Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty

Are you avoiding rhinoplasty because you are worried this nightmare could happen to you? Uneven nostrils are a well known compilation of rhinoplasty. But, with adequate knowledge of the causes, proper aftercare and the right approach, it is avoidable.

For some, uneven nostrils are just a temporary part of healing but for others, it can be a permanent asymmetry. Let’s dive into more details about postoperative uneven nares, what’s normal and what’s not. We will look at the causes and management plan.

Is It Normal To Have Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

Yes, and no. Uneven nostrils can happen as a usual part of the recovery process after rhinoplasty. Your one nostril can heal early and better than another. Due to uneven swelling and scarring, it is normal for a while, as complete healing may take 6 months to 2 years.

However, if your inflammation has settled in and recovery has occurred, or it is 1 year post op, then it is a surgical defect. In this case, it is not normal because it has become a permanent complication of the procedure. If this happens you do not need to panic, there are ways to correct it.

Nose asymmetry after a nose job is a familiar side effect. It can happen due to various reasons, some of listed are as follows:

• Uneven healing of both nostrils
• Removal of more tissue in one nostril than another
• Unequal application of sutures
• Pre existing unevenness of nose before the procedure
• Irregular use of nasal splints after the procedure
• Displacement and dislodgement of grafts
• Lack of expertise of the plastic surgeon
• Use of wrong surgical technique
• Inadequate knowledge of pre existing nasal conditions

Usually, mild nasal asymmetries are not a matter of concern in most cases and usually improve on their own overtime. But, you need to visit your surgeon in the following conditions:

• Persistent Asymmetry: Nasal unevenness persists longer than a year. Or asymmetry is not improving after 6 months of the procedure
• Breathing Difficulties: Due to deviated nasal bridge and septum, one of the internal nasal passages becomes narrower than another. This causes breathing difficulty and a feeling of obstruction.
• Enormous Unevenness: If swelling has settled in a way to cause huge distortion of the nasal symmetry, you need to get it corrected for improved appearance.
• Chronic Discomfort: In case your uneven nostrils are becoming a cause of physical and mental agony, you are suggested to visit your surgeon.

How To Avoid Uneven Nostrils After Nose Job?

If you carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions, you can avoid uneven nostrils. Here are some tips:

• Choose A Right Surgeon: Choose a surgeon who is expert and is able to meet your aesthetic needs.
• Cold Compression: Cold compressions can help with reduction of swelling and alleviation of pain and redness. It helps in early healing and reduces the chances of asymmetry.
• Elevation Of Head: Keep your head elevated with use of soft pillows underneath your head while sleeping. This is to reduce pressure and allow excess fluid to drain.
• Gentle Messaging: Gentle messaging in circular motion with soft fingers helps in regulating the blood flow and promotes healing and lymph drainage.
• Avoid Strenuous Activities: Avoid strenuous physical activities for a specified period of time. Avoid any direct blow to the nose that can malposition the grafts.
• Timely Medication: Take your timely medication as prescribed by your doctor. Take vitamin supplements to help with early recovery.
• Nasal Splints: Use nasal splints after nose job if advised by your surgeon to prevent asymmetry.
• Regular Appointments: Regularly visit your surgeon, so that any visible asymmetry is detected early and treated timely.

How To Fix Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

If you have undergone surgical nose reshaping recently and then an unfortunate complication of uneven nostrils happened to you, no need to worry. There are both surgical and non-surgical options available for correcting the asymmetry such as:

Non- Surgical Options

The non-surgical options include:

• Dermal Fillers: Use of injectable dermal fillers is a suitable option for those who are seeking minor adjustments of nostrils asymmetry. It is a good option but doesn’t produce long lasting results.
• Nasal Splints: Nasal splints might help in some cases but the asymmetry can return.
• Botox: Use of botox injections for minor unevenness.
• Wait: Wait for at least 2 years after rhinoplasty for final results.

Surgical Option

The surgical procedure to treat uneven nostrils after rhinoplasty includes:

Revision rhinoplasty: The most reliable solution for uneven nostrils is revision rhinoplasty. It is an invasive procedure like primary rhinoplasty. The bones and cartilages are adjusted, additional grafts may be required to achieve the fruitful outcomes.