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.

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.

Does a Deviated Septum Change the Appearance of the Nose?

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Answer: Septoplasty and Nasal Appearance

Answer: Septoplasty and Nasal Appearance

Answer: Deviated septum can change the appearance of the nose

Answer: Deviated septum can change the appearance of the nose

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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Does a Deviated Septum Change the Appearance of the Nose?

Answers (10)

Answer: Septoplasty and Nasal Appearance

Answer: Septoplasty and Nasal Appearance

Answer: Deviated septum can change the appearance of the nose

Answer: Deviated septum can change the appearance of the nose

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.