Is the hump on my nose part of my breathing problem? (photo)

A septoplasty is  performed when there is cartilage and bone blocking air flow in the back of the nose. The procedure is billed to the patient's medical insurance, once medical necessity is documented. A rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic purposes to remove the hump on the bridge, narrow or straighten the nasal bones and adjust the tip cartilages. A rhinoplasty has nothing to do with the breathing surgery For more information and  our rhinoplasty photo gallery, please see the link below

A septoplasty is any surgery that changes the septum. This may mean straightening the septum or even removing a part of the septum that is deviated. That is unrelated to the " hump" on your nose that is cosmetic in nature. The hump does not affect your breathing and so is not covered under insurance coverage unless it is a direct result of trauma. Then depending on your insurance you might get coverage for removing the hump.

Dear Diva, A septorhinoplasty is the combination of two surgeries the first portion the "septo" portion is the septoplasty which will address the functional aspects of the nose. The secondary portion is the "rhinoplasty" which will address the aesthetic portion of the nose. If you go in for just septoplasty then they will not address the dorsal hump.  You will need a septorhinoplasty to address both function and aesthetics. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.