Will a septoplasty, turbinate reduction and stents change the shape of my nose? (photo)

Correcting a deviated septum and reducing your turbinates does not change the appearance of the nose.  If you desire changes, discuss with your ENT. These procedures can be done during the same time.

Thanks for the great question! When properly performed, a septoplasty should not change the appearance of your nose at all. Removal of a portion of the septum, placement of rim grafts, and turbinate reduction should only improve your breathing. It is very common for patients who are being treated for breathing issues to have a cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time. Patients figure that since they are already under anesthesia, it's not much work to make some changes to the external appearance of their noses. If there are some cosmetic things you want improved, I recommend talking to your surgeon about these prior to surgery. Best,~Dr. Sieber

There is no medical necessity to fix a very slightly deviated nasal septum.  The turbinates can be reduced when they are enlarged and blocking airflow.    Alar rim grafts, not stents are usually used to prevent the nostrils from collapsing, and only slightly change the nostrils. Functional surgery such as a septoplasty and turbinates do not change the shape of the nose are performed only for airflow improvement.  A rhinoplasty procedure is considered cosmetic and will change the shape of the nose,  and must be paid for by the patient.  For more information about the differences between functional and cosmetic nasal surgery, please see the video below