Asymmetrical Nose: Causes, Symptoms, Fixes & More

An asymmetrical nose is when the two sides of your nose don’t look exactly the same. It might tilt a little, have uneven nostrils, or look different from certain angles. This is actually very common and often harmless, but for some people, it can affect their self-perception or even cause breathing problems.

Whether you’re just curious or thinking about making a change to your nose asymmetry, this guide will help you understand your options clearly. Read till the end to know what an asymmetrical nose is, its causes, symptoms and fixes, both surgical and non-surgical.

What Is Nose Asymmetry?

An asymmetrical nose is when your nose is not symmetrical. It may tilt to one side, or the nostrils may be of varying shapes or sizes. Some may be born with it, but others develop it later in life as a result of injury or a change in the face as they age.

This is a very common condition. Some people have some minor asymmetry of their nose, and in most cases, it does not result in any issue. However, for others, it may influence the way they think about their appearance or even lead to breathing difficulties.

Symptoms of Asymmetrical Nose

So, how do you know if your nose is asymmetrical? If your nose is asymmetrical, it might not look the same on both sides. Sometimes, this is easy to notice, but other times, it’s very subtle. Here are some common signs:

• Nasal Bridge Looks Uneven

The straight part of your nose, i.e., the bridge, might look slanted, crooked or bumpy.

• One Side Looks Higher or Lower

You may see that one side of your nose is slightly higher or lower than the other. This can make your nose look tilted when you look in the mirror or in photos.

• Bent or Curved Nose

Instead of being straight, your nose might curve a little to one side. It can look like your nose is leaning left or right, especially when you look from the front.

• Uneven Nostrils

Your nostrils may not be the same shape or size. One may look rounder or sit higher, while the other is flatter or lower down.

• Nasal Blockage on One Side

You might feel stuffy or blocked on one side more than the other, which can affect breathing.

What Causes an Asymmetrical Nose?

Nose asymmetry might occur due to numerous causes. Some are natural, but external factors cause some. Below are the primary causes:

• Born With It

Some people are simply born with an uneven nose. This means their nose formed that way naturally while they were still in the womb.

• Nose Trauma or Injury

If you’ve ever been hit in the nose, like during sports, a fall, or even a car accident, it can change the shape of your nose. Sometimes the nose gets broken or bent, and when it heals, it doesn’t always go back to its original shape.

• Crooked Nasal Septum 

The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage that separates your two nostrils. If this wall is off-centre, it’s called a deviated septum. It can make one side of your nose look different from the other. This is a common reason for an uneven or crooked nose and may also cause breathing issues.

• Previous Nose Surgery

If someone has had nose surgery (called rhinoplasty), their nose shape may change. Sometimes the results are not even, especially if the surgery didn’t heal as planned or if there was a mistake during the procedure.

• Ageing or Facial Changes

Our skin, muscles, and bones slowly change with ageing. This includes the nose. The tip of the nose might droop, or one side of the nose might change more than the other. These small shifts can make the nose appear less symmetrical over time.

How to Fix an Asymmetrical Nose?

So, how do you fix an asymmetrical nose? Here are the main options that provide a fix if your nose looks uneven and it bothers you or makes it hard to breathe.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

A non-surgical nose job, or non-surgical rhinoplasty, is a quick and easy way to fix small bumps or uneven spots on your nose without the need for surgery. The injector uses dermal fillers and carefully puts them into some regions of your nose to make it look straighter and more balanced. This procedure only takes a few minutes, and you can usually go back to school or your normal activities right after. 

The results don’t last forever; they typically stay for about 6 to 12 months, so if you like how it looks, you can get it done again later. This is a good choice if you want a small change and don’t want to go through surgery.

Rhinoplasty

In medical terms, nose surgery is called rhinoplasty. During this operation, a surgeon changes the shape of your nose by adjusting the bones and cartilage inside it. This is the best option if your nose is very crooked or if you have trouble breathing because of its shape. Rhinoplasty can make your nose look more even and also help you breathe better.

After surgery, you will need to rest for a few weeks, and your nose might be swollen for some time. Even though it takes longer to heal, the results usually last a lifetime. This option is more serious than fillers, but it works well for big changes.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgery that fixes the wall inside your nose called the septum. When this wall is crooked or off-centre, it’s called a deviated septum, and it can make it hard to breathe through your nose. Septoplasty straightens this wall so air can flow better. 

This surgery doesn’t always change how your nose looks on the outside, but sometimes it can make your nose seem straighter because your breathing improves. Doctors usually do a septoplasty if you have breathing problems or a stuffy nose that won’t go away.

When to Seek Help for Nose Asymmetry

There may not always be a need to see a doctor for an asymmetrical nose. But you must get advice if:

• Your nose shape affects your confidence or self-esteem.
• You have trouble breathing or feel your nose is blocked.
• You experience frequent nasal blockage or infections.
• Your previous nose surgery has made your nose uneven.

Often Overlooked Considerations about Nose Asymmetry Treatment

When it comes to treating an asymmetrical nose, here’s what should not be overlooked:

• Healing varies: Everyone heals differently, so results might take time to show.
• Realistic expectations: Not every nose can be perfectly symmetrical; the goal is improvement and feeling better.
• Risks and side effects: Like any treatment, there can be risks. Always choose a qualified specialist.

Choosing the Right Injector for Nose Job

If your nose asymmetry is purely cosmetic and not leading to any medical issues, nose fillers can be a practical option.

Choose an injector with proven experience in non-surgical nose jobs, a strong eye for facial symmetry, and high safety standards. Quality, skill, and your safety should always come first.

At Yorkshire Skin Centre, our experts are medically trained and deliver exceptional results with nose filler treatments. Book a consultation to bring symmetry to your overall profile.

Conclusion

Having an asymmetrical nose is very common, and many people live with it happily. But if it bothers you or causes breathing problems, there are safe and effective treatments available. If there is only a cosmetic asymmetry, whether you want a quick fix or a permanent change, speaking with an expert is the best first step. They will help you choose the right treatment and guide you through every step.

FAQs About Nose Asymmetry

1. Do people notice nose asymmetry?

Sometimes it’s very subtle, but other times it’s easy to see, especially in photos.

2. Why is my nose collapsing on one side?

This can happen from injury, ageing, or poor healing after surgery.

3. Can I fix my asymmetrical nose without surgery?

Yes, small unevenness can often be fixed with fillers or thread lifts.

4. Why does my nose look bigger on one side?

Swelling, uneven cartilage, or a deviated septum can make one side look larger.