Does this deviated septum look severe? Can it be fixed? (Photo)

Question

34 year old constant sinus issues. Always have a sinus infection when I get Sick. Trouble Breathing. See below

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
Your deviation seems to be quite high, one of your nasal passages is almost completely closed. For your breathing quality and a good life, I recommend that you see an ENT doctor and be examined as soon as possible, my suggestion for you is septorhinoplasty operation.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best Regards!

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello Rebecca and thank you for your question.

Although an exam in person is ideal, from your photographs alone it appears that you have a deviated septum with collapse of your left nostril and compromise of your left external nasal valve (nostril space).  You can likely benefit from a septoplasty where the deviated septum is revised, excised, and re-set as necessary; any further breathing difficulty can also be improved with spreader grafting -- health insurance can cover all this at minimal cost to you☝️  If you have any cosmetic concerns, a rhinoplasty can also be performed to revise your nasal tip overall to create a more refined and feminine look.  I am unable to comment on the dorsum (bridge) of your nose without a profile photo, but in terms of the nasal tip, the modification of your cartilage can be done with trimming, stitching or grafting.  I would also place a mastoid fascia tip graft between the reconstructed tip complex and your skin to (1) reduce cartilage prominence (tenting up of the nasal tip skin by cartilage) and (2) to also create a feminine tip-defining point (subtle natural upturn).

The next step for you is to pursue the right plastic surgeon for your septoplasty, with or without a rhinoplasty.  In your consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your functional (and aesthetic) goals and concerns specifically, IN PERSON, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations), the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course.  I also think a key component of your consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon.  This is difficulty to do without seeing your surgeon in the office, in person.  It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For more information on septoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

From the photo, it looks pretty crooked. A properly performed septoplasty should go a long way to lining up the bottom of the nose. Sometimes a rhinoplasty may also be needed to address tip and middle third cartilages that need to be adjusted to make an ideal result. Be sure to see an expert rhinoplasty surgeon for consultation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, it appears quite severe.  You would benefit from a rhinoplasty with septoplasty to correct it.  The operation takes 2 hours to perform under general anesthesia and costs $8,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The lower edge of your septum
Is sticking out if your left nostril.  This can be fixed with a rhinoplasty. It could be causing a breathing problem or there could be other issues inside your nose

Does this deviated septum look severe? Can it be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and septoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty and septoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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.

Does this deviated septum look severe? Can it be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and septoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty and septoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

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.