Can shoving Q-tips up the nose fix a deviated septum?

Question

I have a deviated septum and was googling it. I don't want to get surgery (and I trust you surgeons to answer this honestly) could I fix my deviated septum with a Q-tip? I heard some boxers talking about how they broke their noses and stuck q-tips up their nose at night and eventually were able to breathe again...without surgery. Is this possible? Don't lie just because you want money from patients getting a septoplasty

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

as long as you continue to keep the Q-tip pressing on the septum.  If you are OK with walking around with Q-tips the rest of your life, sticking into (or out of) your nose, then this would be a great technique.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Placing a Q-tip in your nose will not straighten your septum.  Septoplasty is the only safe, effective way of straightening your septum.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

No. Your septum/bones are not freshly broken and moveable. No external forces or molding will straighten it when intact....only surgery.

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

This is not only a bad idea, it can be dangerous.  You could cause a leak of brain fluid.

Can shoving Q-tips up the nose fix a deviated septum?

Answers (4)

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Can shoving Q-tips up the nose fix a deviated septum?

Answers (4)

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