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When are external incisions needed for a Septoplasty?

asked 6 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Question viewed 129 times
Tags: incision, reasons, scar revision

I understand it is rare to need incisions on the outside of the nose during a Septoplasty. What conditions would need it? And if that were the case, would I need scar revision surgery later on?

9 answers to When are external incisions needed for a Septoplasty?

+1

When are external incisions needed for a Septoplasty?

None that I can think of after more than 20 years performing Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty. The incisions for a Septoplasty are inside the nose along the front portion of the nasal septum. Be certain that your Rhinoplasty Surgeon understands and follows the proper aesthetics of facial (and nasal) beauty for the creation of a naturally more attractive nose.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Using external incision for septoplasty

The vast majority of septoplasty surgeries utilize a hidden internal incision. More complex repairs may require an open approach using a columellar incision. This is especially the case when the portion of the septum closest to the nostrils (caudal septum) is deviated and requires reconstruction. The columellar incision heals very well in my experience and very rarely needs scar revision. You should be able to find out what type of septoplasty approach you would need after consulting... more
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

External incisions for septoplasty

Septoplasty is one of the most common operations worldwide, primarily to improve nasal breathing, congestion, or snoring. Typically, septoplasty does not involve external incisions. Incisions are normally placed inside the nostrils, and surgeons will use stitches that dissolve. Routine septoplasty does not alter the appearance of the nose, as the surgery is on the inside of the nose. Occasionally, plastic surgeons may use an external incision for septoplasty. External incisions may... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Usually a septoplasty incision is hidden inside the nose

In 90% of the septoplasty surgeries we perform, the incisions are located internally, along the edge of the septum. It would be very rare to see this incision after it was healed unless the surgeon did a poor job suturing it closed. In the other 10% of cases we choose to perform a transcolumellar incision to improve exposure in cases where the caudal (very end) septum is broken, very crooked or there is need to reinforce the caudal septum with a graft. As in the internal approach-if the... more
Ivan Wayne, MD

Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty incisions

Septoplasty alone is easily performed without an external incision. If there are to be elements of cartilage scultping for the tip or tif there are to be other cosmetic alterations than an open incision may be frequently employed.
Daniel Greenwald, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Septoplasty incisions

The majority of septoplasties can be done with incisions hidden inside the nose. Certain types of crooked septums, particularly those where the deviation is close to the from at the nostrils, are sometimes done with a standard external rhinoplasty incision in order to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. An external rhinoplasty incision is very hard to see.
Douglas J. Kibblewhite, MD

Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

External Incisions for a Septoplasty not Necessary

A septoplasty, by definition, is surgery to correct a deviated septum, which is the vertical cartilage that divides the nose into two sides. For many patients a deviated septum will cause airway obstruction but does not necessarily affect the external appearance of the nose. In these cases, a septoplasty can typically be performed through an internal nasal incision. If the deviated septum causes an external nasal deformity, then most plastic surgeons would recommend a... more
Steven L. Ringler, MD

Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
+1

Incisions needed for a Septoplasty?

To do work on the septum surgeons must first peel the skin (mucosal) lining and expose the septum. This is done with several vertical incision on one side of the septum. Occasionally, an opern (transcolumellar) approach is done in rhinoplasty where the skin is lifted off the nose and the septum is exposed from the top via an open sky approach. In the vast majority of cases, septoplasty incisions heal with great, hardly visible scars. Peter A. Aldea, MD
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

External incisions for a septoplasty

On some occasions your surgeon may feel that they will get better exposure to a complicated deviated septum by doing it "open." This scar will almost always be invisible and virtually not an issue if it means getting the best airway the first and only time you need surgery.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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