Approved for deviated septum surgery. Will that change my noses appearance? Very unhappy with my nose side and shape. (photo)

Question

I have been very unhappy with my nose. My insurance approved deviated septum correction. Would that be enough to improve the appearance of my nose?

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH · Answer

Dear Veronika12This is a really common question, so thanks for bringing it up. The deviated septum repair authorization will allow for correction of the inside structures (septoplasty)A rhinoplasty would be needed to change the outside shape of the nose.  Best Wishes

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A septoplasty is performed in the back of the nose for airway management when there is obstructing bone and cartilage blocking air flow. A septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose, and is only done for medical necessity. A rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish changing the shape of the nose such as narrowing the tip, narrowing the bridge, and shaving down the dorsal hump. Both a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time, however the patient must pay for the rhinoplasty component since it is cosmetic. For more information about the differences between the 2 procedures, please see the  video below

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello Veronika,Thank you for your pictures and question.  Typically a deviated septum (septoplasty) will improve on the internal cartilage wall that separates your right and left sides of your nose with the sole purpose of improving your breathing.  It should not change or improve your profile or appearance of your nose.  If you are bothered by the appearance, this is normally a cosmetic procedure.  Best of luck!

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Hi there, Good question. I often get this question: would straightening the septum straighten the nose?It depends on the case, but most of the time if the external structure of the nose is crooked a septoplasty by itself will NOT straighten the nose by.Why? The septum is attached in the top of the nose to other cartilages that give the nose its shape. When a septoplasty is done by itself, the top part of the septum is left intact and only the middle portion of the septum is removed. In a septoplasty the top and front part of the septum is left intact to prevent nose collapse.A full septorhinoplasty is needed to straighten a deviated top part of the septum. Often osteotomies and cartilages grafts are necessary to straighten the bridge of the nose. If you want to reshape your nose and make it smaller and straighter, consider doing a septorhinoplasty and seeking a consultation with a surgeon that does these procedures.Hope this helps!

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

Surgery to correct a deviated septum will not change the shape of your nose. If you desire cosmetic changes, those will not be covered by insurance but can be done at the same time. I would recommend discussing your thoughts with your surgeon and see if they also perform rhinoplasty. If so, the combined procedure is usually a bit cheaper if insurance is picking up part of the surgery center and anesthesia fees. Best of luck

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

In most cases, surgery to correct a deviated septum will improve breathing but will not change the outward appearance of the nose.  In a few cases it is necessary to correct a deviated septum when performing a cosmetic rhinoplasty.  From your photos, I don't believe the septal deviation surgery will significantly change the appearance of your nose without a cosmetic rhinoplasty.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The septoplasty or the straightening your septum will not improve the appearance of your nose but the cosmetic work should be done at the same time. Most insurance companies will pay for the correction of functional problems up to the limit of each patient's policy, but not the cosmetic part of the procedure.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Veronika12, Septoplasty can change some appearances to the nose however in your situation it would not correct the aesthetic concerns you most likely have with your nose. A combined procedure of septorhinoplasty should be performed which will address both function and aesthetics. This combined procedure will be less expensive overall as the breathing portion of the procedure will be covered by your insurance and just the aesthetic portion would be billed directly to you. I have included a link below and video above of similar noses for your review. When you seek consultation you can have digital imaging performed which will show you the proposed changes. You will have a chance to review the surgeons many before and after photographs and make sure the results are natural looking rhinoplasty results that help balance the patients profile as well as their overall facial aesthetics. Then you can make an informed decision. Do not have just a septoplasty if you want rhinoplasty in future it is best to do these procedures combined as a septorhinoplasty at the same time. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Approved for deviated septum surgery. Will that change my noses appearance? Very unhappy with my nose side and shape. (photo)

Answers (8)

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