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Possible to Fix Stretched Septum?

I have many compulsive tics: one of them causes me to push my nose (septum) to the side with extreme pressure, sometimes holding it there. I have since managed to control this but not until about a year of doing it every day.

I might have stretched the septal cartilage, or broken or badly damaged it somehow. It definitely looks and feels very different, like it has been pushed to the side, malformed somehow. My septum is definitely not straight in many directions. What could I have done? Is it fixable?

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17 Doctor Answers | Asked by amy1983 in West Coast

Doctor Answers (17)
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Deviated septum can be fixed with septoplasty

It sounds like you have a deviated septum. This particular problem can be addressed by a surgeon who is familiar with septoplasty. The portion of the septum that you are referring to sounds like the "caudal" portion of the septum, and significant deviations of this portion of the septum can be a little tricky to repair. My bigger concern is whether or not a surgical procedure is going to restart your urge to manipulate your nose. I would be certain that you are not going to... more

Septoplasty to straighten crooked nasal septum

A deviated septum at the end of the nose is also known as a caudal septal deflection. These can be addressed by straightening and partial removal of that portion of the cartilage that is obstructing the airway. It is also important to have any compulsive habits addressed through psychiatric care so as not to continue to do so after this type of surgery. The septum is probably dislocated off the vomer and maxilla, and could potentially be fractured if it was pushed very hard.... more

Deviated Septum

The real question is not what you "could have done", but what you should do now. I don't know if your tic truly caused a problem, but you should seek help to eliminate it. Just because you have a deviated septum does not mean you need surgery. Get a good evaluation of your nasal anatomy and function. Then you can determine if treatment is necessary.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Possible to correct septum surgically

“Stretched septum” is not medical terminology and, probably not a true medical entity. If you have a deviated nasal septum with nasal airway obstruction, your septum can be corrected surgically. However, trauma to the nose must be completely avoided after nasal surgery. If your tics create nasal trauma, nasal surgery should be avoided until such time that your tics are controlled.

Deviated septum doesn't mean you need septoplasty

It is very likely you the surgery required is a septoplasty. You would need to be examined of course to confirm. However not everyone with a crooked or deviated septum needs surgery. There are lots of people walking around blissfully unaware they too have a deviated septum! Septoplasty is only indicated if there are symptoms. So if you don't have difficulty breathing, your nose doesn't appear crooked or you don't suffer from nasal crusting or bleeding, the best course of action is in... more

Stretched or deviated septum can be corrected

It sounds like you have a deviated septum, and this should be able to be corrected in experienced hands. If you have been able to completely stop the tic that you feel created the problemto your septum to begin with, then you would be a candidate to have the septum repaired. If you still find yourself doing the tic from time to time, you may need to have this controlled first to minimize recurrance of the deviated septum.

Septoplasty

Yes, your septum can be fixed with a septoplasty. However, most surgeons will recommend that you have your "tic" to push your septum addressed first with a therapist, as it would not make sense to perform surgery which you might disrupt. Good luck, /nsn.

Fixing a crooked septum

Hello, You would really need to be examined in person in order to determine what the best option would be for you. Fixing a crooked septum is possible by performing a septoplasty. Thank you and best of luck. Dr. Nassif

Septal Deviation

You really need to be examined and evaluated. If your septum is deviated it can be addressed by a septoplasty. It is difficult to say what needs to be done with a proper intranasal exam. Good luck.

Treating a septal deviation deflection or deformity is a common component of rhinoplasty or nose job

As the other doctors have suggested, your problem would best be treated with a septoplasty. Depending on the severity of the condition, different treatment plans will be recommended. Seek the advice of a specialist who can perform a detailed examination and discuss your options.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Septal surgery

If your septum was fractured or in a curved position, it certainly can be corrected provided that you do n ot have the compulsion ot push it over again.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Septal Fractures Can Be Fixed

By pressing hard and repeatedly over time the nasal septum can be pushed to a side and causes it to become crooked. However, the important question is; does the nose look crooked and can you breathe? If the nose looks good and you can breathe fine, then you can stop worrying about your nasal septum Regards

Repair of Self Imposed Deviated Nasal Septum

Hi Amy, It sounds as if you have caused yourself to have a deviated septum. A rhinoplasty specialist (facial plastic surgeon, ENT, or general plastic surgeon experienced in nasal surgery) will be able to fix your nose. Before having any corrective surgery, you should be sure that your "tic" causing you to push on your nose is gone forever. You should be closely followed by either a psychiatrist or neurologist to make certain that you have the best chance for long term success... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Septal Deviation correction = Septoplasty

Repeated injury to the nose, as you describe, frequently injures the septum which is made up of both cartilage and bone. Depending on your particular deformity and the extent the "...septum is definitely not straight in many directions", a septum straightening / reconstruction procedure (Septoplasty) is called for. You need to consult and experienced nose surgeon for this operation. It also goes without saying that you should be under the care of a good psychiatrist and taking... more

Crooked septums can be fixed

Amy, It's good to hear that you have been able to now control this compulsion. You should see a Rhinoplasty specialist who can see if you have deviated or fractured the septum. Once they've looked at it, they can then go about explaining better what has happened and how it can be fixed. The good news is that in almost every case you should be able to be made to have a straighter septum that llows you to breathe and look aesthetically straight. Best of luck.

Septoplasty will help fix a deviated septum

What you seek is septoplasty for a deviated septum. Sometimes an extremely deviated septum can also translate to a crooked nose. Septoplasty is often covered by medical insurance. However, if you keep on pushing on your nose after surgery it will distort the result. Noses are weaker for at least 6 weeks following surgery.

Treatment for deviated septum.

See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and you should be able to have a straight or near-straight nose again. Furthermore, your breathing should be better and this is usually covered by insurance.