Will rhinoplasty/septoplasty affect my voice?

Question

Hi I am looking into rhinoplasty. I have a slight deviation and makes one airway a little blocked. I also have a very nasally voice. Will getting rhinoplasty/ septoplasty make it not so nasally?

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for this most interesting question.  The nose has the primary function of air passage.  The sinuses are unique to humans and serve several functions.  First they serve as "crumple zones" to protect the brain from facial trauma.  Secondly, they serve as air pockets to lighten the weight of the head, and finally, as resonance chambers to allow us to create multiple different sounds.  Having said, that, what you more than likely have is "hypo-nasal", which means less air is getting through the nose.  Now, if a proper septoplasty  is performed, more air will get through the nose during speech and the intonations may sound different, but the quality of the voice should not change.  Please seek the advice of a double board certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon for these issues.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.In general, rhinoplasty does not affect a person's voice to a significant degree, especially if there is a slight deviation that is corrected.Best,Dr. Michael EpsteinMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, FACS · Answer

The affect of septoplasty or rhinoplasty on one's voice is a controversial topic.  Unless you are a professional singer and you suffer from profound nasal congestion, I don't believe there is a significant impact on your voice.  If the breathing (no septoplasty) is not altered, there should be no effect on the voice.Best of luck!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Septorhinoplasty may possibly improve a nasal voice but it should not be assumed that it will. Most likely it will not even if the anatomic nasal airway obstructions are reduced.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A septoplasty is not required for someone who only has a slight deviation. There has to be medical necessity present  and a significant deviation is blocking airflow in order to undergo the procedure. A rhinoplasty procedure is performed to change the shape of the nose, while  a septoplasty is performed to improve airflow. Both procedures can be performed together or separately. A septoplasty usually improves the nasal voice

John A. Standefer Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

The amount of change in one's voice after rhinoplasty should be minimal, but you asked if your nasality would change. If your nasality is due to nasal congestion, it should change much like getting over a cold helps your voice clear up. You stated that you have a slight deviation of your septum that suggests that your nasal congestion is minimal and therefore not a major cause of your nasal voice. I would discuss this with your surgeon to see how much congestion is present. If your voice is nasal because of your natural vocal tone, then it shouldn't change. Vocal intonation can vary and changes can be made voluntarily and/or with coaching.

John Standefer MD

John Standefer MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have severe septal deviation and nasal obstruction which cause the nasal quality to your voice may decrease. However, a patient's voice rarely changes after a septorhinoplasty.

Jay M. Pensler, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Years ago there was a myth that was perpetuated that a rhinoplasty would change your voice. This mythology was particularly popular on the west coast with celebrities. Changes from a rhinoplasty are virtually imperceptible for a voice as a general rule.

Will rhinoplasty/septoplasty affect my voice?

Answers (8)

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