Can my deviated septum be fixed?

Question

About 4 months ago I had a septoplasty to help my breathing but it had no noticeable results. I recently back to my surgeon and he informed that my septum in still deviated right under the bridge of my nose and can't be straightened because my nose would lose structural support down the line. The only thing he said that can be done is a rhinoplasty with grafts to widen the nasal passages. Is there any way to straighten my septum even though the deviation is right on the bridge of my nose?

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

Correction of deviated nasal septum can be achieved via open or closed approach. The advantage of the open technique is ability to perform certain maneuvers throughout the septal structure with ease even close to the dorsum where cartilagenous grafts can be placed to widen the internal angles to improve breathing. This is called reconstruction of internal nasal valves which I believe is what your surgeon is recommending. This can also be achieved without grafts by use of several techniques that straighten the septum without loss of structural support.

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes. The dorsal septal deviation can be addressed but it is more involved than your initial surgery. I would recommend consulting with a surgeon comfortable with revision functional nasal surgery and they can give you more detail after an in person examination. Best of luck

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Bucco07, I am unaware of your exact situation without an examination however I will say there are many ways to straighten the septum without grafting. In fact in my 30 plus years of septoplasty expertise  I have rarely needed to use grafting to ensure proper breathing function. Perhaps you should have a second opinion. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Can my deviated septum be fixed?

Answers (3)