Can Septoplasty Reduce How Prominent my Septum is when Looking Straight at Me?

asked 1 year ago by England9705 in England
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 249 times
Tags: septum

My septum is really prominent when looking directly at me and when I smile it looks even worse, would septoplasty be able to flatten my septum so when you look straight at me the first thing you don't see is my septum. I hope you understand what I am trying to explain, if this helps I really like Jessica Alba's septum as you can't see it when you look directly at her face. Thanks

5 answers to Can Septoplasty Reduce How Prominent my Septum is when Looking Straight at Me?

Reducing a prominent septum often requires rhinoplasty

The prominent septum creates a large cartilaginous hump in the nose and defines the entire tip projection. When this is removed the tip will de-project, change shape, and come back closer to the face. The nasal bones will have to be adjusted accordingly. The tip cartilages will also have to be addressed to balance the new dorsal profile. This is considered a rhinoplasty, not a septoplasty. A deviated septum occurs in the posterior portion of the nose that blocks airflow and can be... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Septoplasty and nasal appearance

A Septoplasty procedure is designed to straighten the center divider of the nose and improve the ability to breathe from the nose - the center divider or septum is also the supporting sturcture for the tip of the nose so modification of this structure can change the overall tip appearance. A deviated septum is visible between the nostrils when looking at a patient from straight on if the deflection is directly in the front. The answer is yes -... more

Paul E. Kelly, MD
Hamptons Facial Plastic Surgeon

Septoplasty Alone Will Not Change The Shape of the Nose

Septoplasty is a surgery to correct a deviated septum. In most cases, this will not change the appearance of your nose (unless the whole nose is crooked due to trauma, etc.). What you are requesting is a cosmetic procedure as part of your septoplasty. Just remember, once the septum is shaved down, the nose may appear wide and the bones may have to be broken to narrow the nose. see video

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD
Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon

Septoplasty surgery to change appearance of Nose

Hi England9705, While the nasal septum plays an important role in the shape of the nose, routine septoplasty generally does not alter the appearance of the nose. Septoplasty combined with any changes to the external nose is more commonly referred to as septorhinoplasty or rhinoplasty. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Septoplasty Can Correct A Deviated Caudal End Of The Septum

Deviation of the front or caudal end of the septum will cause a visible external deformity when viewed from straight on. The end of the septum will be seen protruding over into one of the nostrils and the columella may look twisted as well. Septoplasty surgery can be very effective at trimming off the long end of the septum and getting it back into a midline position behind the columella.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

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