Uneven Nostril Height After Septorhinoplasty

Question

Had a septorhinoplasty a month ago to correct a deviated septum, it seems though that I also had uneven nostril height from the beginning but this was not corrected. Most likely will seek out a revision. Can this be corrected? If so which techniques would be used? What would be the recovery time for such a procedure? Any specific questions that I should ask the revision specialist? Thanks in advance.

Etai Funk, MD · Answer

This is a difficult problem to fix. There are ways to make the nostril more symmetric but it seems you are referring to the nostril rim or ala more than the nostril itself. A small cartilage rim graft on the higher side can bring the rim down and provide more symmetry. A thorough evaluation by a rhinoplasty expert would be essential.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Although some asymmetry may still remain using an alar rim graft is the easiest and least intrusive option

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

My advice would be to leeave it alone. Some asymmetry is normal. To change the position of the rim is very difficult to achieve and will leave a scar along the base of the nostril.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Perfectly symmetrical nostrils is very difficult to achieve. If you are referring to slight alar rim retraction (I cannot see anything else without a picture of the base of your nose) this can be improved with an alar rim carrtilage graft.

Uneven Nostril Height After Septorhinoplasty

Answers (4)