Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes your nose, fixes its deformities, and helps shape it the way you want. It fixes not only the aesthetic imperfections, such as a narrow or wide nose but also improves its functionality by enhancing breathing and airflow.

However, many patients notice uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty. It raises concerns about rhinoplasty failure and whether they’ll be able to get their old nose shape back. Rest assured, asymmetrical nostrils are common after rhinoplasty due to swelling, different healing patterns, scar tissue formation, and pre-existing asymmetry.

This usually resolves within a few months after the surgery, but if it doesn’t, then there are effective treatments available for it. These include revision rhinoplasty, alar base reduction, septorhinoplasty, and dermal fillers as a non-surgical option.

Are Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty Normal?

Yes, uneven nostrils are common after rhinoplasty. In the first few months after the surgery, the swelling is excessive and can temporarily change the nasal shape, making your nostrils look asymmetrical.

Other than the swelling, scar tissue formation, cartilage shifting, and pre-existing asymmetry can cause the nose’s asymmetry. 

The shape gets better as healing progresses, but if it doesn’t and worsens over time, you may talk to your surgeon and then get solutions like revision rhinoplasty, alar base reduction, and septorhinoplasty.

Causes Of Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty

An asymmetrical nose after rhinoplasty usually happens due to these causes:

Swelling

When you’re done with the rhinoplasty surgery, the swelling is what welcomes you afterward. It’s at its peak initially in the first few months and can make one nostril higher than the other. It keeps calming down over time, correcting the shape of the nostrils as well.

Cartilage Shifting During Healing

Due to the swelling or the changes in the shape of the nose, the grafts and the cartilage may shift. When they shift, they change the shape of your nose, making it asymmetrical.

Different Healing

Every human heals differently after rhinoplasty. Some may have a more asymmetrical nose, while some have it less, depending on how their nose is healing, what changes are there, and whether the grafts and the cartilages are adapting.

Pre-existing Asymmetry

If the patients have an asymmetrical nose by birth or because of any injury, it can become more visible after rhinoplasty due to swelling. When the healing progresses, the uneven nostrils come back into shape.

Scar Tissue formation

When your nose heals, scar tissue is formed. Sometimes it forms too much, changing the shape of your nostrils and making them look uneven.

Tightening Of The Skin

When the nose skin gets too tight, usually because of too much scar tissue, it can also pull the nostrils, changing their shape.

When are Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty Concerning?

You should be concerned about asymmetrical nostrils post-rhinoplasty when you have the following issues:

• You may require examination in the case that scar tissue is tight or painful.
• It is worth having a follow-up when the nostrils remain uneven a year after surgery.
• Breathing issues or feeling blocked can signal a problem.
• If things look more uneven over time, don’t ignore it.
• Not happy with the final look? You’re allowed to ask about options.
• Lingering redness or swelling could mean infection and needs attention.

How To Fix Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty? Best Treatments

If the uneven nostrils don’t get in shape within 12 months, these are the treatments for nostril asymmetry correction.

Revision Rhinoplasty

The revision rhinoplasty is a nose job that fixes the issues from the first rhinoplasty surgery. It’s done to fix uneven nostrils, breathing problems, and also unsatisfactory cosmetic results. You may take up to 12 months to heal from this surgery.

To get the best results, contact the Asli Tarcan Clinic, where the board-certified surgeons will perform it for you. Your safety and comfort will be our priorities during and after the surgery.

Alar Base Reduction

When the nostrils are too wide or uneven, the alar base reduction procedure is also used. It targets the outer edges of the nostrils, reducing their width and uneven shape by removing small wedges of tissue. This treatment is the best for asymmetric nostrils and also offers noticeable results.

Septorhinoplasty

Septorhinoplasty is great for patients with breathing issues due to a deviated septum and also uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty. It’s usually combined with the rhinoplasty surgery, but you can take it as a standalone treatment as well for correcting the symmetry of your nose.

Dermal Fillers

If you want to get temporary but quick results, then you can try out the derma fillers. They correct the shape of your nose temporarily, usually for 6 to 12 months. 

In the procedure, the hyaluronic acid-based fillers are injected to smooth, balance, and fix the unevenness of the nose. This treatment is the best for people who need minimal downtime and also the fastest results.

How To Prevent Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

You can prevent uneven nostrils post-rhinoplasty in the first place, and then you don’t have to go through all these. Just follow these tips to do that:

• Keep Your Head Propped Up While Sleeping: Sleep on your back with a couple of pillows to reduce swelling and prevent shifting in the nasal structure.
• Follow What Your Surgeon Tells You: Stick to the care instructions for cleaning, medications, and activities because they do make a difference in how you heal.
• Don’t Miss Your Checkups: Follow-up visits help your surgeon see how things are coming along and catch any small issues before they turn into big ones.
• Let Your Nose Heal at Its Own Pace: A little unevenness in the beginning is normal. Full healing can take several months, and sometimes even up to a year.
• Be Gentle with Your Nose: Avoid bumping or pressing on it. Hold off on glasses for a bit and keep anything from putting pressure on the area.

Asli Tarcan Clinic – Get In Touch  To Discuss Your Nose Job

If you notice uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty, it’s completely normal and usually subsides when the swelling goes down. The excessive swelling, which is usually in the first few months, the scar tissue formation, cartilage shifting during the surgery, and the tightening of the skin can cause it.

If it gets better in the first 12 months of the surgery, then it’s totally normal. If it stays longer and also worsens over time, you can consider revision rhinoplasty, alar base reduction, or septorhinoplasty. 

You can get all these treatments at our Asli Tarcan Clinic at discounted prices with expert post-care tips and full support from our certified surgeons. Contact us today!

Is it normal for nostrils to look uneven after rhinoplasty?

Yes, it’s completely normal to have uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty. It usually subsides when the swelling calms down.

How do you fix uneven nostrils?

You can get the rhinoplasty, alar base reduction, or septorhinoplasty procedures to fix it.

How long will my nostrils be uneven after septoplasty?

Your nostrils will be uneven for a few months after the procedure. For most people, it takes around 6 to 12 months.