Deviated septum worsening as I age? (Photo)

Question

I've always felt my nose was too long for my face, but was never brave enough to address. As I've entered my 40s, my breathing problems have intensified--sleep apena, headaches, snoring, avid runner unable to breath through nose with consent draining when exercising. Would fixing the deviation shorten the nose also?

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Not all septums are the same, and thus, not all septoplasties are alike. You need to have your septum carefully examined by an experienced surgeon to determine what kind of septoplasty you will need. A surgeon can shorten the nose with a septoplasty, but he/she could also do a septoplasty without affecting the length. It all depends on your goals.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

A septoplasty is designed to remove or repair a deviated septum.  Unless the septum is shortened this should have no effect on the length of your nose but will make it straighter.

Michael Bublik, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Looking at these pictures, you may need to have a rhinoplasty in order to straighten your septum and fix your breathing. I would also seek consultation from a surgeon who specializes in functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, that way you could address both issues at the same time in an effective manner.  The sleep apnea and headaches would need to be worked up and sinus disease should be ruled out.   I myself have a lot of patients who have sinus and rhinoplasty surgery at the same time.  Good luck, Dr. Bublik

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty  is performed to change the shape of the nose, such as shortening it, raising the tip, narrowing the bridge and straightening the nasal bones. There are many issues on the inside of the nose it can cause a breathing problem, and a deviated septum is only one of them. A septoplasty is performed for functional purposes to improve air flow through the nose. Patients must pain for the cosmetic component of the surgery themselves, while  functional nasal surgery is billed to the patient's medical insurance, once medical necessity has been documented at the time of examination and consultation. For more information about the differences between a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty, please see the video below

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Judging from these pictures, you may need to have a rhinoplasty in order to straighten your septum and fix your breathing. It wouldn't necessarily shorten your nose, but it would be easy to do cosmetic work at the same time. The sleep apnea and headaches would need to be properly worked up before surgery to make sure everything was properly addressed at the time of your procedure. I'd visit with a facial plastic surgeon who does reconstructive rhinoplasty, ideally who can evaluate your sinuses on their own or who has partners who can do sinus work. Good luck!

Deviated septum worsening as I age? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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