My nose shape does not look good after septoplasty and turbinate reduction. Kindly help.

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a septoplasty and turbinate reduction three months ago, and I assumed there would be no change in the shape of my nose. Initially, it was very swollen, so I thought it was swelling that caused the change in shape. However, it has been three months now, and my nose looks very different from pre-op. It is more upturned, shorter, wider, and has less of a tip. What is going on? Is it swelling, or will I need a revision operation to correct this? As I am very unhappy with this result. I have attached the photos.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. I went through the pictures you shared (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Sorry to know that you do not like the change. I am not sure if you are explained about the procedure and the potential changes it may bring to your nose. Obviously, there will be little change in the nose's appearance because, in septoplasty, the cartilage (that separates the two nostrils) is repaired. It could be augmentative septoplasty or reductive septoplasty. The nature of the procedure depends on the extent of the deviation. They could be cosmetic or therapeutic.

In your case, I assume it is therapeutic as you also underwent reduction turbinectomy to make room for air to flow through your nostril easily. When you do reduction turbinoplasty, part of the tissue is reduced that reduces the bulkiness of the nostril and reflects on the external appearance (that is what I could see in the picture as well). When both procedures are combined, the surgeon may have to sacrifice minute parts of tissue (both septa and turbinate). He/she may have to drag the surrounding tissue or structures to realign the entire structure to near perfection. In the bargain, the shape and size may alter.

With this background coming back to your question, is it swelling? Definitely not. Swelling due to procedure usually settles in fa ew days of procedure. If you are not happy with the look of the nose, there is an option of cosmetic correction. You need to discuss the same with your primary surgeon and cosmetic surgeon so that your airflow through nostrils is hassle-free and gives cosmetic touch to the appearance.

I hope this helps.