Septoplasty caused unhappy shape/protruding columella & alar retraction - is it worth trying to fix? (Photos)

Question

Hi I had a septoplasty performed which i dont believe i needed. However now im very unhappy with my nose. One its way larger and wider but is certainly straight from the side profile. I have a protruding columnella? On one side of the tip made worse by what looks like a retraction of the alar one side.Is it worth trying to fix either? Is it too risky? Can a small adjustment be made versus a large operation? Mainly its the shape of my nose when seen from the front that I do not like. Thanks!

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

It appears that there is significant weakness or some deficiency of the cartilaginous septum. Pre-operative photos would be helpful.

That being said, improvements can be made. Opening the septum and nasal tip to be able to reposition the cartilages appears necessary. You'll likely require a caudal septal extension graft. Hopefully there is enough remnant septum to use for grafting purposes.

You appear to have fairly thick skin which is good for camouflaging any minor irregularities of the lower lateral cartilages.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It would help to know exactly  what was done with your surgery especially with regard to any cartilage grafts. You don’t have a hanging  columella  but the columella is retracted. And you have thick skin which doesn’t help. It’s worth getting opinions from some surgeons to see what your options are

Septoplasty caused unhappy shape/protruding columella & alar retraction - is it worth trying to fix? (Photos)

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