Should i seek a septoplasty or rhinoplasty for asymmetrical nostrils? (Photo)

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can understand from you question if your nostril asymmetry is purely cosmetic, a rhinoplasty would be the best choice, as it can reshape the nostrils and overall nasal appearance. Septoplasty is mainly for correcting a deviated septum to improve breathing, not for external shape changes.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best Regards!

In general, we are able to achieve better control of straightening the base of the nose and columella when a septorhinoplasty is performed. That said, if you have no concerns about the appearance of the rest of your nose, perhaps an isolated septoplasty surgery could be considered. Please consider meeting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists so you could see what might be best for you moving forward. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

If this is your only cosmetic concern, a tip rhinoplasty is your best bet. A septoplasty is designed primarily to fix a deviated septum that is causing breathing issues a full rhinoplasty addresses both the tip as well as higher up the nose to correct problems such as a dorsal hump or a wide nose. Generally septoplasty is part of a rhinoplasty. I would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon focused on rhinoplasty in consultation so that they can fully assess you and give you a more thorough plan.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from a rhinoplasty to help correct your nostril asymmetry. Septoplasty can safely be performed at the same time. 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

external nasal asymmetry can be caused by a number of factors including septal asymmetry, positioning of the upper and lower cartilages of the nose, prior trauma and nasal bone asymmetry, among other things. A septoplasty, in isolation, is typically done for functional concerns alone. If patients have a significant degree of obstruction, removing a portion of the asymmetric septum can alleviate the breathing obstruction. If however, external asymmetry is a major concern of yours, this is best addressed through a combination septorhinoplasty. You clearly have deviation of the caudal septum, however in this single view it is difficult to fully assess your nasal anatomy.
Removing the asymmetric portion of the septum and re-aligning it, in combination with repositioning and reshaping the nasal cartilages is the best way to address the external asymmetries you are seeing. Find a well trained plastic surgeon with advanced training in rhinoplasty who can critically evaluate your anatomy and come up with a tailored surgical plan suited for your anatomy and goals.
Sean Fisher, MDAesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA

Hi,You must have deviation at the anteriormost part of the nasal septum.Septoplasty may fix most of the problem of nostrils but alarplasty may be added if needed at the same session.Best regards.