Question about basic exterior changes during Septoplasty?

Question

I just left an appointment at Mass ENT. The Dr. said that my nose is the worst deviated she seemed in years. (Almost 100 percent blockage) I am going through with surgery no matter what in three weeks time. She stated to me that no cosmetic changes will be made. However, is there any chance the bump of my nose, size of nostrils, or crookedness of my nose will be changed at all? I'm hoping for something to be changed for the better. What changes can I expect with a nose so deviated ?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Click on the "Web reference" link, just below my response, or go here:

FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_wplewis1.html

I made a computer morph of your nose, and an animation of the morph, to show the changes in the appearance of the nose that are possible in truly expert hands.I elevated the tip, lowered the prominent bump on the bridge, and brought the entire nose back closer to your face. Are those the changes you were thinking of?The septoplasty will make no change in the appearance of your nose. Also, if you think you would like to have a rhinoplasty, then you shouldn't have the septoplasty. The surgeon who performs the rhinoplasty should do the septoplasty.

You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.

Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for a beautiful nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes a beautiful nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A septoplasty is performed in the back of the nose for airflow improvement and has no bearing on the shape of the nose.  A septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose. Medical necessity must be documented at the time of the examination in order to bill medical insurance. A rhinoplasty can accomplish shaving down the dorsal hump, lifting the tip and narrowing the bridge line, but must be paid for by the patient since this is a cosmetic improvement. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is not billed to patient's medical insurance. Both procedures (septoplasty and rhinoplasty) can be performed simultaneously which allows one anesthetic with one recovery period. For more information about the differences between a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty, please see the link and the video below

Question about basic exterior changes during Septoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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Question about basic exterior changes during Septoplasty?

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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.