Septoplasty performed by a plastic surgeon? How could I fix my nose without any drastic changes? (Photo)

If you are only looking for a septoplasty, I would have an experienced ENT surgeon do it because that is their primary area. If you are looking to change something externally as well, it is best to find either a facial plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty. A surgeon with a lot of experience could make you changes you desire while keeping your nose natural.

You should seek guidance from an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.
Functionally, since you're noting benefit from a nasal spray, a reduction of the turbinate tissue in the nose is likely also warranted along with a septoplasty, if your septum is found to be deviated.
You may also benefit from an allergy work-up.
Be careful with nasal decongestant sprays. If you're using something like oxymetazoline (Afrin), your nose can become "addicted" to it and require its frequent use to stay open. If this is your situation, you need this remedied prior to nasal surgery.

The bump you are pointing at is your left lower lateral cartilage. Asymmetry in these cartilages is not uncommon and would require a rhinoplasty to improve. If there are other aspects of your nose for which you desire change, now is the time to address that with your surgeon. A goal of any nasal surgery is to fix all the issues the first time. While revisions aren't uncommon, no one should enter into surgery thinking about doing more nasal surgery later down the line as a goal.

Most plastic surgeons do operate on the septum, but not all. The bump is likely a prominence of the left tip cartilage -- one of the two cartilages that form the tip of the nose. If you don't "love" the sides, then taking down the gentle bump on the bridge of the nose might be a nice thing to do, too.


How *much* to lower that bump, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.