Septoplasty performed by a plastic surgeon? How could I fix my nose without any drastic changes? (Photo)

If you are only looking for a septoplasty, I would have an experienced ENT surgeon do it because that is their primary area. If you are looking to change something externally as well, it is best to find either a facial plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty. A surgeon with a lot of experience could make you changes you desire while keeping your nose natural.

You should seek guidance from an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.
Functionally, since you're noting benefit from a nasal spray, a reduction of the turbinate tissue in the nose is likely also warranted along with a septoplasty, if your septum is found to be deviated.
You may also benefit from an allergy work-up.
Be careful with nasal decongestant sprays. If you're using something like oxymetazoline (Afrin), your nose can become "addicted" to it and require its frequent use to stay open. If this is your situation, you need this remedied prior to nasal surgery.

The bump you are pointing at is your left lower lateral cartilage. Asymmetry in these cartilages is not uncommon and would require a rhinoplasty to improve. If there are other aspects of your nose for which you desire change, now is the time to address that with your surgeon. A goal of any nasal surgery is to fix all the issues the first time. While revisions aren't uncommon, no one should enter into surgery thinking about doing more nasal surgery later down the line as a goal.

Most plastic surgeons do operate on the septum, but not all. The bump is likely a prominence of the left tip cartilage -- one of the two cartilages that form the tip of the nose. If you don't "love" the sides, then taking down the gentle bump on the bridge of the nose might be a nice thing to do, too.


How *much* to lower that bump, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

Yes a plastic surgeon can perform a septoplasty without major aesthetic changes. However, it may depend on the severity of the deviated septum and if there is any other sort of blockage in the nose. If you are unhappy with the way your nose looks, having a rhinoplasty at the same time would be optimal. It would be one recovery to fix your breathing and the appearance of your nose. Insurance may cover the septoplasty but not the rhinoplasty. Our office offers in-person and virtual consultations if you would like to discuss options further!

You appear to be a candidate for a rhinoplasty/septoplasty. This will correct the deviated septum as well as the cartilage deformity.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

A good rhinoplasty can both improve the appearance of your nose as well as the breathing. Improving breathing usually involves a septoplasty and possible turbinate reduction

Septoplasty is a functional procedure to address a deviation(s) of the nasal septum, which divides the nasal passages. It can be functionally beneficial, but in the setting of allergy, may or may not solve your breathing issues. A septorhinoplasty can address functional as well as aesthetic issues. You sound like most of my patients in that you would like a natural, subtle change, not necessarily to look like a different person. In the right hands, this is possible. Since many Plastic Surgeons don't do a lot of Rhinoplasty in their practice, it would be wise to find a Surgeon who specializes in this procedure, and whose results you like.

The most comprehensive branch of education regarding the functions of the nose is otolaryngology. Therefore, if you only have health problems, an ENT doctor in this field can perform septoplasty.



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I would recommend consulting specifically with a facial plastic surgeon for this procedure. We are all board certified Ear, Nose & Throat surgeons and have extensive expertise in nasal surgery, both functional for breathing purposes (straightening out a deviated septum) and cosmetic (for improving the outside appearance of the nose). You will communicate to your surgeon exactly what you are hoping to change on the outside of your nose, and together, with the use of photography and morphing software, he/she will show you what can realistically be accomplished, and you will be on the same page before agreeing to proceed with surgery.
Hope this helps!

If you're looking to have both a functional septoplasty and a cosmetic rhinoplasty, you should probably consider going to a double board-certified ENT/ Facial Plastic Surgeon, who can perform both procedures simultaneously other one Anesthesia with one recovery. Digital computer imaging would also be helpful to understand what can and cannot be accomplished with your nose upon your facial features. Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult procedures to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so choose your rhinoplasty specialist wisely based on extensive experience.