Uneven Height of Nostrils

Question

hi, i had a rhinoplasty 20 days ago and im really worried about the result of it because the nostrils is not even, the left side is higher then the other, i ask my doctor about this and his answers to me is not clear. is there any posibilities that it will be even? i really appreciate if you can help me on this matter...or is there anyway i can correct it??

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concerns and reviewed your photo. You appear to have a slight amount of nostril retraction on both sides. You're relatively early in your healing, and I'm not certain whether or not this will improve with time. In my practice, I have had favorable results lowering nostril margins with Silikon-1000, an off-label injectable filler for permanent results. Please be sure your physician is experienced in the delicate art of using fillers for nasal rejuvenation before proceeding.

	I hope this is helpful for you.

	Regards from NJ.

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

In general, one needs to wait at least 2 - 3 months before initially evaluating rhinoplasty results.  In fact, it really takes a full year and sometimes more for all the swelling to resolve to see the final result.  It is also very important to compare the results with the before pictures.  Best of luck...RAS

Melanie L. Petro, MD · Answer

Wound healing is a very complex process it can take a year for a wound to heal, the nose is small, and small amounts of swelling show.  Be patient.  Way too soon to judge your result

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

You're not a month after your Rhinoplasty and the differences between the alar heights are very small.  If after your nose is healed, 6-9 months...there are several techniques to specifically address the higher alar rim however I'm not sure this is required based on your photos.

Mark B. Constantian, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I don't know what your nostrils looked like before surgery, but nostrils can hike up if the alar (tip) cartilages are reduced and cannot brace the rims in their correct positions, or if the surgical incisions--especially in open rhinoplasty--are too close to the rims or are not repaired accurately.

	If you do not get better, your problem, which is common, can be fixed.  The surgeon can take "composite" grafts (cartilage and skin) from one of your ears and put pieces of it into incisions inside your nostrils.  These grafts add lining and push the rims down. I reported 100 consecutive cases in which I did this procedure in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery about 10 years ago.  The procedure is very reliable and effective, so don't worry.

Uneven Height of Nostrils

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Uneven Height of Nostrils

Answers (5)

Answer: Uneven nostrils after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Uneven nostrils after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostrils that are too high can be corrected

Answer: Nostrils that are too high can be corrected

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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.