Wider nostrils after Septoplasty. Is this right?

Question

Hello, I had my Septoplasty two weeks ago, the doctor put splints inside my nose ( beside each columella)after a week the doctor removed the splints, and now i can breath and my nose is almost back to its good shape, the only problem is that my nosetrils are wider than before, when i asked the doctor he told me that he widen my nosetrils so he can perform the operation and that it is going to be narrower as it used to be after sometime, is this correct and how much time will it takes for it.

Garrett H. Bennett, MD · Answer

There can be an incision to provide access to the septum bone and cartilage that is in the front of the nose. On closing the nose this tissue is sutured and you may also have swelling in that area. If the front of the septum is off of the midline, then placing it back on the midline will change the nostril shape and tip orientation. The cartilage on either side of the septum can be brought together also changing nostril and tip shape. Regardless, you need to give the nose time to heal before you become concerned. Your surgeon may not have done anything to this area and is being appropriate to reassure you that things are just swollen for now.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Septoplasty alone does not change the appearance of the nose. The deviated cartilage is removed, straightened . the supporting portion of the septum is intact therefore the nose does not change.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Septoplasty alone will not change nostril size.  The septoplasty does not involve any surgery to the support of the nostrils themselves and should not have changed your nostrils unless another procedure was done involving the nostrils.  If the problem is secondary to the splints it should resolve over time.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Wider nostrils after Septoplasty. Is this right?

Answers (3)