Does Deviated Septum Surgery Change the Look of Your Nose?
Does Deviated Septum Surgery Change the Look of Your Nose? Deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, is a common procedure performed to correct a misaligned nasal septum, the wall between your nostrils. The primary goal of this surgery is to improve breathing function rather than altering the aesthetic appearance of the nose. However, many individuals considering this procedure often wonder whether it will inadvertently change their nasal appearance.
It’s important to clarify that septoplasty primarily focuses on rectifying functional issues and not cosmetic ones. Still, any surgery involving the nose can result in subtle changes, whether intentional or not. On a similar note, it’s crucial to understand the difference between septoplasty and rhinoplasty – the latter being a procedure specifically designed for nose reshaping. With this in mind, this article aims to clear up misconceptions and provide accurate information on the impact of deviated septum surgery on nasal appearance.
Understanding Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty)
Septoplasty, often referred to as deviated septum surgery, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated or crooked septum. The nasal septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates your right and left nostrils. Ideally, the septum should run down the middle of the nose. However, in about 80% of people, it’s off-center, or deviated, which can cause problems.
The main goal of septoplasty is to improve airflow through the nose by straightening the septum, thereby improving breathing and alleviating symptoms such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and recurrent sinus infections. This procedure does not involve any incisions on the outer part of the nose or change its external appearance since it primarily focuses on rectifying internal structural issues.
During a septoplasty procedure, the surgeon works within the nose, making an incision in the lining of the septum to reach the cartilage targeted in treatment. The surgeon then trims or reshapes this cartilage to correct alignment. The surgery usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes and can be performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level and the complexity of your condition.
It’s worth noting that while septoplasty brings significant relief for those with a deviated septum causing discomfort or breathing difficulties, it’s not a cosmetic procedure designed to change the shape or appearance of the nose. Therefore, if you’re considering septoplasty with hopes of altering your nasal appearance, you might need to discuss other options with your medical provider.
Exploring the Impact on Nasal Appearance
Many individuals considering septoplasty often have a common concern: will the surgery change the appearance of their nose? The short answer is typically, no. Deviated septum surgery primarily aims to correct internal imbalances in the nasal structure to improve breathing functionality. It does not focus on altering the external aesthetics of the nose, which means that generally, there are no significant changes to the nose’s appearance post-surgery.
However, it’s essential to understand that all surgical procedures carry some degree of unpredictability and risk. Although rare, there can be subtle changes in the nasal appearance following septoplasty. These changes are usually minor and may even go unnoticed by most people. Possible changes include a slight shift in the nose position or contour due to adjustments made to the septum. But again, these are not the intended consequences of septoplasty and occur infrequently.
In cases where patients wish to alter their nasal appearance while also correcting a deviated septum, a different procedure known as rhinoplasty might be considered. Rhinoplasty is specifically designed for cosmetic alterations and can be performed in conjunction with septoplasty if desired. Therefore, if you’re looking to make noticeable changes to your nose’s shape or size while improving your breathing function, discussing this option with your medical provider would be the best course of action.
Does Deviated Septum Surgery Change the Look of Your Nose?: Differentiating Deviated Septum Surgery from Rhinoplasty
A common misconception among patients considering nasal surgery is the conflation of septoplasty and rhinoplasty. While both procedures involve the nose, their objectives, methods, and results differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial in setting realistic expectations for surgical outcomes and postoperative satisfaction.
Septoplasty, or deviated septum surgery, primarily focuses on functional improvements. The procedure aims to correct a deviated septum that obstructs breathing. By straightening the septum, patients can expect improved airflow and relief from symptoms like nasal congestion or frequent sinus infections. Septoplasty does not typically alter the nose’s external appearance since the incisions are made inside the nostrils, and any reshaping is done to the internal structures only.
On the other hand, rhinoplasty, often referred to as ‘nose reshaping,’ is a cosmetic procedure designed to change the nose’s shape and size. It can alter various aspects of your nose’s appearance, including its width, length, profile, tip, nostrils, and symmetry. Unlike septoplasty, rhinoplasty involves external incisions and can significantly alter your nose’s appearance based on your aesthetic goals. While it can also address some breathing issues if they’re caused by structural abnormalities visible on the nose’s exterior, its primary purpose remains cosmetic enhancement.
Therefore, if your goal is simply to improve your breathing without altering your nose’s outward appearance, septoplasty would be the appropriate choice. Conversely, if you desire aesthetic changes to your nose while potentially addressing breathing problems caused by external structural issues, rhinoplasty might be more suitable. In some cases, patients opt for a combined procedure known as septorhinoplasty which addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns in one surgery. As always, discussing your concerns and desired outcomes with your medical provider will help determine the best course of treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deviated septum surgery change the external appearance of the nose?
No, deviated septum surgery, or septoplasty, primarily focuses on improving breathing functionality by straightening the internal nasal structures. It does not aim to alter the external appearance of the nose.
Can septoplasty be combined with rhinoplasty for both functional and cosmetic improvements?
Yes, in some cases, a combined procedure called septorhinoplasty may be performed. Septorhinoplasty addresses both functional issues, such as a deviated septum, and cosmetic concerns, allowing for simultaneous improvements in breathing and nasal appearance.
Will there be visible scarring after deviated septum surgery?
In most cases, there will be no visible scarring after deviated septum surgery. The incisions made during septoplasty are typically done inside the nostrils, resulting in no external scars.
How long does it take to recover from deviated septum surgery?
Recovery time can vary depending on individual factors, but most patients can expect to recover fully within a few weeks after deviated septum surgery. However, it's essential to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions and avoid strenuous activities during the initial healing period.
Will insurance cover the cost of deviated septum surgery?
Insurance coverage for deviated septum surgery varies depending on the policy and individual circumstances. It is best to consult with your insurance company to determine coverage specifics and any requirements or documentation needed for approval.
