Should I get a rhinoplasty to fix uneven nostrils? Or a rim graft? What would be ideal? (Photos)

Question

25F, I have never had a rhinoplasty or anything done to my nose. My nose is quite asymmetric, especially the nostrils. The left side also has a slight bump, while the right side is smooth. I am okay with the right side of my nose, even the nostril. Would it be possible to get a rim graft just to the left nostril? Or would you suggest a more intensive rhinoplasty procedure to fix the left side bump and possibly the tip? Could getting a rhinoplasty ruin the right side of my nose (which I like the way it is)? I also don't want to do anything that could "shorten" my nose and create the illusion of a longer philtrum.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for a revision rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include placement of extended alar contour grafts to help treat nostril asymmetry and alar retraction, tip refinement, tensioning of the tip, among other maneuvers. 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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

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

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty.  I think it is one of the most beautifying surgeries that we do as plastic surgeons. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery. In your case you have a hanging columella and arched alar rims.  This is the most common problem I see when addressing revision rhinoplasty. It is easily fixable.It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. Best wishes to you

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You will need a rhinoplasty. You have too much columella show and the feet of the medial crura are bulging into your airway. You need the feet shortened or pulled together, you need the columella reset so it is no so prominent and you may need alar grafts but that is the last thing to consider.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Should I get a rhinoplasty to fix uneven nostrils? Or a rim graft? What would be ideal? (Photos)

Answers (3)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

When is a columellar strut used as a standalone procedure without full rhinoplasty?

Septum trimming under rhinoplasty - is this normal? (Photos)

2.5 years post closed rhinoplasty (thick nasal skin) Is this swelling normal? (Photos)

Rhinoplasty or something else to balance facial harmony? (Photo)

I want to get rid of the dorsal hump on my nose - would surgery be worth it? (Photos)

Surgeon Selection - Would the lack of recent images be a reasonable cause for hesitation?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS