2 weeks post-rhinoplasty — if eyes and nostrils look asymmetric, is it okay to judge now?
2025. 12. 24.
For those anxious because nostrils and eyes look asymmetric at day 15 post-rhinoplasty — glabella height and changes in the impression between the eyes, why judgment waits until swelling subsides, and when to consult the operating clinic.
Key points
- Unless the glabella was raised a lot, rhinoplasty doesn't make the eyes look drawn together — changes in the impression between the eyes can be watched over time.
- Nostril asymmetry is judged by the appearance after swelling subsides — whether the current shape persists.
- At about 2 weeks post-op it's still a point where some correction is possible — so the order is watching with room, then consulting the clinic that operated if the problem persists.
When you've mustered great resolve even for a revision, then around 2 weeks later the mirror shows nostrils looking different and the impression between your eyes changed too — anxiety is unavoidable. The clinic says it's from swelling, but whether it's truly just swelling or a situation requiring revision or a refund is often hard to judge.
This article organizes an actual question carrying this concern and the answer to it.
01
After surgery my nostrils and eyes look different — the actual question
Q. I had rhinoplasty 15 days ago. Before surgery it was a nose done with ear cartilage only, and this surgery was to improve a deviated septum plus silicone on the bridge and ear cartilage on the tip. But after surgery my nostril shapes completely changed, and one eye looks drawn inward like an epicanthal fold appeared. The clinic just says it's swelling and to see in a month. It was a revision, so a result like this is really hard. Will the hospital refund or redo the surgery?
A. First, unless the glabella was raised a lot, rhinoplasty doesn't make the eyes look drawn together. So please watch the impression between the eyes over some time.
As for the nostrils looking different — if the appearance after swelling subsides seems to persist in the current shape, please tell the clinic that operated. Since it's currently about 2 weeks post-op, it's a point where some correction is possible as time passes. Please watch with a bit more room, and if the problem persists later, consult the surgeon who operated.
02
Why defer judgment at the 2-week point?
The appearance right after surgery has swelling's influence heavily mixed in. Whether the currently visible asymmetry is an actual structural problem or a temporary look created by swelling can only be distinguished once the swelling subsides.
| Concern | Judgment standard |
|---|---|
| The eyes look drawn together | Unless the glabella is much higher, rhinoplasty doesn't create that look — observe over time |
| Nostrils look asymmetric | Check whether the same shape persists after swelling subsides |
| The problem continues | Consult the medical staff at the clinic that operated |
Two weeks post-op is still early recovery — and also a point where, even if there's a problem, some correction is possible. Rather than concluding the result now and deciding on refund or revision first, checking the course and then consulting the operating clinic in order is appropriate.
03
When anxious, in what order should I act?
- Watch the course — while swelling subsides, watch for changes in the impression between the eyes and the nostril shapes.
- Record — leaving photos at the same angle and lighting makes changes easy to compare.
- Consult the operating clinic — if asymmetry persists after swelling subsides, show the state to the operating medical staff and discuss.
If the clinic's explanation alone doesn't ease the anxiety, getting the state checked objectively is also an option. You can hear an opinion on the current state in a 1:1 video consultation.
04
Summary — judgment has its timing too
Asymmetry right after surgery can be a temporary look created by swelling. Unless the glabella height was raised a lot, rhinoplasty doesn't make the eyes look drawn together — so observe over time; for nostril shape, the standard is whether it persists after swelling subsides. If a problem remains even then, consulting the clinic that operated comes first. If you're curious about actual correction cases, see the before & after photos.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.
Can rhinoplasty make the eyes look drawn together?
When should nostril asymmetry be judged?
It's 2 weeks post-op and I don't like the result — should I look into revision right away?
Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.