Does a Deviated Septum Change the Appearance of the Nose?

Question

You can see it alot in the photo I have added, most times it's just one nostril higher then the other it seems but VERY noticable. I hate it and it hinders my quality of life. My nose was never like this until I got jumped by six guys at night time. I have breathing problems, alot of clearing my throat, congested alot.. etc Does it look Deviated? If I got a septoplasty would it fix the nostrils to where one isn't higher then the other by straightening the septum? It was never like this before. Thanks.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

A deviated septum may change the appearance of the nose depending on how severe it is. Septoplasty will help fix the deviated septum, but if you wish to fix the nostrils, that will require a separate procedure. Fixing/lowering the nostrils is achieved with cartilage grafts. I would really need to see additional photos and/or perform an examination to give you the best advice. Please feel free to send any photos to my office and I would be happy to evaluate them for you. My contact info is listed in my profile. Thank you and best of luck to you.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In some patients, a deviated septum can affect the external appearance of the nose. That being said, correction of the septum with a septoplasty procedure is usually only performed for nasal breathing problems or a recent injury. Most insurers will argue that injuries to the nose that happened more than 1-2 years ago do not require treatment to correct the appearance and will deem these issues cosmetic. The nasal obstruction (breathing) portion of the procedure is generally covered by insurance if there is an anatomical obstruction (like a deviated septum) blocking the nasal airway, and the patient's symptoms have not responded to medical management.Be sure to see a septorhinoplasty expert.Best,

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The vast majority of patients who have significant deviation
of the nasal septum present with nasal airway obstruction. Many of these
patients have suffered significant trauma to the nose, which often results in
post-traumatic nasal deformities. This type of injury not only effects the
nasal septum, but the nasal bones as well.Under
these circumstances, the appearance of the nose can be dramatically impacted by
the presence of a deviated, nasal septum. The nasal septum is an integral part
of the nasal support structure. When the septum is deviated the nasal dorsum
can become curved and the nasal tip twisted. This can cause distortion of
almost every nasal anatomic structure.The
symptoms that you describe are most likely secondary to deviation of your nasal
septum. Curvature of the nasal septum can cause airway obstruction and the
nasal tip deformity that you describe. Under these circumstances, surgical
correction of this problem will usually require combination rhinoplasty and
septoplasty.If
you’re concerned about the appearance of your nose, consultation with a board
certified surgeon with experience performing rhinoplasty and septoplasty is
appropriate. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that
addresses your anatomic findings and aesthetic goals.

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Septoplasty is a
surgical procedure which generally entails modification of the cartilage of the
nasal septum. It is undertaken to improve symptomatic nasal airway obstruction
when deviation or crookedness of the septum is judged to contribute to those
symptoms. In most cases, septoplasty will not improve nostril asymmetry. If you
find your nasal appearance to be unsatisfactory due this concern, you may be a
candidate for rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is undertaken to improve the shape
and/or size of the nose, and is usually required to improve nostril
irregularity. For individualized advice, consult with a qualified nasal surgeon
about your concerns. Good luck to you.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

The septum of the nose is the foundation and contributes to its appearance. Deviated nasal septum is common, but most are not aware of having a deviated septum since their external nose is symmetric. A deviated septum may present itself on the external nose as a big or large nose, crooked or twisted nose, a overprojected nasal tip, a rounded nasal tip, or a hump.
Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty surgeon help determine the relationship of a deviated septum to the external appearance of the nose. Best of luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

When the dorsal septum is deviated such as in this case is usually related to a concave upper lateral cartilage herniated down to the airway in the mid vault area. A spreader graft composed of the patient's own cartilage could be inserted underneath the upper lateral cartilage in this area to balance it out and improve air flow dynamics on that side of the nose. A septoplasty is only performed when there is obstruction of the Airflow from a twisted bone or cartilage on the inside of the nose and is blocking. This has to be documented for medical necessity for an insurance company will pay for the procedure.

Richard A. Zoumalan, MD · Answer

The septum provides structure for the bottom 2/3 of the nose. If it is crooked, then the nose becomes deviated/crooked. Trauma can cause the septum to shift over and therefore cause cosmetic changes as well as breathing problems. Septoplasty can definitely help with this. 

	Best, 

	Dr. Zoumalan

Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, MD · Answer

When the caudal end of the nasal septum (the wall between the two nostrils), it is significantly deviated (rhe region at and just above the tip of the nose), the lower portion of the nose may be deviated to the left and the nostrils may be asymmetrical. In these cases, an appropriate correction of the nasal septum will often create a better alignment of the nose and reduce the asymmetry of the nostrils; it even makes then appear symmetrical in many cases. You only presented one straight-on photo. It would be helpful if there were a base view to see the undersurface of your nostrils.

Maurice M. Khosh, MD · Answer

It appears from your picture that the assault has caused a fracture in the nasal cartilages, and perhaps the nasal bones. Fixing you septum alone is unlikely to correct the external nasal deformity. 
You will require rhinoplasty or open reduction of your nasal fracture. This is likely to entail cartilage grafts to your nose. I suggest such approach be combined with a septoplasty because cartilage grafts form the nasal septum are ideal for such reconstruction.

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

A deviated septum can cause a crooked nose and vice versa.  Without seeing your nose inside and out and examining you, I cannot tell you if correction of your septum will make your nose more symmetric.  You need to be examined.
However, asymmetric nostrils are very common.  If the tip is leaning to one side, that can also make the nostrils looks asymmetric.  Furthermore, your quality of life should not be affected by something as minor as this.  Don't let this hinder you emotionally or affect you.  Put it in perspective meaning if you want a more symmetric nose, then go ahead and pursue the surgery to make it more symmetric but don't think that your life will change all of a sudden and become better with a straighter nose.  Thats just not realistic.  With that said, if you gain more self confidence after your surgery - then great.  But at least you will not have put excess stress on yourself and your expectations.
Congestion and throat clearing has little to do with a septum but more so with your nasal lining's health and allergies or even the turbinates unless your septum is severely deformed.
First thing is first, see a capable surgeon and be examined.
Good luck

Does a Deviated Septum Change the Appearance of the Nose?

Answers (10)

More Septoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Septoplasty Questions

Septoplasty Recovery - Time, Tips, How Long?

What is a Turbinate Reduction?

Breathing Problem After Turbinate Reduction and Septoplasty?

Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Without Splint?

Will Septoplasty Correct Uneven Nostrils?

Risks from Perforated Septum if Left Untreated?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS