Question Regarding Septal Surgery Outcome and Non-Surgical Options - would a steroid injection help? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I previously had a septal perforation and underwent three surgeries to repair it. My most recent procedure successfully closed the hole, but I noticed a change in the shape of my nose afterward. I’ve never had a rhinoplasty—I only had the perforation addressed and a turbinate reduction done by an ENT. I’m hoping to avoid a rhinoplasty if possible, as I really liked my natural nose before. Could the change in shape be due to scar tissue or a possible deviation in my septum? And if so, is it something that might be improved with a steroid injection rather than surgery?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I can see in your photographs that your nasal tip appearance is a bit wider after your third septal perforation repair. Based on the photographs, I would advise against further nasal surgery, since it might not give you exactly what you want, and it could cause another perforation. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Philip Michael, MBBCh, FRACS, FRCS(Ed) · Answer

Many thanks for your question. On the right photo, your nasal tip does seem more full. Septal perforations sometimes require an open approach wherein a cut is made under the tip of the nose. If this was undertaken in your case, then nasal swelling at the tip is not unusual. Often this does simply settle with time but as you have mentioned, steroid injections can be considered and can be quite effective but I would usually wait at least a couple of months before considering this latter option.
Best Wishes

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. Fascial grafts may also be used to help improve tip refinement. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Question Regarding Septal Surgery Outcome and Non-Surgical Options - would a steroid injection help? (Photo)

Answers (3)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Question Regarding Septal Surgery Outcome and Non-Surgical Options - would a steroid injection help? (Photo)

Answers (3)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Not sure how to improve my appearance/ side profile? (Photos)

One side of my nose is higher than the other. Would I need a Rhinoplasty for this? (Photo)

What makes my nose look very wide? What could be done to improve it? (Photos)

Soft bump on the side of the nose 1.5 years after rhinoplasty

Does my nose appear crooked or is that nasal hump? (Photo)

Skin issue on side of nose - Rhinoplasty or See Dermatologist? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS