My nostrils are uneven 1 year after rhinoplasty. Is there an easy way to fix this, and how much would it cost? (Photo)

Question

I underwent a rhinoplasty/ septoplasty about 11 months ago. I like my nose overall, but would like to know my options for bringing down the rim of my right nostril to even them out from the front. Would this be a quick and relatively easy, low risk procedure that could be done after 1 year out? And what would be the cost estimate? Any recommendations of surgeons that perform this regularly would be appreciated as well. Thanks!

Garrett Griffin, MD · Answer

EPL: I see several subtle asymmetries but these are within the range of normal and overall I think you've had a pretty good result.  The biggest potential issue I see is on the close up front view where it looks like your right nostril is bigger, or in other words, the ala (tissue that surrounds the opening of your nostril) is more elevated.  A rim graft of ear cartilage could be placed through a small incision inside your nose to help improve this asymmetry.   Best of luck.

Ritchie Younger, MD · Answer

Thanks for attaching reasonable photographs to aid in assessment here.  75% of the Rhinoplasty surgery that I do is revision rhinoplasty.  About 30 cases a year that I assess involve asymmetries involving alar rim height, most of them being very subtle differences from right to left, and only about 10 of these a year requiring a surgical correction.  Indeed the difference in your case may seem rather minor, but when you shift your face in dynamic motion, or with certain photographs it may become more apparent.  Essentially you have three options. One, leave it as is if most people do not notice it. Two, the more reliable and easier fix is to trim a bit of cartilage and nasal lining from your left side to draw up the left to make it equal to the right. Three, the less reliable and more technically difficult maneuver is to use a small composite graft placed above the rim of your right nostril to bring it down to the level of the left alar rim.  Depending on which alar rim height you like better will determine how you personally would want to approach this, and both procedures could easily be performed with you awake, thus not necessitating a more involved anesthetic.  Regarding costing for such a corrective surgery, you may want to go back to your original surgeon if he or she has vast experience in revision rhinoplasty-as if it was my surgical case I would consider a minor revision like this to be included as part of the original surgery-so no charge to fix this. Best of luck to you !!

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  A simple temporary correction would be to inject filler (Juvederm or similar) that is used for lips.  This can help you decide if the correction is worth perusing.  If you like the result and do not want to get fillers in that area every 8 months or so a small alar rim graft can be placed.  This is fairly easy to do.  If you are already getting fillers in the lip of other areas of your face this may be the best way to go since the amount of filler used would be minuscule and always available when you have filler placed elsewhere.All the best,Dr Remus Repta

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

I would advise against any revision in your case. The asymmetry of the nostrils that you see is very subtle and you are probably the only person that notices this. I do not think the very small benefit a revision might offer outweighs the risk of harming an otherwise very nice result. Enjoy your new nose!!

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I have been performing rhinoplasty surgery for over 20 years, and my advice to you, is to leave it alone.  You have a great result.  The asymmetry is very minimal, and most likely people look at you and think you are beautiful...and are not noticing the asymmetry.  Sometimes, seeking perfection can be problematic!

My nostrils are uneven 1 year after rhinoplasty. Is there an easy way to fix this, and how much would it cost? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Revision risks outweigh benefits

Answer: Revision risks outweigh benefits

Answer: My nostrils are uneven 1 year after rhinoplasty.

Answer: My nostrils are uneven 1 year after rhinoplasty.

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My nostrils are uneven 1 year after rhinoplasty. Is there an easy way to fix this, and how much would it cost? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Revision risks outweigh benefits

Answer: Revision risks outweigh benefits

Answer: My nostrils are uneven 1 year after rhinoplasty.

Answer: My nostrils are uneven 1 year after rhinoplasty.

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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.