Can deviated septum surgery help with excessive widening while smiling? (Photos)

Question

My nose is a bit goofy, and ill probably end up getting deviated septum surgery eventually because one side often hurts. But one other thing I've noticed about my nose is how much it widens when I smile, its like there is no rigidity to it. I don't mind a big nose, but it is a little annoying when I smile. Can a deviated septum procedure help this? Or could I fix this issue while also fixing the deviated septum? Oh yeah, I would definitely prefer a permanent fix, not Botox.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

No, deviated septum surgery will not change the widening of the nose when you smile.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, septoplasty surgery does not lead to changes in the appearance of someone's nose. If you are looking to achieve a narrower appearance in the lower 1/3 of your nose, and if you feel that your tip has little support, consider meeting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists who could perform computer Imaging and possibly address both your functional and cosmetic concerns at the same operation. That would be the best scenario. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

William Portuese, MD · Answer

No, a deviated septum is performed in the back of the nose for airflow improvement. An alar plasty is performed to narrow wide nostrils statically. Releasing of the lateral Alar ligament can help with the dynamic flaring when smiling. All of these can be performed together under one Anesthesia with one recovery.

Can deviated septum surgery help with excessive widening while smiling? (Photos)

Answers (3)