Do I have a deviated septum? Is this causing my upper lip to be shorter? It feels as though it's too short now (Photo)

Question

Hi, I have been experiencing breathing issues, the feeling of not being able to get a good breath. This has led me to mouth breathing. An ent did say I have a deviated septum. I am curious if you think I have a deviated septum. Also the cartilage underneath my nose seems excess, is this from the deviated septum? Also would fixing it provide any extra skin for my top lip, since it is already shortened? Hopefully my questions make sense. Thanks so much.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The nasal septum is a partitioning wall between the right and the left side of the nose. It can be crooked inside and may not show any evidence of that by looking on the outside of the nose. The best way is to do an endoscopic exam to assess the full length of the nasal septum. You should see an Otolaryngologist for evaluation and proper diagnosis. At times nasal obstruction can be from causes other than a deviated septum and only with correct diagnosis you can intervene and improve the nasal breathing. RegardsDr. J

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

It is very difficult to answer your question from the photos provided.  Diagnosis of a deviated septum will require internal nasal exam, as well as examination of septal positioning at the maxillary spine.  In person consultation is strongly recommended to help truly diagnose your issues.   I have provided a link below.  Good Luck!

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

To fully evaluate your septum, a complete nasal exam would be necessary.  From the photos, it appears that may have a bit of a "tension septum".  This is caused by having excess cartilage in the septum that pushes the upper lip out and causes bowing of the lip/nose angle on profile.  Reduction of this can cause the upper lip to appear longer.   Make sure you see a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty.  With bias, i would recommend a facial plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A deviated septum can only be diagnosed with an internal examination of the nose. A septoplasty is performed to improve airflow dynamics through the nose when there is a deviated septum present. A septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose or the upper lip. A  cosmetic rhinoplasty is performed to change the external appearance of the nose. For more information about the differences between a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty, please see the link and the video below

Do I have a deviated septum? Is this causing my upper lip to be shorter? It feels as though it's too short now (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Do I have a deviated septum?

Answer: Do I have a deviated septum?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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Do I have a deviated septum? Is this causing my upper lip to be shorter? It feels as though it's too short now (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Do I have a deviated septum?

Answer: Do I have a deviated septum?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.