What are my options for caudal septum deviation?

Question

I'm bothered by the cartilage protruding to my left nostril giving a very asymmetrical appearance to my nostril. I have no significant breathing or sinus issues and although my nose (septum) is deviated I'm not bothered by it and I dont want to change its appearance. I just would like to harmonize the look of the nostrils. What are my options?

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

It is possible to straighten your caudal septum deviation to improve the symmetry of your nostrils. It is also possible to address this alone and leave the rest of your nose as is if you prefer.

Without examining inside your nose it is hard to say what method of treatment is best for your situation. If the caudal septum deviation only includes the very outer edge then one could consider trimming that small portion, but in my experience these types of deviations extend a bit further back to include more than just the leading edge. I much prefer to maintain the septum length and don't recommend resecting the caudal septum in most situations. Larger caudal septum resections can cause the columella to retract upward (which would change the appearance of your tip).

Although it is more complicated a better approach involves repositioning or reconstructing the caudal septum so that it is located more in the midline. This can be done while also maintaining your tip support. In experienced hands this approach can be very successful.

You can learn more about asymmetric nostril repair at my web reference link below.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

If you don't want the outside of the nose changed, then a well performed septoplasty would correct the problem. The edge of the septum would be moved back to the middle of the nose, making everything look good.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

When the lower edge of the septal cartilage is crooked and causes the nostrils to be crooked the solution is quite simply. Just excise a strip of that lower edge of the septum. A lot surgeons try to straighten it but that's much more involved and doesn't work as well. A lot of rhinoplasty surgeons aren't taught to resect the caudal septum. It's a very standard technique that works very well and is simple to do

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Options for fixing a deviated caudal septum: when the caudal septum is deviated it may appear in the left or right nostril. The procedure to fix this involves repositioning the caudal septum in the midline with a procedure called a septoplasty.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

You have both crooked caudal septum, and a hanging columella. Removing the extra crooked cartilage will also reduce that amount of columella show, also known as a hanging columella. The columella plasty can be performed under a brief general anesthesia as an outpatient surgical procedure. Also important determine if you have a deviated septum on the inside of your nose as well.

What are my options for caudal septum deviation?

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Answer: Options for fixing a deviated caudal septum:

Answer: Options for fixing a deviated caudal septum:

Answer: What are my options for caudal septal deviation?

Answer: What are my options for caudal septal deviation?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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What are my options for caudal septum deviation?

Answers (5)

Answer: Options for fixing a deviated caudal septum:

Answer: Options for fixing a deviated caudal septum:

Answer: What are my options for caudal septal deviation?

Answer: What are my options for caudal septal deviation?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.