For patients who are frustrated by their large, asymmetrical or crooked noses, cosmetic rhinoplasty is considered the ideal solution to address their concerns and produce a straighter, more attractive nose.
But what happens if you notice your nostrils are uneven following rhinoplasty? Should you be concerned about it?
Here we discuss the most likely cause of your uneven nostrils and how to tell if it’s something you need to be concerned about.
Nostrils Uneven After Rhinoplasty: What Causes It?
If you notice your nostrils are a little uneven after a rhinoplasty procedure, your immediate reaction may be to start worrying about it being a botched job—but rest assured, you probably don’t need to.
Nostril asymmetry is a completely normal response to rhinoplasty. It could be caused by the formation of scar tissue, sutures, taping or splints, however, swelling is the most probable cause. Swelling is one of the most common side effects of rhinoplasty and it often affects each nostril differently, resulting in an uneven appearance.
In most cases, swelling will gradually subside as your recovery progresses, along with any nasal asymmetry.
When to Be Concerned About Asymmetrical Nostrils After Rhinoplasty
Generally, you don’t need to be concerned about uneven nostrils following rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty uneven nostrils are extremely common during the first few weeks of the recovery period, so try to stay focused on your recovery rather than your results. Keep in mind that it can take up to one year (or even longer) to make a complete recovery.
It’s also important to stay realistic about your results, remembering that achieving a perfectly symmetrical result is unrealistic. Having said that, if your nostrils are still significantly uneven after all swelling has subsided (which usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks), it’s worth seeking advice from a doctor as it could be a sign of a caudal septal deviation or a flared medial crura.
Is It Difficult to Fix Uneven Nostrils?
While it’s normal to have nostrils uneven after rhinoplasty, if you’re still unhappy with your results after making a full recovery, there are options available to you.
Nostril asymmetry can usually be addressed relatively easily with liquid rhinoplasty. Using dermal fillers to shape and contour the nostrils and improve symmetry, it’s an effective and minimally invasive solution, however, the results aren’t permanent.
In some cases, a revision rhinoplasty may need to be performed to correct asymmetries caused by a previous nose procedure. Revision rhinoplasty can however be notoriously more difficult to perform than an initial rhinoplasty. For this reason, it’s crucial that you choose a highly-experienced surgeon to perform the procedure, such as Dr. Jacob Sedgh.
The Trusted Name in Facial Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles
If you’re concerned about your results from a previous rhinoplasty procedure, schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Jacob Sedgh.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Sedgh’s extensive training and credentials go well beyond that of most plastic surgeons. With a meticulous approach and the highest attention to detail, Dr. Sedgh has successfully helped many other patients just like you to correct issues created by a previous rhinoplasty to achieve a more balanced, natural-looking result.
Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery
