My septum redeviated - what should my next steps be?

June 24, 2025
Asked By:EmmaEmma in Athens, Tennessee

I had an open septorhinoplasty in 2012 . I was just 18 at the time and had suffered trauma to my nose from childhood injuries and chronic sinus infections. I chose a board certified plastic surgeon to do my operation because I wanted someone with more expertise who could help me breathe better and make my nose more aesthetically pleasing. My nose healed okay look wise (not great) but it looked smaller than before so I was okay with it . I never felt like I could breath wonderfully after like I had expected. My nose was swollen for the whole year post op . Which I was told was normal . The doctor said everything looked fine and I never saw him again. I didn’t have any chronic sinus infections after that so I thought everything went well. Well yesterday I got sudden intense sinus pressure without infection symptoms and went to urgent care. They opted to x-ray me because I didnt have any typical symptoms . The doctor came back in and said my septum was severely deviated and that one of my maxillary sinuses was extremely small. She reffered me to an ENT but I am assuming due to my prior surgery I am going to need more specialized care in getting this taken care of? I do have a strut in my nose . Not sure if that complicates things. I really need advice on how this may have happened, how to proceed and how I should advocate for myself so that I receive the care needed. I plan to go through insurance so unfortunately there will be hoops.

Answers (1)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
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July 4, 2025

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty and septal deviation

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
MOST RECENT
July 4, 2025

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty and septal deviation

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

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