David Q. Santos MD FACS

Septoplasty essentially is an internal nasal procedure that is more often done to affect improvement in nasal breathing. There are a number of techniques for septoplasty, however unfortunately some of the techniques of septoplasty can render the nose (external nose) weakened. The septum is required for support of the nose. It is an internal structural support and if it is weakened or altered without maintaining that support then the nose can drop. When the tip of the nose drops this is called “de-rotation”. Rhinoplasty surgeons love to consider rotation therapies to elevate the nose. When the bridge or dorsum of the nose drops then significant septal element structural change has occurred with the septoplasty. Nonetheless restoring the nose or even improving the nose appearance and position is inherent with rhinoplasty techniques, rotation or bringing the nasal tip upward is a common desired technique in rhinoplasty which is performed with the use of modifying the internal structural elements and cartilage and sometimes placing additional cartilage in the tip and support regions. The same goes with the nasal dorsum, building the dorsum with cartilage also will strengthen the nose and resolve the drop appearance. Rhinoplasty techniques are not often covered by insurance, but with each patient, problems can be assessed and letters written to see if insurance would cover appropriately the nasal problem.