One nostril bigger than the other and tip lopsided - can this be fixed with surgery? (Photos)

Question

I’m a 32 yo F and I have noticed as I get older my nose looks more bulbous and more lopsided. The right nostril is bigger than the left. Can this be fixed with surgery or would it be too difficult?

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos. While a view looking directly into your nostrils would give the clearest picture of the asymmetry, from the angles you provided it does appear that your nose has a slight deviation (or “cant”) to one side, which can make one nostril look larger than the other. Straightening the septum can help improve this, and refining the nasal tip could also reduce the bulbous appearance you’ve noticed.

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that nostrils are never perfectly symmetrical, even after surgery. The goal would be to bring them into better balance and create a more refined overall shape.

I’d recommend consulting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty, as these adjustments require both technical expertise and an artistic eye.

Young Min Im, MD, PHD · Answer

From the photos, your nose appears to be slightly deviated. Because the position of the columella and the nasal tip are not perfectly centered, the nose tilts slightly to one side, which also makes the nostrils appear asymmetrical.
Since we do not have a photo taken from below the nose, it is difficult to make a completely accurate assessment. However, if the center of the nose is properly aligned during surgery, the asymmetry of the nostrils can be improved. Please note that achieving perfectly identical nostrils is very difficult, and some minor asymmetry may remain.
Additionally, the rounded appearance of the nasal tip can be refined with a bulbous tip correction, which can create a slimmer and more balanced nose.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, I suspect that the asymmetry at the base of your nose is due to a deviated nasal septum. If you have no trouble breathing through your nose, depending on your examination, microdroplet Silikon 1000 nasal injections may be considered for improving upon your nostril margin, symmetry, without the inconvenience and expense of rhinoplasty surgery. I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Your nostrils have some asymmetry which can be improved with alarplasty but nostrils can never be fully symmetric. The tip is bulbous and a tip-plasty will help define it. Both can be done under local anesthesia and recovery is quick. 
Your bridge looks good. So, no cartilage, implants or grafts needed.
Regards
Dr. Janjua

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, among other maneuvers. This can also be designed to help improve your nasal symmetry.   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

One nostril bigger than the other and tip lopsided - can this be fixed with surgery? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Alarplasty/Tip-plasty

Answer: Alarplasty/Tip-plasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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.

One nostril bigger than the other and tip lopsided - can this be fixed with surgery? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Alarplasty/Tip-plasty

Answer: Alarplasty/Tip-plasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

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.