Nose Asymmetry Correction - Is It Worth The Risk? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I am a young male considering rhinoplasty to correct an asymmetry of my nasal bones and also make them narrower. I was also hoping to get an alarplasty because my right nostril is visibly bigger than the left one and makes my nose look too wide. I was told that this is a complex procedure and that it could have a high risk. I was hoping for any extra feedback on the risk vs reward of doing something like this and what kind of improvement I could expect.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The asymmetry of the nostril is very minor.  Your nasal bones are wide.  You may benefit from a rhinoplasty.  At the same time, the alar can be addressed, if necessary.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Correcting a crooked nose is difficult and inconsistent no matter what technique is used and who you surgeon is. Personally I don’t think your nose is that crooked but you can always go on some consults to get opinions

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a rhinoplasty. A surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. Fascial grafts may also be used to help improve tip refinement. This can also be designed to help improve nostril symmetry. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. 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. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it is impossible to give you good advice based on these photos; full face and profiles would help. It would be in your best interest to have in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in rhinoplasty. Good luck.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

Yes, rhinoplasty can improve nasal bone asymmetry and nostril asymmetry, but this is a procedure where expectations need to be very realistic. Small asymmetries are common in every nose, and surgery can improve balance, but it cannot usually create perfect symmetry.
If the nasal bones are asymmetric and wide, correction may involve osteotomies to reposition and narrow the bones. That can improve the front view, but it also carries risks such as residual asymmetry, swelling, irregularity, breathing changes, or the need for revision.
Alarplasty can help if the nostril base or nostril size is truly contributing to the width. However, nostril asymmetry can also come from septal deviation, tip cartilage asymmetry, or facial asymmetry. If only the alar base is treated when the deeper structure is the real cause, the improvement may be limited.
Because you are young and this is a relatively subtle but complex concern, the risk-benefit decision is important. If the asymmetry bothers you significantly and the surgeon can show a conservative, anatomically sound plan, it may be worth considering. If you are expecting perfect symmetry or a dramatic change, the risk may outweigh the benefit.
My advice would be to consult a rhinoplasty surgeon who is comfortable with asymmetry correction and conservative male rhinoplasty. Ask what part of the asymmetry comes from bone, septum, tip, and nostril base, and what degree of improvement is realistic. A limited, natural improvement is a safer goal than aggressive narrowing or over-correction.

Nose Asymmetry Correction - Is It Worth The Risk? (Photos)

Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Am I a good candidate for isolated nostril asymmetry correction (alar-base reduction/alarplasty)? (Photos)

1 year after rhinoplasty — is my radix still swollen or structurally too full? (Photos)

Should I get an alarplasty, rhinoplasty or nothing? Photos)

How can you determine if your facial features are balanced?

Can I decrease the vertical length of my nose? (Photos)

Is there anything non surgical that is effective for reducing cartilage/rounder tip and controlling swelling?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS