The nasal septum is the wall of bone and cartilage inside the nose that separates the two nasal passages. It should sit close to the center, but it is common for the septum to bend or shift toward one side.
A slight deviation may not cause any problems. A more noticeable deviation, however, can make it harder for air to move through the nose. Some people may experience:
- Ongoing nasal blockage or difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent sinus infections
- Snoring or discomfort while breathing during sleep
- Repeated nosebleeds
- Facial pressure or headaches in some cases
- Difficulty breathing during exercise
- One nostril being more congested than the other
Medicines are very useful in controlling swelling, allergies, and even some sinus-related symptoms. But medicines will not be able to fix the problem of having a deviated septum. In case the patient’s breathing problems persist, the patient might undergo septoplasty.
Septoplasty is defined as the operation performed on the patient’s nose. Septoplasty fixes the problem of having a deviated septum. It is important to know that the main goal of septoplasty is to improve air flow through the nasal passages.
The surgeon makes an incision inside the nostril and lifts up the lining of the septum. This way the bone and cartilage are reshaped. The remaining structures are positioned to provide a clearer airway.
Since the incision is usually made inside the nose, septoplasty generally does not leave a visible external scar. The procedure also does not aim to change the outside appearance of the nose significantly.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a type of nose surgery that corrects a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of tissue and bone that separates the two sides of the nose. When it becomes crooked or displaced, it can restrict airflow and cause breathing difficulties.
Why Is Septoplasty Performed?
Septoplasty is sometimes suggested by doctors when there is breathing trouble because of a deviated septum, or other kinds of nasal obstruction. It can be used in combination with other operations for other health problems like chronic sinus troubles, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal polyps, and some breathing disorders during sleep.
When a structural problem clearly affects normal nasal function, septoplasty may be considered medically necessary. Insurance coverage varies, though, and depends on the patient’s policy, diagnosis, medical records, and the insurer’s requirements.
Can Septoplasty Change Nose Shape?
In most cases, septoplasty involves the septum within the nose without altering its outer appearance. But it is also important to remember that septum plays a role in supporting the nose, so sometimes appearance issues can arise.
Therefore, when performing septoplasty, the doctor needs to evaluate the inside and outside of the nose prior to surgery.
In case an individual has a deviated septum and, at the same time, a crooked or disproportionate nose, septoplasty may not solve all his/her problems. Thus, the doctor can offer rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty as well.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a "nose job," is the procedure of altering the size, shape, proportions, or structure of the nose. It can also help with breathing when the problem comes from structural issues within the nose.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, the surgeon may reshape, reposition, reduce, or reinforce the nasal bones and cartilage. Some procedures may also require additional structural support.
Common Cosmetic Reasons for Rhinoplasty
People may consider rhinoplasty to address concerns such as:
- A hump, bump, or depression on the nasal bridge
- A nose that looks too large or too small for the face
- A broad, bulbous, drooping, upturned, or uneven nasal tip
- Wide nostrils
- A crooked looking nose
- Changes caused by a previous nasal injury
- An imbalance related to the angle, projection, or width of the nose
There are many areas in the nose that can be improved with rhinoplasty, such as the bridge, tip, and nostrils.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Not everybody gets rhinoplasty surgery simply because they do not like the appearance of their nose. Some people have problems breathing due to their collapsed nasal valves, trauma, extreme deviation, or even weak structure of the nose.
Some people will benefit from functional rhinoplasty, which will help rebuild the nose and, in some cases, even make it look better.
For instance, if someone had an injury to their nose, then not only will they have breathing problems from a crooked nose, but they will also need surgery to fix the issue with their nostrils' appearance.
Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty at a Glance
| Feature | Septoplasty | Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Improve nasal airflow and breathing | Change the shape of the nose and may also improve breathing |
| Area treated | Internal nasal septum | External nose, including bone, cartilage, skin, and sometimes internal structures |
| Typical reason | Deviated septum causing nasal blockage | Cosmetic concern, injury, deformity, or functional structural problem |
| Visible change | Usually little or no visible change | A visible change is often part of the treatment goal |
| Scarring | Usually hidden inside the nose | May be internal or include a small incision across the columella in open rhinoplasty |
| Medical necessity | Often considered functional or medically necessary when symptoms are documented | May be cosmetic, functional, reconstructive, or a combination |
| Insurance possibility | May be covered when medically necessary | Cosmetic portions are usually not covered; functional portions may qualify depending on the policy |
| Can improve breathing? | Yes, this is the main goal | Sometimes, especially when combined with septoplasty or performed for functional reasons |
It is easy to understand the distinction between them since septoplasty primarily addresses the inner parts of the nose to improve breathing, while rhinoplasty primarily focuses on altering the outer part of the nose.
Can You Get Both Procedures at Once?
Yes. Both septoplasty and rhinoplasty can be conducted in one procedure when the patient needs both of them. This combination is commonly known as septorhinoplasty.
A combined procedure may be considered when someone has:
- A deviated septum and ongoing nasal blockage
- A crooked nose caused by an injury
- A nasal hump along with breathing difficulties
- A drooping or uneven tip that affects airflow
- A previous injury that changed both the appearance and function of the nose
- Nasal valve weakness along with cosmetic concerns
The structure of the nose affects not only the aesthetics of the face but also plays an important role in breathing. Thus, performing rhinoplasty and septoplasty at the same time can be rational for some patients.
For instance, a patient might have a bridge that requires reshaping while being unable to breathe through one nostril. The former issue can be fixed by rhinoplasty, while the latter – by septoplasty. Also, combining both surgeries may help the patient to avoid going through anesthesia twice and additional recovery periods. Nevertheless, a combined procedure can become more complicated than a septoplasty.
Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery varies based on the type and complexity of surgery, your overall health, and whether the surgeon performs both procedures together.
- After septoplasty, you may experience temporary congestion, bleeding, swelling, pressure, and pain.
- Most patients return to their normal activities within about 1 to 2 weeks, while internal healing of the nasal bones and cartilage continues for several months.
- Your doctor may ask you to avoid blowing your nose for a specific period after surgery.
- Your surgeon may recommend keeping your head elevated while sleeping and avoiding strenuous physical activity during the early recovery period.
- Rhinoplasty may take longer to fully settle. Bruising and noticeable swelling usually improve within the first few weeks.
- Swelling around the nasal tip can remain for several months, and the final shape of the nose may continue to develop for a year or longer.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend all scheduled follow up appointments to support proper healing.
- Protect your nose from activities that could cause injury while it heals.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgery, septoplasty and rhinoplasty come with potential risks. These may include bleeding, infection, anesthesia related complications, swelling, pain, numbness, scarring, changes in smell, septal perforation, continued breathing problems, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the final result.
Rhinoplasty requires careful planning because even a small change to the nasal structure can affect both appearance and airflow. It is important to choose a qualified ENT surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or plastic surgeon who has specific experience with nasal procedures.
During your consultation, make sure you discuss:
- Your breathing problems and symptoms
- What you want to change about the appearance of your nose
- Any previous nasal injury or surgery
- Allergies, sinus problems, and sleep related concerns
- Your current medications and medical conditions
- Whether you want a subtle change or a more noticeable transformation
- What you can realistically expect during healing and after recovery
Discuss Your Nose Surgery Options With Our Experts
Septoplasty focuses on correcting internal nasal problems, such as a deviated septum that affects breathing. Rhinoplasty, also called “nose job”, changes the shape or structure of the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons. When both concerns need treatment, a surgeon may recommend septorhinoplasty.
The right procedure depends on your nasal structure and goals. At Sushruta Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Centre in Coimbatore, our experienced surgeons assess your concerns and recommend the appropriate treatment. Book an appointment today to discuss your nose surgery options with our team.
