Septoplasty with alar grafts. Will my tip come up ever so slightly? (photos)

Question

My insurance pre authorized a septum repair and bilateral alar graft. I know my nose may be slightly wider and I'm okay with that. Also will my tip come up every so slightly? It's a tiny bit dropy in my opinion Or will it remain identical . I assume it will come up a bit simply due to the alar grafts placed for my right side nasal collapse.. ....lastly why bilateral grafts when only the right nostril is collapsing?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Just the little I know stimulates lots of questions, and you need to know all the answers before having surgery. Why do you need alar grafts at all? How predictably will the grafts improve your breathing. Depending on where they are placed, they can make the tip appear *much* wider, and you might hate it. Why do you need the septoplasty in the first place? Have you had a rhinoplasty before? There seems to be an irregularity along the columella.The septoplasty and grafts will not, typically, elevate the tip. They will do nothing good for the *appearance* of the nose, typically. Your mouth is closed in these photos, so you are breathing through the nose. Do you really need an operation that might harm the appearance of your nose.Maybe the situation is that the procedure will be great for you, but you must be 100% sure *before* surgery, because if it's not the right procedure, or if it's performed without expertise, it'll make things worse. You need to go back to the doctor(s) and have them patiently explain and convince you that you're on the right path, or cancel and step back and continue to evaluate. This operation is not an emergency -- it can always be done later.Be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a nose surgeon. Nose surgery is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

More information is required about what type of cartilage grafting techniques rplanning to undergo.   Insurance related Functional nasal surgery usually does not change the shape of the nose, and is only performed for medical necessity

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your post. Are you having surgery for deviated nasal septum, nasal obstruction and valve collapse? Septoplasty and alar grafts are offered for this correction. If you are concerned about any cosmetic improvements to the shape and appearance of your nose, it would be best to specifically discuss your concerns before your procedure. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is often combined with functional nasal surgery for patient who may desire enhancements. I would not assume any benefits not directly discussed with your physician. Specifically, if you feel that you would benefit from correct of your tip position, height, shape or columella, it is unlikely that septoplasty with alar valve grafts alone will address the changes you seem interested in. Please discuss this with your surgeon or seek another opinion from an experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon with special interest in rhinoplasty. Hope this helps.

Septoplasty with alar grafts. Will my tip come up ever so slightly? (photos)

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Septoplasty with alar grafts. Will my tip come up ever so slightly? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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