Am I a candidate for septoplasty? And if I do get the surgery will it even out my nostrils? (Photo)

Question

Ever since i could remember I've had problems breathing through my nose but lately it's becoming more bothersome.I find myself only able to breathe through one nostril and the uneven proportion of my nostrils and crooked(in my opinion) bridge of my nose unappealing and i don't know what to do.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear jonsiecatIn order to determine the benefits of a septoplasty, you need to be examined by your doctor.In general, a simple septoplasty will not change the appearance of your nose. I would not expect your tip asymmetry to improve with a standard septoplasty. It is often efficient and logical to address tip asymmetry at the time of a septoplasty.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

So it is impossible to tell about your rhinoplasty options.Septoplasty is indicated in your case ONLY if the surgeon has confirmed that the deviated septum is the real cause of your airway obstruction, since there are many other potential sources of airway blockage.Keep in mind that septoplasty is not an operation to change the shape of the nose.Also, you must know that symmetry is an unachievable goal in rhinoplasty, in the best case the assymmetry can be minimized, but never fully. Your nostrils are normal, their assimetry is natural.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty and a septoplasty are 2 completely separate operations, but both can be performed under one anesthetic with one recovery. A septoplasty is performed for medical necessity when there is an obstruction of breathing out of the the back of the nose. A septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose. A rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic purposes to change the shape of the nose or straighten a  crooked nose. For more information about the differences between the 2 operations, please see the video below

Am I a candidate for septoplasty? And if I do get the surgery will it even out my nostrils? (Photo)

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More Septoplasty Questions

I had Deviated septum surgery & my tonsils taken out at the same time over a 1.5 yr ago at the age of 25. Any suggestion?

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