When I perform cosmetic rhinoplasties (nasal reshaping surgery), I rarely touch the septum. Most patients have a slightly deviated septum (the cartilage between the nostrils) but unless the septum is obstructing the nose or tilting it significantly to the side, it should not be operated on. That's because the septum is the structural support of the nose and it can collapse if it is operated on. So many septums are operated on just to get the patient insurance coverage. That's wrong at so many levels - medically and socioeconomically.
Tonight, we discuss the merits of operations on the nasal septum.
When I perform cosmetic rhinoplasties (nasal reshaping surgery), I rarely touch the septum. Most patients have a slightly deviated septum (the cartilage between the nostrils) but unless the septum is obstructing the nose or tilting it significantly to the side, it should not be operated on. That's because the septum is the structural support of the nose and it can collapse if it is operated on. So many septums are operated on just to get the patient insurance coverage. That's wrong at so many levels - medically and socioeconomically.
Tonight, we discuss the merits of operations on the nasal septum.