19 days post op Rhinoplasty, I have uneven nostrils. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

hello everyone i had an open rhinoplasty 19 days ago.I had a wide but very symetrical nose but after the surgery i found something horrible and heardbreaking for me!EXTREMELY UNEVEN NOSTRILS different size and shape!two different profiles but worst is that my front view is soooo ugly!the doctor said wait wait wait its normal its happen every time but i dont believe!day after day i wake up and see the same ugly picture wit no changing.please doctors tell me about your experience an what can i do

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

At this very early point in time after surgery, the best advise one can offer is to wait.  I know how difficult it is to be patient after a rhinoplasty but swelling plays a very prominent role in the healing after rhinoplasty.  As the swelling subsides the finer refinements of the nose will begin to reveal themselves.  It is best to have close follow-up with your surgeon throughout this post-operative time period.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

More than likely some asymmetry occurred during the suturing and refining of your nasal tip involving the dome cartialge and lower lateral alar cartilages.  This can happen in tip rhinoplasty.  It nonetheless can be fixed by opening the tip again and determining the cause of asymmetry and fixing it either with sutures or cartilage grafts.  Keep in close touch with your surgeon.  I would not have you wait too long to revise if no improvement occurs.

19 days post op Rhinoplasty, I have uneven nostrils. Any suggestions? (photos)

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