Nose shifted to the left. What is this, what could cause it? (Photo)

Question

I am currently 10 months post-rhinoplasty, and I have quite thick skin. In the first few months, the side of my nose shifted to the left, and I believe the tip also deviated in that direction. During a follow-up appointment, the pictures taken showed that the nose tip looked crooked. Since then, I have been taping it to the right. I will attach some pictures for reference. What could be causing this issue, and how can it be fixed? Does my nose look better on the recent pictures?

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

An asymmetrical nose tip after rhinoplasty is perfectly normal. The swelling won't be the same on each side of your nose that causes the asymmetry. Other factors such as scar tissue formation, taping, sutures, and splints can also cause uneven nostrils. I recommend waiting  until your swelling subsides completely. Best of luck to you

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you may appear to have a small indentation along the left side wall of your nose which could give a c-shaped appearance to your nose. Depending on your examination, microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections maybe used to fill the indentation into provide a straighter nasal appearance. I would not suggest nasal taping 10 months after rhinoplasty. Thank you for this question, and I hope it helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Lucas Boehm, MD · Answer

In my experience a deviated nasal tip after surgery is due to a lack of structural support on one side or a shifted nasal tip graft. Based on your photos it is difficult to determine if this is the case but I will say your alar rims appear poorly supported, especially on the left side. As your nose heals and scar tissue forms it contracts and if there is nothing supporting the alar rim it will retract/collapse and can cause a deviation in the tip. 
Taping the nose is not a long term solution to this problem.

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

After rhinoplasty, a deviation of the nose can occur due to factors like cartilage or bone shifting during healing, scar tissue formation (more common with thick skin), swelling, or uneven healing processes. Taping may offer temporary support, but it's essential to consult your surgeon for a proper assessment. They can identify the exact cause and recommend solutions, which might include non-surgical options like steroid injections or, if necessary, a revision surgery. Comparing recent pictures can help track changes, but a professional evaluation is the best way to determine improvements.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s difficult to assess your outcome or your concerns from the pictures included.
To start with it’s very important that when you refer to one side or the other, it is always in reference to your left side not the left side on the picture.
ToIt’s difficult to assess your outcome or your concerns from the pictures included.
To start with its very important that when you refer to one side or the other, it is always in reference to your left side not the left side on the picture.
To make quality assessment we need a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have a complete set of proper before, and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
 The appearance of the nose is highly dependent on the surrounding structures of the face.
All people have facial asymmetry.
Personally, I don’t see all that much of an issue with your deviating from the pictures you’ve included.
All people have facial asymmetry. The human brain is accustomed to seeing Facial asymmetry as being normal because everybody has it.
Follow up with your provider or schedule in person second opinion consultations with other plastic surgeons if needed.
I usually don’t rely on virtual consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Nose shifted to the left. What is this, what could cause it? (Photo)

Answers (5)