Does Closed Septoplasty Weaken the Nose?

Most surgeons performing septoplasty today adhere to several principles that will maintain the structural integrity of the septum and the nose.  Typically deviated portions of the septum are removed during the procedure (bone and cartilage).  This must be done judiciously to prevent collapse of the bridge (dorsum) and cause something we call a "saddle nose" deformity where the bridge of the nose collapses and causes it to look like a saddle.  Your nose will remain strong as long as sufficient bone and cartilage is preserved.  

Your question about whether or not you should avoid contact sports is a bit more difficult to answer.  If you look at a lot of boxers, hockey players and MMA fighters that have repeatedly had broken noses, many of them have "saddle noses" without ever having had a septoplasty.  Septoplasty will not significantly increase the chance of your nose collapsing with contact sports if done properly.   

 

Dear Stan,

When a Septoplasty is done properly the structure of the nose is retained. In fact doing sports after septoplasty is easier because the breathing difficulties that are present before the septoplasty are fixed. I do a lot of septoplasty on male athletes due to trauma incurred in sports. After surgery these patients return to their professional sports and regular sports activities. It is important to take precautions in the immediate post operative phase and your surgeon will direct you when to return to your full activities. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.