What makes my nose so noticeably different from the left/right profiles? (Photo)

Hi Courtneyc213455,
It’s fairly common for patients to experience some degree of facial asymmetry, especially on the nose. In some cases, the discrepancy is quite noticeable, but based on the images you provided, the difference is not immediately obvious. You can explore different cosmetic solutions to address the problem, but I suggest visiting a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in your area to determine the best approach.
Best of luck
Dr. Sam Rizk

It is very common to have a degree of difference between both sides of the nose.  Often this is accentuated when the nose is deviated from the front view although from the limited views you have sent, this is not so obvious.  Improvements can be made with rhinoplasty but bear in mind that, whilst we endeavour to do so, it is sometimes impossible to get perfect symmetry.  Indeed most faces are different on the left and right side!  You need to be evaluated properly by an experienced surgeon looking at the whole face, not just the nose.

Nasal asymmetry is not uncommon. I tell my patients that if there is asymmetry ahead of time it may or may not also be I present after surgery despite all attempts to correct it.   your asymmetry is not severe and looks like you would get a nice result from rhinoplasty.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty and a dorsal hump reduction.  This can be designed to help improve your nasal symmetry.  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