Will Septoplasty Change the Outside Shape of my Nose?

Question

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 outside of the nose. For individualized advice, consult with
a qualified nasal surgeon about your concerns. Good luck to you.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In most cases, a septoplasty procedure does not change the shape of the nose. A septoplasty is designed to improve the nasal airway and breathing through the nose. A rhinoplasty is designed to change the shape of the nose. In some cases, both procedures may occur at once. This is commonly called a septorhinoplasty procedure, and might involve both functional and cosmetic components. If the septal cartilage is severely deviated, straightening of the septum might also affect the appearance of the nose, but these cases are less common.Be sure to see a septorhinoplasty expert.Best,

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In the vast majority of patients, deviation of the nasal
septum doesn’t affect nasal aesthetics.Under these circumstances, it would be unusual for septoplasty to change
the appearance of the nose.Unfortunately,
it’s not unusual for septal deviation to involve the dorsal septum (front of
the nose) and caudal septum (area between the nostrils). Under these
circumstances, the nasal structures can be severely distorted by the curved and
twisting underlying nasal septum.When
this situation arises, patients usually require both rhinoplasty and
septoplasty.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

A standard septoplasty does not change the outward appearance of the nose.

	If there's deviation of the columella or base of the nose, a septoplasty may help.

Julian W. Dixon, MD · Answer

Great question. Generally speaking a septal surgery is not designed to change the shape of the nose. The only exceptions to that would be in patients with repeated nasal trauma such as hockey players or boxers. In those patients I have found that the septum is typically completely calcified. if you straighten those "bony" septum the nose does tend to become a bit straighter. Additionally in a poorly performed septoplasty you may lose either tip support or develop a large perforation and saddle nose deformity. That is probably the most dreaded complication of a septal surgery, however in expert hands it is an exceptional rarity. An expertly performed septoplasty should not change the shape of the nose to any discernible degree. Hope this helps.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

No, a  septoplasty is performed on the internal back portion of the nose to remove  bone and cartilage that is blocking the airflow in the back of the nose. A septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose at all, only improve airflow dynamics through it. A rhinoplasty is done for cosmetic purposes. Both a rhinoplasty and septoplasty can be performed simultaneously, but they're 2  completely different operations

Richard A. Zoumalan, MD · Answer

The degree of change in the shape of your septum is determined by the type of septoplasty you underdo. I conducted a study on changes in the shape of the nose after various septoplasty maneuvers (on cadavers). The study showed that aggressive septoplasty maneuvers can change the shape of the nose. It is important that your surgeon discusses these issues if you are undergoing a larger septal reconstruction. 

	 

	Best, 

	Dr. Zoumalan

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

Septoplasty by itself should not have any effect of the shape of your nose. However, the deviated nose may be secondary to deviated nasal septum and in order to correct this, an extensive septoplasty id required.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Septoplasty itself should not change the outward appearance of the nose too much. It may make it look a bit wider in the mid vault and may correct nasal curvatures.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Usually not, but it depends on the degree of deviation, the external appearance of the bridge of the nose, and other factors. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

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Will Septoplasty Change the Outside Shape of my Nose?

Answers (13)

SEPTOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU