Can a Septoplasty Alone Correct Nasal Valve Collapse and Appearance? (photo)

Question

I have been told that I have a significant caudal nasal septal deviation to the left with complete dislocation of all but my most anterior septum off of the maxillary crest into the left nostril. This had caused not only a functional problem of reduced airflow but also both internal and external nasal valve collapse and a loss of the shape of my nostrils. Will a septoplasty alone restore both functional and aesthetic characterstics to my nose or will i require spreader and or alar batton grafts.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Part of the nasal valve is composed by the nasal septum. If it is severely deviated to one side and narrowing the valve, a septoplasty can help open that area of the valve. However, in most people with nasal valve collapse, the issue is a lack of structure that requires some sort of cartilage graft which is usually spreader graft, alar batten or nostril rim graft. I can't say exactly what would help without examining your nose and looking at the dynamic changes that occur with breathing. I hope this information is helpful.

	Stephen Weber MD, FACS

	Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If there is both internal and external valve collapse, cartilage grafts would be useful in addition to the septoplasty for the deviation.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Airway obstruction created by collapse the nasal valve will not be corrected by septoplasty. A septoplasty however may serve as a source of cartilage that is used to fix the nasal valve.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Good questions. Ultimately you need to be seen by a rhinoplasty surgeon who can break it down for you. Internal valve collapse is entirely a different issue than a deviated septum. Sometimes they can occur together. Fixing a deviated septum does not by itself fix the internal valve collapse. For that you need to either use spreader grafts or use turn down flaps from the upper lateral cartilage. if your nostril rims are weak than alar grafts are indicated, thus a third distinct problem with it's own solution.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Septoplasty alone is not going to correct all of your nasal problems adequately. You ideally need an open septorhinoplasty using cartilage grafts to support the middle vaults, columella and caudal end of the septum.

Can a Septoplasty Alone Correct Nasal Valve Collapse and Appearance? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Deviated septum and valvular collapse

Answer: Deviated septum and valvular collapse

Answer: Septorhinoplasty Needed for Correction of Deviated Nose and Nasal Valve Collapse

Answer: Septorhinoplasty Needed for Correction of Deviated Nose and Nasal Valve Collapse

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Can a Septoplasty Alone Correct Nasal Valve Collapse and Appearance? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Deviated septum and valvular collapse

Answer: Deviated septum and valvular collapse

Answer: Septorhinoplasty Needed for Correction of Deviated Nose and Nasal Valve Collapse

Answer: Septorhinoplasty Needed for Correction of Deviated Nose and Nasal Valve Collapse

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.