam would need to be done to determine what is making the lower part of your nose crooked. Depending on the cause there are multiple options for correction.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Sometimes trying to fix a subtle abnormality of the nose can lead to bigger issues. You have to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. In your case the abnormality is minor. 
You can always try fillers as well to correct a minor issue of the nose but go to someone experienced to avoid complications of fillers in the nose. 
Regards
Dr. J

Is the misaligned tip of my nose able to be corrected with a rhinoplasty? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Subtle abnormality

Answer: Subtle abnormality

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.

Is the misaligned tip of my nose able to be corrected with a rhinoplasty? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Subtle abnormality

Answer: Subtle abnormality

Browse related questions

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.