Details on Removing/Replacing Septum in Rhinoplasty?

In general, most surgeons experienced in rhinoplasty will only remove deviated portions of the septum.  If you need grafting, which most patients require, additional septal cartilage will be harvested for this purpose.  You cannot removal too much septal cartilage or the nose will collapse.  If you require significant amounts of cartilage for grafting purposes, ear or rib cartilage may be harvested.  Cartilage remnants can then be crushed and returned to the septum to increase support.  It would be an exceedingly rare event to remove the entire septum for repair (although this can be done if warranted).  I recommend a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty and is Board Certified by The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  Warmest regards, Dr. Pippin.

Hi beckaD in 90210,

Rhinoplasty is not one operation, but many potential operations. Every patient is unique. The nasal septum is the foundation of the nose, affecting not only nasal breathing but also appearance. Rhinoplasty surgeons typically only use a small portion of the septum to obtain enough cartilage graft material. Cartilage removed from the septum for grafting typically does not need to be replaced. Septal cartilage is also often removed during septoplasty, or deviated septum surgery. Only after a comprehensive evaluation by a rhinoplasty surgeon can he/she determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.