Will Geting your deviated septum change your nose physical appearance?

A standard septoplasty for nasal airway obstruction will not change the shape of your nose.  However there are steps that are done the routine septoplasty, or with an advanced septal reconstruction, that will actually change the nose.  For example, if your nose is markedly crooked in the lower two thirds a septoplasty might alter that, and definitely would need to be done during rhinoplasty to attempt to straighten.  Or a small amount of cartilage can be removed from the bottom (caudal end) of the septum to shorten the nose.  But if you went in to your physician for a deviated septum, the answer is no change.

A septoplasty alone will not influence the appearance of the nose. A septorhinoplasty (septoplasty and rhinoplasty performed together) will make both structural and functional changes to the nose. I would recommend seeking the advice of a board certified and experienced facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Correcting your deviated septum may change the outward appearance of the nose.  It really depends on the severity of the deviation.  If the septum is severely deviated causing your nose to be crooked, a septoplasty will straighten the nose.  However, if there is only mild deviation, your nose may appear the same after surgery.

As an Otolaryngologist and a cosmetic facial plastic surgeon, i often get asked this question. When we do septoplasties, we maintain what is called a "dorsal and caudal strut" which means, we do not touch a portion of your septum that provides support to your nose. A septoplasty is a routine procedure when conducted by a qualified surgeon.  The big risk if done improperly, is that one of two things can happen. You can get a "depression" in your nose or the tip of your nose can look droopy. this is VERY uncommon if performed by a qualified surgeon.  As long as  you ensure your surgeon has experience dealing with both nasal obstruction as well as cosmetics, you should rest easy. 

The portion of the septum that is deviated that may be responsible for obstructive symptoms will not impact the appearance of the nose.Kenneth Hughes, MD

A septoplasty is performed for medical necessity when has been documented there is airflow restriction from a deviated or crooked septum. The procedure involves removing crooked cartilage and bone in the back of the nose and has no effect on the cosmetic appearance. This procedure is billed patient's insurance. A rhinoplasty procedure involves reshaping the nose for cosmetic purposes and  should not affect  breathing, and is paid for by the patient. 

With rare exception, septoplasty doesn't change the external shape of the nose.  If you are interested in changing the external shape of the nose, rhinoplasty is the correct operation.  Sometimes they are done together (septorhinoplasty or rhinoseptoplasty).Discuss your concerns with a local expert in rhinoplasty, they will be able to help your nose regardless of whether the problem is inside or out.Best wishes, MKB

In general, beyond a small amount of temporary swelling, a septoplasty will not change the appearance of the nose. A septorhinoplasty, on the other hand will create changes in the nose and swelling that might last several months following surgery.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

If only the septum is corrected and no external nasal surgery is performed, a rhinoplasty,  there should be no change in the nasal appearance.I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon
with extensive nasal surgery experience who is certified by the American Board
of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist)  that you trust and are
comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

a deviated septal repair will not change the shape of your nose. Should you wish improvement in appearance as well as function I would recommend you see a facial plastic surgeon. Good luck!