Is it safe and possible to have a rhinoplasty while having a perforation in the nasal septum?

Question

Hello, I have a perforation in my nasal septum. It's asymptomatic and located in the middle of the septum. Can I still have a rhinoplasty done or is it not safe?

George Bitar, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty may still be performed.  You would need an examination to determine the size of the perforation and the amount of cartilage is missing from the septum.  Depending on the size of the perforation, it may limit the changes that can be made to the septum or the dorsal hump.  I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in rhinoplasty to get a thorough examination and to discuss your goals of rhinoplasty surgery.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hello, It is better that you consult with facial plastic surgeon to examine you properly and measure the size of the septal perforation. Most of the time, the rhinoplasty surgery can be done with presence of septal perforation. If the perforation is of small size it can be closed in the same procedure.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It depends on the size of the perforation.  If it is a large one, then any further reduction of the dorsum may lead to weakness and bridge collapse.  Tip rhinoplasty should be safe however.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to have full rhinoplasty even if you have asymptomatic septal perforation. If your perforation is not very large, it can be repaired in the same time. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, true expert in septo-rhinoplasty, is recommended. Good luck.

Stephen Kleid, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

There is usually no problem with doing a Rhinoplasty when there is a septal perforation. 
If the perforation is due to cocaine usage, it is strongly advisable that cocaine not be used again.
Sometimes, the perforation can be closed at the time of the Rhinoplasty, or sometimes it is just left alone.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Can a rhinoplasty be performed in the presence of a septal perforation? The answer to this question is that it depends on the size of the septal perforation, and what amount of dorsal profile is going to be changed. If the perforation is small and is not too close to the dorsum then a Rhinoplasty even one involving reduction of the dorsal profile should be quite doable. However if the septal perforation is very large and there is not a lot of Cartlidge supporting the dorsum then there is a limit to how much Cartlidge can be trimmed from the dorsum and still leave adequate support for the nose.

Is it safe and possible to have a rhinoplasty while having a perforation in the nasal septum?

Answers (6)

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