Is it worth getting my deviated septum repaired? (Photo)

Question

I've had a deviated septum from birth and so do my other two brothers. I've always had allergies and massive nasal congestion, let's just say I blow my nose every day at least 20 times a day regardless if I have a cold. I am starting to notice many scabs in my nose from dry breathing. Also if I breathe fast enough the side with the deviated septum collapses.. Also, I'm wondering what the cost of something like this would cost? Without insurance. I'm in Greenville South Carolina

J. Smythe Rich, MD · Answer

The key here isn't if you would benefit from a slightly difficult septoplasty but how to do this without insurance in an era when the hospital cost normally exceeds $30,000. Most facilities offer self pay rates that are negotiated. Here costs are less than $2000. The surgery must maintain support of the tip of your nose while moving it to midline to open both sides for breathing. This makes it slightly like a rhinoplasty but skilled ENT surgeons are capable as well as others specializing in rhinoplasty. You can benefit but need to ask the questions about costs. Good luck,
Smythe Rich, MDFacial Plastic SurgeonColumbia, SC

Kian Karimi, MD, FACS · Answer

The reasons you listed above are only a few of the reasons I would suggest fixing your deviated septum. The most important, however, is your quality of breathing. Aside from having to deal with the inconvenience of your nose being too dry or your congestion causing you to blow your nose all day long, being able to breathe will transform your life. This means better sleep at night which will allow you to feel more rested and energized when you wake up. Effective breathing can also provide you with a better immune system and reduce your stress. These are all factors that although you’ve learned to live with them up until your age, will still have a positive impact on your life. At the same time, cosmetic changes to your nose could also be discussed and reviewed with a 3D visual if that is something you are interested in. I would be happy to connect with you and my surgical coordinator to review cost and figure out a way for us to work together. Going forward, I would recommend you to complete multiple in office consultations with board certified experts to discuss your goals. This way, they can better assess you and determine your best treatment plan.

Best of luck!
Kian Karimi MD, FACS

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

If it's bothering your breathing enough, it's quite worthwhile to have your deviated septum repaired. Note that from the photo you appear to have what's called a caudal end deformity of the septum. This can require a slightly different approach than a typical septoplasty operation (i.e., usually creating a caudal end strut graft to avoid tip collapse or columellar retraction). But this is a relatively straightforward outpatient operation done at a surgery center. Costs vary widely, but for a self-pay patient you'd probably be looking at around $2,000--$3,000 for the total expense (surgery, anesthesia, facility fees, etc.)

All the best,

--DCP

Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your question. According to what you wrote, I think that it's worth getting septorhinoplasty to fix your nose and breathing. Together with septorhinoplasty, your allergic nasal tisues can be fixed. I suggest you to go further and book consultation to discuss your problem.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear davidodem,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, if your deviated septum is making you a problem, then surgery might be a solution. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Is it worth getting my deviated septum repaired? (Photo)

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Is it worth getting my deviated septum repaired? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it worth getting my deviated septum repaired?

Answer: Is it worth getting my deviated septum repaired?

Answer: Deviated septum

Answer: Deviated septum

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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