I have a bifid septum and want surgery so it's less pronounced and smaller. What are my options? (Photo)

Question

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

... but I think what you've got is a bifid *tip*, rather than a bifid *septum*. We can see the little dent between your left and right tip cartilages.See the "Web reference" link, just below my response. I made a couple of computer morphs, and an animations of the morphs, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.
Besides reducing the width of the tip, I also elevated the tip some, as wide tips usually project their width downward as well as to the sides, making the nose look longer. See the wide tip I corrected on the short attached video as an example.I also tried to simulate narrowing the bridge of your nose, so it didn't look too wide after the tip gets narrowed.You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morphs require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and your photos. It looks like you have a bifid nasal tip or columella. This is caused by the shape and position of the "legs" of the tip cartilages, not the septum. Refinement of the tip of the nose and elimination of the gap between these cartilages is absolutely possible -- and may be performed with or without surgery for the septum.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The photograph demonstrates bifid lower lateral cartilages that compose the nasal tip, not the septum. To reduced the bifid tip requires suture techniques applied to those lower lateral cartilages, and sometimes placement of a small cartilage graft to fill in the cleavage.

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have a bifid nasal tip (not a bifid septum) in the columellar area which is created by the lower lateral cartilages of the nose. This is a common concern and something that can be corrected with a primary rhinoplasty. Please see a Facial Plastic Surgery specialist with special interests in rhinoplasty for a consultation. Correction your septum alone, if indicated, will not address the bifid nasal tip.

Richard Ellenbogen, MD (retired) · Answer

Its actually separation of the lower later cartilages in the midline...A thin graft will cover it beautifully ..Sewing it together makes it stiff and elevates the tip

I have a bifid septum and want surgery so it's less pronounced and smaller. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Bifid Nasal Tip

Answer: Bifid Nasal Tip

Answer: Bifid septum isnt

Answer: Bifid septum isnt

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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I have a bifid septum and want surgery so it's less pronounced and smaller. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Bifid Nasal Tip

Answer: Bifid Nasal Tip

Answer: Bifid septum isnt

Answer: Bifid septum isnt

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.