Introduction
A deviated nose can be a source of both aesthetic and functional problems for many individuals. Whether it's due to genetics, injury, or other factors, the condition can cause difficulties in breathing, affect one's appearance, and impact self - confidence. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals and clinics known for their expertise in deviated nose correction. This article will explore some of the top - rated medical institutions and professionals in the city for this procedure.
Understanding Deviated Nose and Related Procedures
What is a Deviated Nose?
A deviated nose often refers to a deviated nasal septum, which is the partition between the two nasal cavities. When this septum deviates from the center line and into one of the nasal cavities, it can impede airflow due to narrowing that occurs in the affected cavity. Deviations can be the result of an injury or can occur during childbirth. If the septum shifts towards one side at a degree greater than 50%, it can cause difficulty breathing, nasal obstruction, and sinus issues. Sometimes, this shift causes the inferior turbinate on the opposite side to enlarge, known as compensatory hypertrophy (Source: https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/face/rhinoplasty/septoplasty/).
Common Procedures for Deviated Nose Correction
- Septoplasty: This is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. It straightens the partition between the two nasal cavities so that it runs down the center of the nose. During the operation, usually done under general anesthesia, an incision is made on the lower portion of the septum, and the surgeon works through the nostrils to access the bone and cartilage targeted in the procedure. The steps typically include exposing the deviated septum, identifying and releasing the internal structures causing angulations, realigning the septum, reimplanting crushed cartilage (if appropriate), and closing the incision (Source: https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/face/rhinoplasty/septoplasty/).
- Rhinoplasty: Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty changes the shape of the nose by modifying the bone and cartilage of the nasal framework. It can be used to change the size and shape of the nose, modify the bridge of the nose, increase or decrease the size of the nostril openings, balance the facial features, improve nasal breathing for patients with chronic sinus problems or anatomical problems, and reconstruct previously injured or disfigured noses. There are two main types of rhinoplasty: primary rhinoplasty (performed for the first time to address cosmetic concerns and/or nasal breathing) and revision rhinoplasty (performed to address concerns or deformities resulting from prior nose surgeries). The techniques can be either open (external) or closed (endonasal) (Source: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/ent/services/facial-plastic-reconstructive-surgery/cosmetic/nose-surgery-rhinoplasty).
- Septorhinoplasty: This procedure combines septoplasty and rhinoplasty. It is often used when an injury such as a fracture is the cause of a nasal obstruction, or if surgery to reposition the septum changes the appearance of the nose. Surgeons eliminate the nasal obstruction and use cosmetic techniques to ensure that the nose looks natural. They correct the position of the septum and address any other structural problems (Source: https://nyulangone.org/conditions/deviated-septum/treatments/surgery-for-deviated-septum).
Top Four Hospitals for Deviated Nose Correction in New York City
1. Mount Sinai
Expertise and Services
At Mount Sinai’s division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, the goal with each patient’s rhinoplasty or related procedure is to create natural, long - lasting results that improve the shape, size, and distinction of the nose. The facial plastic surgeons are double - board - certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Their vast expertise in nasal function, as well as nasal and facial aesthetics, means that patients' new noses will not only look better but also breathe better. They perform both closed/endonasal (without an external incision) and open/external rhinoplasty, and the approach is determined based on the patient's unique anatomy and functional and aesthetic goals. For patients with specific concerns related to their nasal breathing, nasal allergies, sinus disease, or deformity after cancer treatments, the hospital works closely with Mount Sinai’s widely recognized experts in the division of rhinology and sinus surgery and Mount Sinai’s head and neck institute. In some cases, they can even perform combined surgeries (Source: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/ent/services/facial-plastic-reconstructive-surgery/cosmetic/nose-surgery-rhinoplasty).
Adolescent Care
Rhinoplasty is a common procedure among teenagers and youth. If a nose job is being elected for cosmetic reasons, younger patients at Mount Sinai are advised to wait until they stop growing and their nasal bone has reached its adult size. Typically, for girls this occurs after puberty around age 15, while boys may need to wait longer until they are 17 or 18 years or older. However, if the surgical procedure is being performed to correct a breathing problem or repair the bone after an injury, it can be performed before the patient is fully grown (Source: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/ent/services/facial-plastic-reconstructive-surgery/cosmetic/nose-surgery-rhinoplasty).
Cost and Insurance
While cost is always a concern, insurance may cover surgery performed to improve breathing (i.e., deviated septum), but it does not cover surgery that is done for cosmetic reasons. Mount Sinai provides patients with expected costs prior to any intervention (Source: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/ent/services/facial-plastic-reconstructive-surgery/cosmetic/nose-surgery-rhinoplasty).
2. NYU Langone Health
Surgical Techniques
NYU Langone specialists can perform surgery to straighten the septum if a deviated septum makes breathing through the nose difficult or impossible and medication doesn’t provide symptomatic relief. Their otolaryngologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons use minimally invasive techniques and perform surgery in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home on the same day. The procedures include septoplasty (to center the septum and create two equal - sized nasal passages), septorhinoplasty (when an injury is the cause of nasal obstruction or if septum repositioning changes the nose's appearance), submucosal resection (removing small sections of the septum or turbinates to open the nasal passages), and turbinate outfracture (permanently repositioning the turbinates to provide more space in the nasal passages). If the results of diagnostic imaging tests indicate other structural abnormalities, the surgeons address those as well (Source: https://nyulangone.org/conditions/deviated-septum/treatments/surgery-for-deviated-septum).
Reconstructive and Cosmetic Focus
In cases of traumatic injury to the nose, the hospital's plastic and reconstructive surgeons can restore the shape of the nose, ensuring that patients can breathe easily and the nose looks natural when it heals. If a deviated septum has caused sinus problems in addition to obstructed breathing, the surgeon may perform sinus surgery in addition to septorhinoplasty to prevent sinus infections from occurring. In more complex procedures, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an otolaryngologist may work together to provide the best care (Source: https://nyulangone.org/conditions/deviated-septum/treatments/surgery-for-deviated-septum).
3. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. David Cangello is an expert in septoplasty in NYC. He tailors each septoplasty to the individual, as every septum is unique. Most septoplasty procedures are comprised of steps such as making an initial incision to expose the deviated septum, identifying and releasing the internal structures that are the cause of angulations, realigning the septum, reimplanting crushed cartilage (when appropriate), and closing the incision. Dr. Cangello will determine the method (closed or open technique or via an endoscope) used for each patient depending on their unique anatomy and needs (Source: https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/face/rhinoplasty/septoplasty/).
Candidate Assessment
This surgery at Cangello Plastic Surgery is typically indicated for individuals with recurrent rhinitis, a deviated septum, or other chronic sinusitis. It can also be performed to alleviate recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to septal impaction or septal spur, and for cosmetic purposes to straighten a crooked or deviated nose. However, it should not be performed on patients presenting with acute sinus or nasal infection, and individuals with untreated diabetes, bleeding diathesis, or severe hypertension are not candidates (Source: https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/face/rhinoplasty/septoplasty/).
Risks and Recovery
Septoplasty at this clinic is a common surgical procedure with a very low risk of complications, and when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Cangello, it is both safe and effective. However, rare complications such as bleeding, septal hematoma, septal perforation, and hyposmia (decreased sense of smell) have been reported. During recovery, patients can experience mild to moderate tenderness or pain at the front of the nose, as well as stuffiness due to swelling. Nasal drainage of blood and mucous is also common. Patients can expect swelling and congestion inside the nose to last between two and three days, and drainage may continue for up to five days. Full recovery generally takes one to two months (Source: https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/face/rhinoplasty/septoplasty/).
4. Dr. Stephen M. Warren's Practice
Comprehensive Rhinoplasty Services
Dr. Stephen M. Warren is a board - certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery. His rhinoplasty services include a variety of aesthetic and reconstructive techniques. He can perform both closed and open rhinoplasty techniques. Closed rhinoplasty involves making all incisions inside the nose, with the advantage of no external scar and a relatively shorter operation time. Open rhinoplasty adds a small incision at the base of the nose to increase the surgical field of vision, allowing for better visualization of the nasal anatomy and more complex alterations and grafting. Rhinoplasty often includes septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and removal of deviated bone from inside of the nose. Midface or chin augmentation with implants or fat grafting can also be combined with the rhinoplasty (Source: https://www.stephenwarrenmd.com/facial-plastic-surgery-new-york/rhinoplasty/).
Patient - Centered Approach
The first step for patients is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Warren. He will review the patient's medical history, listen to their concerns, and examine them. With the patient's input, he will identify the key concerns, discuss the treatment options, and develop a treatment plan. For out - of - town or international patients, a virtual consultation can be easily arranged. Once the surgical treatments are agreed upon, the patient can schedule the surgical date. Preoperative testing, perioperative instructions, hospital times and locations, and an itemized price breakdown are all provided before surgery (Source: https://www.stephenwarrenmd.com/facial-plastic-surgery-new-york/rhinoplasty/).
Recovery and Results
Patients will spend about 2 hours in the recovery room after rhinoplasty. Since Dr. Warren injects local anesthetics during surgery, most patients do not have any pain in the recovery room, only a sense of ‘facial pressure’. After a couple of hours, patients will be taken home by a family member or friend. They should keep their activity to a minimum during the first week to allow tissues to heal and avoid bleeding from the nose. It takes about 7 - 10 days for the initial bruising and swelling to begin to subside, and patients should plan to take at least one week off from work or school. It will take about a year for the nose to settle into its final contour as minor residual swelling resolves and the skin envelope continues to contract (Source: https://www.stephenwarrenmd.com/facial-plastic-surgery-new-york/rhinoplasty/).
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Researching Surgeons
When looking for a hospital and surgeon for deviated nose correction, it's important to research the surgeons' credentials. Healthgrades found 13899 doctors who treat deviated septum in New York, with many of them having high ratings. For example, Dr. Mukesh Prasad, Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, Dr. Andrea Wang, and Dr. George Alexiades all have a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars. These surgeons are affiliated with institutions like New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. It's also important to look at their experience, including the number of procedures they have performed and their success rates (Source: https://www.healthgrades.com/find-a-doctor/new-york/best-doctors-for-deviated-septum-in-new-york).
Considering Patient Reviews
Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience. Look for reviews that mention the surgeon's communication skills, bedside manner, and the overall outcome of the procedure. Positive reviews about the hospital's facilities, nursing staff, and post - operative care are also important factors to consider.
Consultation
Schedule consultations with multiple surgeons to get a better sense of their approach and to ask any questions you may have. During the consultation, the surgeon should listen to your concerns, conduct a thorough examination, and explain the available treatment options, including the risks and benefits of each. They should also be able to provide you with realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
Pre - and Post - Surgery Care
Pre - Surgery Preparation
Before deviated nose correction surgery, patients will typically need to undergo a series of preoperative tests, such as blood tests, imaging tests (e.g., X - rays, CT scans), and a physical examination. They may also be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery. Smoking should be stopped well in advance of the surgery, as it can impair the healing process. Patients may also need to arrange for someone to accompany them home after the surgery and to help with their recovery in the first few days.
Post - Surgery Recovery
Recovery time can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. In general, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after surgery. They will be given instructions on how to care for the nose, such as keeping it clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed medications (e.g., antibiotics, pain relievers). The swelling and bruising usually start to subside within a few days to a couple of weeks, but it may take several months for the nose to fully heal and for the final results to be apparent. Follow - up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitor the healing process and to address any concerns that may arise.
Cost and Insurance
Cost Factors
The cost of deviated nose correction surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of procedure (septoplasty, rhinoplasty, or septorhinoplasty), the complexity of the case, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the location of the hospital or clinic. In New York City, where the cost of living is relatively high, the prices may be on the higher end. For example, rhinoplasty costs can be influenced by the need for additional procedures such as facial implants or the use of certain grafting materials.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance may cover surgery performed to correct a deviated septum if it is causing significant breathing problems. However, if the surgery is mainly for cosmetic purposes, it is usually not covered by insurance. Patients should check with their insurance provider well in advance to understand their coverage and any out - of - pocket expenses they may be responsible for. Some hospitals and clinics may also offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the surgery.
Conclusion
Deviated nose correction is a complex procedure that requires the expertise of a skilled surgeon and the support of a reputable hospital or clinic. In New York City, Mount Sinai, NYU Langone Health, Cangello Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Stephen M. Warren's practice are among the top choices for patients seeking treatment. Each of these institutions offers a range of services, from basic septoplasty to comprehensive rhinoplasty, and provides personalized care to meet the individual needs of their patients. When considering deviated nose correction, it's essential to do thorough research, choose a qualified surgeon, and follow the pre - and post - surgery instructions carefully. With the right approach, patients can achieve both functional and aesthetic improvements in their noses.
If you are struggling with a deviated nose and are considering correction surgery, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons in New York City to discuss your options. Don't let a deviated nose affect your quality of life any longer. Reach out today and start your journey towards a better - functioning and more aesthetically pleasing nose.