Why is my nose changing shape?

Question

Over the course of the past six months my nose has changed shape on its own. My right nostil is now bulged out and becoming more defined whereas my left nostil has remained unchanged. I'm only 21 years old and haven't had any recent facial truama. I do have sinus inflamation problems and recently started using a nasal spray to open my airways. But how is it possible and why did my nose change so dramatically in appearance the past few months? It's not symetrical anymore and starting to worry me.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Dear katt93Thanks for the question. Rhinoplasty is used to correct malformation in the nose, including assymetry. A rhinoplasty may even be medically necessary if your nasal assymetry affects your breathing. Cheek and chin augmentation are the most effective procedures for correcting severe facial assymetry. I wish you all the best.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,Asymmetric nostrils can be a result of several issues including: 
Deviated septum- a deviated central portion can contribute
Asymmetric facial structure- Almost every person’s face is asymmetric and imbalance can lead to difference in nostril appearance
Asymmetric nasal cartilage structure- Natural noses as well as those operated on can have asymmetry resulting in nostril asymmetry
Facial muscle imbalance- Some patients will have a dominant side that they smile or express on leading to imbalance.  Dynamic change (change which happens while expressing) is often a result of muscular imbalance.
Rhinoplasty can be used to make nostrils appear more symmetrical but it is almost impossible to make nostrils exactly the same.  Improvement and not perfection should be the goal.
Best, 
Dr. Anil Shah

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for this question. Many factors can affect nose shape: anatomy, tissue structure, medications, infection and other issues. Seeing an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon is the first place to start. Good luck

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

An exam would be necessary to make a determination about this.Find a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties, has great reviews, and has great before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Christopher Cote, MD · Answer

There are many reasons you may be seeing these changes.  Ultimately you need a specialty exam to determine the cause.  A good history and exam can often explain this.  Everybody's face has some degree of asymmetry and I'm sure to point this out to all of my patients.  It's usually normal.  People sometimes become aware of it when they are considering some facial surgery.  Other causes do include trauma-and I find with the nose people often forgot a time they may have 'bumped' their nose.  Daily use of a nasal spray can be traumatic when some people are not gentle.  Congenital, inflammatory, infections, or even growths may be considered...

Why is my nose changing shape?

Answers (5)