Deviated Septum from Fracture Long Time Ago. Would Surgery Require Re-breaking The Nose?

Question

When I was child of 4 or 5 (I'm now 50) I was hit in the face with a baseball. It broke my nose. As my folks had inadequate insurance nothing was really done for it. I have what I would consider a severely deviated septum. I can sleep comfortably only on my right side or with the use of a "Breathright" strip. Plus the nose is a bit deformed - adds character I suppose. If I have surgery, would this require a re-breaking of the nose? If so, will this drastically change the look of it?

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Repair of a deviated septum may at time require repair of uneven nasal bones. Technically this would be called a septorhinoplasty. If your nose is crooked it usually take correction of both the cartilage and bones in order to get it straight. Unless you want additional cosmetic changes it should not be drastically different other than looking straighter.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

In general, straightening a crooked nose is a very difficult procedure and requires a specialist. It is possible to make great improvements, but not possible to get the nose 100% straight. When a crooked nose is straightened, it appears slightly different, of course. However, a skilled surgeon is able to create a nose that that looks completely natural on your face. In most cases, it is not evident there was ever surgery.  As with any procedure, it really depends on your individual circumstances.  A deviated septum can lead to a deviated nose. When the nose is crooked, fracturing of the nasal bones (osteotomies) is necessary in order to straighten it -- there is just no way around it.  In your case, the results will not only be aesthetic, they will also lead to better breathing and sleeping.  So it is worth considering.  I recommend a consultation with a board certified rhinoplasty specialist. S/he will be able to discuss your options and explain what procedures are right for you.  Check into it further.  I think you will be glad you did.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	 

	Without physical examination, it is hard to determine whether re-breaking your nasal bones is necessary or not.

	Nonetheless, if you were to fix a deviated septum only (septowhinoplasty), the chances that you will have a drastically different nasal look hence facial composition are very low.

	I recommend that you seek a consultation with a board certified surgeon of extensive experience who can examine you and provide you with all possible options fitting your case so you can make a well informed decision.

	I am sure that addressing your issue properly will change the quality of your sleep time; which is a major benefit overall.

	I hope this helps.

	Best of luck to you and thank you for your inquiry.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

If the problem is limited to the nasal septum there will be no need to reposition the nasal bones.  If there is a deformity or asymmetry of the nasal bones they will most likely need to be incised and moved as a part of the procedure.  I would suggest consulting with a surgeon experienced in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery to discuss your options.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The bones only need to be broken if the bones are deviated.  If it is just the lower half of the nose then no.

Deviated Septum from Fracture Long Time Ago. Would Surgery Require Re-breaking The Nose?

Answers (10)

Answer: Appearance of nose may change if nasal bones need to be moved

Answer: Appearance of nose may change if nasal bones need to be moved

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Deviated Septum from Fracture Long Time Ago. Would Surgery Require Re-breaking The Nose?

Answers (10)

Answer: Appearance of nose may change if nasal bones need to be moved

Answer: Appearance of nose may change if nasal bones need to be moved

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

Answer: Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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