Nose is normal on one side but other is swollen and my nostrils are noticeably uneven after 8 months - is this normal? (photos)

Question

My left side is normal and not swollen at all, but my right side is very swollen and the tip is hard and the nostril on the right side is twice as big as the left. The left nostril is thinner and the right is super rounded. My nose looks like it’s leaning to the right. My nose before rhinoplasty was not crooked at all it was just big and downturned and bulbous but it was straight. In the 1st pic I drew an arrow to the swollen side. Is this normal after 8 months?

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. It does appear that you have some degree of asymmetry in your nose. I often tell patients that results from rhinoplasty can take up to one year to fully settle. I would wait until the one year mark. If the asymmetry persists, I would schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon to make your concerns known, as there may be an underlying issue that may be contributing to this phenomenon. Best of luck!

Cem Altindag, MD · Answer

Hi Dazzling996766,Thank you for your question.For axis deviation and nostril surgery, we may need some cartilage graft material during nose revision. You may think revision after 12 months following first surgery. RegardsOprDr. Cem AltindagThe Nose Clinic

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Asymmetry of your nostrils post rhinoplasty: The right nostril does appear larger than the left and there appears to be a slight tilt of the Columella. There may be a slight deviation of your caudal septum. Most surgeons wait a year before considering a revision since things may change slightly until that time. At that time you may choose to address just the nostril asymmetry which would be minor, or address the slight tilt of the columella which would be a little more involved.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, there is a slight notch deformity of one nostril. There is fullness of the lower lateral cartilage foot plates at the base of the columella and a degree of possible septal displacement. The nasal tip is somewhat amorphous and full, suggesting residual swelling.
A rhinoplasty is a traumatic procedure, involving bone shaving and breaking, and extensive dissection  and cartilage removal of the interior nose involving the nasal tip. This will cause significant postoperative swelling, which may take 12-18 months to totally resolve. The nasal tip is notorious for taking the longest time. Swelling will may be asymmetric.
The residual deformity most likely represents residual swelling which has yet to resolve. It is too early to determine the operative result.
If the problem persists to a significant degree after a period of a year, a revision may be required. 15% of cosmetic procedures benefit from secondary touchup.
Best wishes...

Nose is normal on one side but other is swollen and my nostrils are noticeably uneven after 8 months - is this normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Concern 8 months post rhinoplasty

Answer: Concern 8 months post rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Nose is normal on one side but other is swollen and my nostrils are noticeably uneven after 8 months - is this normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Concern 8 months post rhinoplasty

Answer: Concern 8 months post rhinoplasty

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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.