Will septoplasty help change the appearance of my nose? (Photo)

Question

I have never broken my nose, but have an extremely deviated septum. Also, I'm displeased with the crooked appearance and size of my nose. What's the likelihood of a septoplasty changing the visible crookedness? What would you, the surgeon, find ideal for my face aesthetically if I were to get rhinoplasty as well? Assuming insurance covers the septoplasty portion--approximately how much would it cost to add the cosmetic part in the same surgery? I'm very appreciative of any feedback.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Click on the "Learn more" link, just below my response, or go here:
FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_Veryinterested.html
I made a computer morph of your nose, and an animation of the morph, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.I brought the tip of the nose much closer to your face. I lowered the bump on the bridge to match the new position of the tip. And I elevated the tip. When the nose comes closer to the face, it usually makes the nose *look* as though it's longer, as though the tip drooped down, so it's important to elevate the tip some when the nose comes back. The woman in the short video at the bottom of this post had her nose brought back closer to her face.A septoplasty can of course  be done at the same time as changing the appearance, but a septoplasty alone cannot make any of these changes I showed.
You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon. You should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. Read that page very carefully. Most plastic surgeons are quite poor at this operation, and I believe my advice will go a long way toward keeping you safe.
I'd love to hear what you think of the morph. Did it seem to address your main concerns?
Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for a beautiful nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes a beautiful nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.
In your case in particular, you need to find a surgeon who understands all of the issues I mentioned, and how they fit together, and who can actually accomplish them in surgery.

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your photos and pictures. You are correct in thinking that getting the results you are looking for will require a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty. Based on your photos, it appears that the nose is crooked because of the cartilage and higher bony deviation. A septoplasty does not address the nasal bones. Additionally, reshaping the nose is not part of the septoplasty but rather a rhinoplasty. Not all doctors accept insurance, but in my practice you do get a significant discount in the professional fee and in the anesthesia fee if your insurance covers part of the surgery. I would recommend a consultation in person to better access what results you are looking for and to finalize a quote.Hope this helps! Good luck

Frank Scaccia, MD, FACS · Answer

Septoplasty should not change the shape of the nose although it possibly can for the better or worse (if not done correctly).  You look like a very good candidate for a rhinoplasty for tip narrowing, tip raising, dorsal hump removal and straightening.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, a septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose.  Septoplasty is performed for medical necessity in the back of the nose only to improve airflow.  It will not change the shape of the external appearance of the nose.  A rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic purposes to change the shape of the nose which can include shaving down the dorsal hump, straightening the nose from the external appearance, narrowing the bridgeline line and refining the nasal tip cartilages.  Expect to pay for the cosmetic component yourself.  Both functional and cosmetic nasal surgery can be performed simultaneously under one anesthesia with one recovery period.  For more information about the differences between a rhinoplasty and septoplasty, please see the link and the video below

Will septoplasty help change the appearance of my nose? (Photo)

Answers (4)

More Septoplasty Questions

Can nose picking ruin my surgery results?

Sleep Apnea like symptoms after nasal surgery?

Has my septoplasty procedure failed? I'm 3 1/2 weeks post op and have been experiencing drainage, crustiness, and blockage.

Can I box after having two septoplasty procedures?

Is it possible to become anemic after Septoplasty? Who do I go see for my issue? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS