Will fixing my deviated septum change the appearance of my nose AT ALL?? (photos)

Question

I have a deviated septum. I met my Aetna deductible and wanted to fix only the deviated septum as I cannot afford a rhinoplasty. Will fixing the deviated septum change the appearance of my nose AT ALL?? I see online that most of the time it doesn't, but sometimes it does. I hate my nose. It is crooked among other things. Will results vary between an ENT and Plastic Surgeon? I have a list of doctors that take my insurance. COMMENTS FROM DOCTORS ONLY PLEASE - Thank you!

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. The asymmetry of your nose might be improved, but a septoplasty will likely not change any other features of the outer appearance of your nose. All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Karan Dhir, MD · Answer

Addressing
the septum alone and its aesthetic effects is a difficult question to answer
without discussing the procedure itself. A septoplasty alone addresses the midline flexible cartilage of the
nose. If it is deviated internally and you
have a straight external appearance, then septoplasty will only address the
internal deviation and no cosmetic change will occur.

On
the other hand, if the external midline septum appears deviated, then
addressing the internal structure may improve this external deviation. The degree of straightening is variable. A
rhinoplasty, or functional rhinoplasty, that addresses the external appearance
of the septum may be necessary for improved symmetry. A septoplasty alone will not change the tip
shape, width or tip refinement. It can
straighten an external appearance in the right patient, but may need further
training in rhinoplasty procedures to obtain the result you are looking for.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

A deviated septum frequently can affect the outer appearance of the nose.  In your case, straightening the septum could make your nose appear straighter, but it is unlikely it would affect any other aspects of your nose.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Mynose,I disagree with the other respondents.  The lower portion of the nose does involve the cartilaginous nasal septum and if deviated, may be contributing to a crooked appearance.  So, correcting the deviation may indeed affect the appearance.  Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Just correcting a septal deviation that might obstruct airflow will not correct nasal deviation and deformity.  Best of luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A septoplasty will not straighten a crooked nose. A septoplasty is performed when there is a deviated septum in the back of the nose blocking air flow. A septoplasty is performed  Entirely for functional purposes to improve airflow dynamics through the nose and has no bearing on the shape of the nose from the outside. To straighten a crooked nose requires a cosmetic rhinoplasty. This involves osteotomies placed in the nasal bones to straighten the bridge line. A tip rhinoplasty is required to straighten a crooked tip. A spreader graft is required to be placed underneath a concave upper lateral cartilage in the mid portion of the nose. For more information describing the differences between a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty to see the video below.

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

The septum is the partition inside your nose. You can feel it with your fingers. Often it is deviated causing airway problems.Often the septum and nose are crooked. Insurance pays for surgery that is medically necessary. Just correcting the septum will correct the inside of your nose and not make any visual improvement.

Will fixing my deviated septum change the appearance of my nose AT ALL?? (photos)

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