Should I get a rhinoplasty after septum surgery? (Photo)

Nasal septal perforations may be due to previous surgery, previous trauma, nasal decongestants, or nasal drug use. Sometimes they are due to unusual autoimmune conditions like Wegener's granulomatosis. Based on your photographs, your nasal tip appears only slightly widened. This may be due to nasal tip droopiness, either from age, or from your previous surgical history, or perhaps an underlying condition. Best to consult with an otolaryngologist or a reputable rhinoplasty specialist. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

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. Cartilage 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

A cosmetic rhinoplasty is a completely different procedure than a septoplasty is to fix a perforated septum. If the shape of your nose bothers you for cosmetic purposes, then consider refinement of your nasal tip, narrowing the bridge line, and shaving down a dorsal hump with all the incisions placed on the inside of the nose. This is considered a closed rhinoplasty approach. Digital computer imaging would also be helpful as well.