A deviated septum is an anatomical condition where the wall of cartilage and bone, known as the nasal septum, is displaced to one side of the nasal cavity. This misalignment can occur due to genetics, developmental issues, or trauma, and it often obstructs the passage of air. The surgical procedure designed to correct this internal issue is called septoplasty, and its primary purpose is functional, not cosmetic.
The Functional Goal of Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a functional surgery performed to improve a patient’s ability to breathe through the nose. The procedure targets the misaligned septum, which narrows the nasal passage and impedes the flow of air. By realigning the septum, the procedure aims to restore the internal anatomy to a more central position.
The surgeon works inside the nose, making small incisions to access the septum. They carefully reshape, trim, or reposition the deviated portions of the cartilage and bone to ensure a clear pathway for airflow. This internal correction is designed to alleviate chronic symptoms like persistent nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, and sleep disturbances such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Correcting the deviation helps to optimize the flow of air, which is crucial for comfortable respiration.
Septoplasty’s Effect on External Appearance
A standard septoplasty generally does not change the external shape of the nose. The procedure is typically performed without altering the nasal bones or the external cartilage that forms the bridge, tip, and overall profile of the nose. The surgeon intentionally works behind the visible structure to maintain the nose’s existing appearance.
If a change in the outer appearance occurs, it is usually incidental and subtle, not the intended outcome. This might happen only in cases where the deviation was severe and impacted the very base of the nose, close to the nostrils. Straightening this foundational structure internally might result in a minor, often unnoticeable, shift in symmetry.
Surgeons are trained to preserve a specific amount of septal cartilage in the area that defines the external appearance, such as the nasal dorsum (bridge) and the nasal tip. Manipulating the septum while preserving this support structure means the external look remains unchanged.
When Cosmetic Straightening Requires a Combined Procedure
If the exterior of your nose is visibly crooked, septoplasty alone is unlikely to provide the desired cosmetic straightening. For the nose to appear straight, the surgeon must address the external nasal skeleton, which is the domain of a rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure focused on altering the external appearance of the nose.
To achieve both functional improvement and external straightening, a combined procedure called septorhinoplasty is required. Septorhinoplasty integrates the functional correction of the deviated septum with the aesthetic changes of a rhinoplasty. This comprehensive approach allows the surgeon to straighten the internal septum and simultaneously reshape the external framework.
During a septorhinoplasty, the surgeon can perform maneuvers like osteotomies, which involve precisely cutting and resetting the nasal bones, or using cartilage grafts to reshape the bridge and tip. These techniques are necessary to correct a visibly crooked nose that results from a misalignment of the external structures. The decision to undergo septorhinoplasty requires thorough pre-operative consultation to ensure both the breathing issues and the aesthetic goals are clearly defined. While more complex and involving a longer recovery than septoplasty alone, the combined procedure is the most effective way to achieve a straight-appearing nose while also ensuring clear airflow.