I believe I have a deviated nasal septum, what surgery do I need? (Photos)

Dear amyclarke910,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, and thank you for providing photos along with your question. Based on these images, you do appear to have a deviated septum –although a face-to-face evaluation is still best to confirm this. Septoplasty is the surgical procedure that can address a deviated septum. The procedure will straighten the bone and cartilage dividing the space between your two nostrils to achieve symmetry and correct any breathing issues.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon, particularly one with a strong rhinoplasty portfolio. Such experts will have a deep understanding of the functional and aesthetic elements of nasal anatomy. Your surgeon will assess your nose, recommend the best approach to address your concerns and goals, and help ensure the best possible results.

Hi!
This is a great question, and the photos you provided are excellent and show the issue clearly.
Your septum is indeed deviated. However, the important thing to point out about your particular septal issue is that it is a specific part of the septum that is deviated, which changes the way a surgical correction is done. As you can clearly see from the photos, the very front of the septum is what is twisted and deviated. This part of the septum is the "caudal" septum, and it is actually the most difficult part of the septum to correct. Most of the time, successful correction of this part of the septum involves an open rhinoplasty approach where an incision is placed across the columella to access the septum, as opposed to the more traditional "closed" septoplasty approach, where all the incisions are hidden inside the nose. Unfortunately, this closed approach, in my opinion, would be very difficult to near-impossible to correct this type of septal deviation. In fact, ENT surgeons often refer these types of deviated septums to facial plastic surgeons who can perform more advanced types of surgical procedures.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

There is no doubt that you have severe septal deviation and related external nose deformity. Your surgery should include both functional reconstruction of nasal passages (septoplasty) and correction of external nose deformity (rhinoplasty). This is done in a single surgery. In person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon, expert in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.

You are correct in your diagnosis. the bottom part of your septum is deviated and it pushes the the medial crural footplate out , therefore, causing distortion of your nostrils. It is one of the most common complaints when it comes to asymmetries of the columela, or base of the nostrils. It depends what your ultimate goals are. If you just want to breathe better, a septoplasty alone may fix it, but if you want more symmetry to the nostrils a more involved rhinoplasty procedure may be needed. No matter what you decide to do, realistic expectations are important to keep in mind, as your nostrils may never be fully symmetric.

Hello amyclarke,
You have a grossly deviated nasal septum, along with ala base and nostril asymmetry. You definately need septoplasty and rhinoplasty which can be combined as a single surgery. More detailed examination can be done only in person so as to make an appropriate surgical plan for you. Do consult a board certified plastic surgeon who will help you better.
Hope the advice helps. Thanks for your query here

Dear amyclarke910,
Thanks for your question and sharing your photos. You are a great candidate for a septorhinoplasty. From your photos, you have a severely deviated caudal septum. In my hands, this is best addressed via an open rhinoplasty approach. I perform a procedure called an "anterior septal reconstruction" in which the septum has to be rebuilt and secured in the midline position. Your nose appears to be twisted to the right as well and this is the rhinoplasty component of the surgery, in which the nose can be made straighter and the nostrils more symmetric. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon and someone who has extensive experience with the septal deviation you have.
I hope this helps answer your question!
All the best,
Dr. Sanan, MD
Double board certified facial plastic surgeonAkshay Sanan MD Facial Plastic SurgeryLos Angeles, CADrSanan.com

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten the bone and cartilage that divide the space between the two nostrils (septum). When the septum is crooked, it is known as a deviated septum. A deviated septum can make it difficult to breathe through the nose and can increase the risk of sinus infections due to poor drainage.
During septoplasty, the nasal septum is repositioned to the middle of the nose. Once the septoplasty has healed, you will probably find it easier to breathe.

We recommend open technique Septorhinoplasty for deviated septum and breathing problems. Only Septoplasty most probably is not enough to solve the breathing problems. If only Septoplasty is performed the problems in caudal part won't be solved or nose tip may drop.We recommend Septorhinoplasty in your case.

In the pictures you show it appears that your caudal septum is in your left nostril. This means that the septum is deviated. There may be deviation also internally which affects the airway. The surgery to correct a deviated septum is called a septoplasty and is performed either by an ENT surgeon or a plastic surgeon who does a lot of nasal surgery. In some cases there are cosmetic changes that are sought in addition. These changes are performed during a procedure called a Rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty are often performed at the same sitting if a patient wishes to have both done.