Will Septoplasty Change the Appearance of my Nose? (photo)

A standard septoplasty will help open your airway but will not (in general) change the shape of your nose. An open approach like one used for septorhinoplasty can be used to straighten your nose.

 

A septorhino doesn't have to be cosmetic. So all to your doctor and determine if a more significant procedure is right for you 

The deviation of your septum is certainly causing deviation of your nasal dorsum (bridge of your nose) and to a lesser extent your tip.  However, the portion of the septum that is giving you difficulty breathing can be straightened without straightening these areas of your nose.  This means that your breathing could be improved without altering the appearance of your nose at all.

If the appearance of your nose is a concern to you, then a septorhinoplasty would be the appropriate surgery.  

A septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose since it is done on the internal portion of the nose. The basal view of the nose will be improved if there is acaudal deviation this will be improved. This is usually due to a septal fracture. A septoplasty is performed to improve airflow dynamics through the nose.  A septoplasty will not improve sinus infections, instead sinus surgery must be performed to remove polyps and obstructive sinus drainage.

 

Dear Madi Smyth,

Generally a septoplasty does not change the appearance of the nose. In some occasions some straightening will be achieved by the procedure however if you want to address your nasal tip and other aesthetic changes then a septorhinoplasty should be discussed with your surgeon. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

 No, a Septoplasty is performed to reduce a bent section of septal cartilage that is causing nasal obstruction inside the nose.  This, without adding a Rhinoplasty (Septo-Rhinoplasty) would not address the wide nasal tip or other aesthetic external nasal features.  Hope this helps.