Depends on the surgeon's training

An ear, nose and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) is more qualified to fix a deviated septum.

Deviated septum is a functional problem associated with breathing and is a procedure that is frequently done in most ear, nose, and throat doctors’ offices and surgery centers. Most facial plastic surgeons have additional training in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery after their ear, nose, and throat background that can easily and readily address a deviated septum with or without any cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery.

Look for a surgeon who does not place packing on the inside of the nose. There is only one small incision (approximately half an inch) on the inside of the nose to go in and remove any deviated, deflected bone and cartilage obstructing the airway. In addition to the septoplasty, the inferior turbinates are trimmed or out-fractured to improve airflow through the nose.

The short answer is "yes". I think either a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon who is also properly trained will do just fine. Don't let your previous experience when you were 17 discourage you-- if you're having difficulty with your airway, there is usually a good and safe solution. Have someone with the proper training and experience examine you and give you some options for correction.

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Both Plastic Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons (usually ENT physicians) can help with your problem. The key is that they have a special interest in nasal surgery, both functional and cosmetic. You need a doctor who spends a significant amount of his or her practice focused on the nose. So ask how many nasal surgeries they do each year and compare the answers you hear. Also, ask to speak with a patient or 2 who have had a procedure like the one proposed for you and see if they are happy.

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