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Facial Plast Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2764-3420
Original Article

Contemporary Management of Caudal Septal Deformities: An Algorithmic Approach

Authors

  • Caitlin Michelle Coviello 

    1   Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, United States
    2   Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States

  • Justina Varghese

    3   Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, United States
    2   Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States

  • Arianna Ramirez

    4   Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, United States

  • Anthony E. Brissett

    5   Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, United States
    2   Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
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Abstract

Aim and Background

Septal deformities are highly prevalent in the population and septoplasties are one of the most common procedures performed by otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons. Caudal septal deformities represent a challenging component when managing septal deviations given the caudal septum's critical role as a tip supporting mechanism. As a result, they are a frequent cause for revision procedures.

Techniques

Caudal septal deformities can range from mild to severe and require careful assessment and strategic operative planning. Depending on the deformity, a variety of techniques can be employed for correction. These range from conservative approaches such as reshaping maneuvers and suture techniques to complete excision and reconstruction with grafting. Rhinoplasty surgeons must be prepared with a wide repertoire of interventions to address the caudal septum depending on the deformity present.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

This article provides a comprehensive review of septal anatomy, patient evaluation, and an updated algorithm for management of caudal septal deformities.

Keywords

caudal septal deformity - septoplasty - rhinoplasty - caudal septum - caudal septal deviation

Contributors' Statement

C.C.: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, investigation, methodology, visualization, and writing—original draft, review, and editing. J.R.V.: conceptualization, data curation, investigation, methodology, and writing—original draft, review, and editing. A.V.R.: conceptualization, data curation, investigation, methodology, resources, software, visualization, and writing—original draft, review, and editing. A.E.B.: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, investigation, methodology, project administration, resources, supervision, and writing—original draft, review, and editing.




Publication History

Received: 24 November 2025

Accepted: 03 December 2025

Article published online:
28 January 2026

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