Will Septoplasty Help with Crooked Nose?

Question

I am going for a Septoplasty on Monday, my nose appears crooked. Can I expect a change in shape from the outside or will it look the same as it did?

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

As a general statement, changes in the septum can change the external appearance of the nose. Since the septum is very involved in the projection and rotation of the tip, septal surgery alone does have some influence on how the nose looks. A nose may look crooked because of a crooked septum or it may not be related at all. How much it will effect your nose depends on many factors: your anatomy-both the size and shape of your nose and how much the septum is involved with tip support, what your surgeon ends up doing to your septum has a big influence as well. It is possible to do a minimal elevation septoplasty and not change the outside of the nose at all while it is also possible to do an extensive septoplasty and change the septum's relationship to the rest of the nose. This is pretty confusing but the bottom line is you need to put these questions to the doctor performing your surgery. 

	I hope this was helpful.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

If your nose is crooked you will likely not see significant improvement from septoplasty alone but a septoplasty with rhinoplasty can help.  See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Invariably, a truly crooked nose has some degree of septal deviation. It is fair to say that success in straightening  a very crooked nose (as part of septorhinoplasty) often relies on straightening the crooked septum.  However, addressing the crooked septum alone will not straighten the external appearance of a crooked nose; straightening of the nasal bones is required in conjunction with the septoplasty.
In essence, septoplasty is one of the pieces of the puzzle in straightening the crooked nose.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

That depends on the type of correction performed. Straightening a nose does not always result in improved breathing and the opposite is true. Improving breathing does not always result in a straighter nose.

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Did you discuss with your cosmetic nasal surgeon the issue of change in shape of your nose? It is important. Assuming the operation is being for breathing improvement, there can be a change in the exterior appearance if the interior septum is changed significantly.
"As the septum goes, so goes the nose" is the classic aphorism that states the relationship between the septum's location/position and the external appearance of the nose.
Your surgeon's game plan must ask itself the very question you have asked. What is his plan regarding changing the septum. Will it change the shape of your nose?
It's not too late to ask the question; just do it before you meet the anesthesiologist and his magic drugs. Once he's in charge, you will be "spaced out" and unable to have a rational conversation with  your doctor.

Maurice M. Khosh, MD · Answer

This could be the subject of a 2 hour lecture. The simple answer is yes. However, septoplasty alone usually has only a limited effect on the shape of the nose. You should ask your doctor, as he has axamined you and is better able to answer this question. When there is extreme deviation of the lower part of the septum, there is accompanying deviation of the nasal tip. Septoplasty in such cases has the greatest effect in correcting a crooked nose.

Will Septoplasty Help with Crooked Nose?

Answers (6)

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