Can Rhinoplasty Surgery Fix a Deviated Septum?
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Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures today, helping millions of people reshape their noses and feel more confident about their facial appearance overall. While there's no denying the aesthetic benefits of rhinoplasty surgery, you may be surprised to learn about the many functional improvements that can be made with a nose job. For patients with a deviated septum, however, a traditional rhinoplasty may not be the most suitable choice. Instead, a specialized type of nasal surgery — called a septoplasty — may be performed instead of, or in addition to, a traditional rhinoplasty. Here, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Schultz of Ben Schultz, M.D. in Baltimore, MD provides a more in-depth look at nose surgery for septal deviation.
What is a deviated septum?
A deviated septum refers to asymmetry between the two sides of the nasal cavity that are divided by the septal cartilage and tissue. When the septum is crooked, the two nasal passages and nostrils may be different sizes, which can lead to a variety of unwanted symptoms.
What causes a deviated septum?
In most cases, patients are simply born with a deviated septum, which can cause worsening symptoms with age. Other times, trauma or injury leads to a septal deviation. Abnormal development, previous surgeries, and surgical errors may also be the cause of some cases of septal deviation.
How do you know if you have a deviated septum?
The signs and symptoms of a deviated symptom can vary widely from person to person based on the severity of the septal deviation, additional aspects of their nasal anatomy, their overall health, and others. Generally speaking, some of the classic symptoms of a deviated septum include:
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Obstructed breathing
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal drip
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus infections
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Asymmetric nostrils
- Visibly crooked or bent nose
It is important to keep in mind that many of these deviated septum symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so seeking evaluation by a qualified medical provider is essential for accurately diagnosing a septal deviation.
What kind of nose surgery fixes a deviated septum?
Many patients with a deviated septum pursue rhinoplasty surgery for both cosmetic and functional reasons. However, a traditional rhinoplasty is not necessarily indicated for a deviated septum. Instead, Dr. Schultz may recommend a septoplasty, which is a type of nose surgery specifically used to repair, reconstruct, or straighten a deviated septum.
Can cosmetic changes be made during septoplasty surgery?
Yes. In some cases, septoplasty may result in a more visibly attractive and symmetric nose as the septum is straightened. This is particularly true for patients with severe septal deviation that causes a crooked nose and/or asymmetric nostrils. For patients with a mildly deviated septum who hope to achieve functional improvements while also addressing cosmetic concerns about their nose unrelated to the septum, Dr. Schultz can formulate a customized rhinoplasty plus septoplasty surgical plan designed just for them.
Straighten your crooked nose with advanced nose surgery in Baltimore, MD
If you are interested in surgery to repair a deviated septum, whether for comfort, cosmetics, or both, don't hesitate to call our friendly team at Ben Schultz, M.D. to schedule your private consultation with Baltimore, MD board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Schultz today.