How can I fix my uneven nostrils? (photo)

Question

I have been looking at the differences between a septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and non-surgical rhinoplasty. I'm not sure which one would work to fix my problem. What would you all suggest?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @gaucheone! I recommend seeing a rhinoplasty specialist for an in person examination. There are several options for you that can be determined after examination. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question and the picture you showed is difficult to evaluate your case with this angle of a picture. is recommended if get a consultation on personal with a plastic surgeon to evaluate your case.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on this photo it seems that you have a very mild asymmetry of nostrils. If you really want to correct this deformity (since it is mild and may be  seen as a normal), in person consultation with a board certified plastic or ENT surgeon with good reputation in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The base view of the nose is least important, and you do not appear to have significant nostril asymmetry when viewed from below. If you have issues with frontal or profile photos, consider re-asking your question with additional photos. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your photo.  If the only thing that you are concerned about is the nostril asymmetry then reducing the size of your right ala would address this issue.  Meticulous surgical technique needs to be applied and experience is a must.  If there are other issues with your nose that you are concerned with then an in person consultation and examination would be invaluable.

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 have some nostril asymmetry with some soft triangle asymmetry.  The view you've provided is called a worm's eye view, because only the "worm" has this view -- my point being, if this is the only view that bothers you, and your front view doesn't, I would suggest not pursuing a rhinoplasty for aesthetic improvement.  If the nostril asymmetry is significant from the front view, and it does indeed bother you, then I would suggest you pursue a tip rhinoplasty where the nasal
tip cartilage is modified for a more refined, symmetric look of your nostrils and overall nasal appearance.   If your septum is deviated and you have breathing difficulty, a septoplasty may
benefit you as well.  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 the link below.
Good luck.
Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic
Plastic Surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Asymmetry is always a challenge to try to correct.  In your case you could consider alar wedge resection cutting out a segment of the nostril with more removed on one side than the other.  It’s a simple procedure to have done and i think you would get a good result.  Just don’t expect perfection.  Very difficult to achieve when asymmetry is present.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  You appear to have asymmetry of the soft triangles of your nose.  This asymmetry can be corrected with surgery.  Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. 
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We are all born with subtle asymmetries in our face and all over our body. Although we strive for perfection in all surgeries, it can be difficult or impossible to obtain perfect symmetry. If it bothers you, the best specific recommendations come from an in-person exam with a standardized set of photographs.  It may be in your interest to schedule some consults with Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons to get additional perspectives and discuss options in greater detail.  Best of luck!

Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD · Answer

Dear gaucheone,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an accurate assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. I recommend you seek an in-person consultation with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is a rhinoplasty specialist who can perform a thorough evaluation and discuss with you the best treatment options to meet your goals. Rhinoplasty can help improve nostril asymmetry but it is also important to keep in mind that perfect symmetry cannot be achieved with any procedure.

How can I fix my uneven nostrils? (photo)

Answers (12)

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