Will Repairing my Septum Straighten my Nose on the Outside Too?

Question

I have a deviated septum from a break about 7 years back. I snore and always have a stuffy nose now. I'd like to get my septum repaired for those reasons. However, the outside of my nose is crooked as well and I was wondering if straightening the septum inside of my nose will make the outside appear straighter. If it doesn't, how much extra will I have to pay (estimate) to repair my nose on an aesthetic level?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

If the top part of your septum is very crooked, then straightening that area will straighten at least a portion of your nose. However, it appears that you have a crooked dorsum or bony area as well that would require that to be straightened as well. Costs vary from region to region but the additional costs for that part of your nose is about 2500 in the Jacksonville area. I hope this information helps.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, a septoplasty improves the nasal airway and does not affect the appearance of the nose on the outside. A rhinoplasty procedure is designed to change the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty procedures are usually considered cosmetic unless there has been a well-documented recent injury. After the first 1-2 years after a nasal injury, most insurers will not reimburse for changing the shape of the nose, as those are then considered cosmetic.The cosmetic portion of the surgery (rhinoplasty) is often going to be a minimum of $5000 - $6000 more than the medically necessary portion (septoplasty).Be sure to find a septorhinoplasty specialist who can adequately address both problems.All the best,

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The vast majority of patients who have crooked noses have
suffered nasal trauma.When this
situation arises the nose should be critically evaluated.Not only should nasal aesthetics be evaluated,
but attention should be given to the nasal airway as well.Under these circumstances, the cartilaginous
nasal septum may be deviated with resultant airway obstruction.When a
patient has a crooked nose following nasal trauma, the nasal septum and nasal
bones are usually both involved.In many
cases, patients often develop a dorsal hump as well.Correction of this problem usually requires a
rhinoplasty.If significant deviation of
the nasal septum is present with associated nasal airway obstruction, a
septoplasty is necessary as well.Your
history and pictures suggest that you would benefit from combination
rhinoplasty and septoplasty.The added
cost of a cosmetic rhinoplasty would be about $4,000 to $5,000 more then you’re
currently paying.In
patients with post traumatic nasal deformities with associated functional
impairment, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is
appropriate.This surgeon should be able
to address both your aesthetic and functional concerns.

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Septoplasty is a
surgical procedure which generally entails modification of the cartilage of the
nasal septum. It is undertaken to improve symptomatic nasal airway obstruction
when deviation or crookedness of the septum is judged to contribute to those
symptoms. In most cases, septoplasty will not change the outside shape of the
nose. If you find your nasal appearance to be unsatisfactory, you may be a
candidate for rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is undertaken to improve the shape and/or
size of the nose. Charges for cosmetic rhinoplasty vary widely. For
individualized advice, consult with a qualified nasal surgeon about your
concerns. Good luck to you.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and the picture. While straightening the septum can improve the breathing function, a traditional septoplasty will not fix a crooked nose. After blunt trauma to the nose, the nose bones and even the tip cartilages can be broken, damaged, or otherwise injured. These external structures are addressed by rhinoplasty (which also addresses the septum). Though this surgery is more comprehensive, it is often at least partially covered by insurance if you have had a facial trauma or injury.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Your nose is crooked likely due to the injury you sustained.  A deviated septum that extends to the dorsum of the nose is contributing to this problem. You also appear to have nasal bone asymmetry and asymmetry of your nasal mid third.  A Septorhinoplasty would be the appropriate procedure to straighten your nose.  Crooked noses can generally be improved.  They are often challenging to perfectly realign.  Prices vary.  Typically you would be expecting to pay an additional 6000 dollars.

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Will Repairing my Septum Straighten my Nose on the Outside Too?

Answers (9)

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