Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty

Posted in Face Procedures

If you’re unhappy with the shape of your nose or struggle with a deviated septum, you may be considering the benefits of what’s commonly referred to as a “nose job.” However, did you know that fixing a deviated septum and addressing the appearance of your nose are actually two distinct facial plastic surgery procedures?

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Rhinoplasty is often considered a form of cosmetic surgery, focusing on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the nose, while septoplasty is performed for functional reasons to correct breathing issues. These common types of nose surgery are often confused because they both involve the nose and can even be performed together. But because they serve very different purposes, understanding the differences between them can help you make a more informed decision about which surgery is right for your needs and goals. In this blog, we explore the similarities and differences between septoplasty and rhinoplasty in Los Angeles to help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Table of Contents

• What Is Septoplasty?
• What Is Rhinoplasty?
• Reasons to Get Septoplasty
• Reasons to Get Rhinoplasty
• How Is Septoplasty Performed?
• How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
• Recovery After Septoplasty
• Recovery After Rhinoplasty
• How Do I Choose Between Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty?
• Learn the Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty at Kao Plastic Surgery

What Is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct the function of your nose, focusing on the issues caused by a deviated septum. This condition occurs when the thin wall of bone and cartilage between your nasal passages (the septum) is displaced or crooked. When your nasal septum is off-center, it can obstruct airflow through one or both of your nostrils, leading to difficulty breathing, frequent sinus infections, nasal congestion, and even sleep disturbances.

Septoplasty surgery focuses solely on the internal structure of your nose and is not performed to address cosmetic concerns. It should be noted, however, that many people who undergo septoplasty experience improved quality of life because they can breathe easier.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to change the external appearance of your nose. It involves reshaping the bridge, tip, nostrils, or overall profile of your nose to improve symmetry and enhance facial harmony and balance.

Rhinoplasty surgery can also address functional concerns, such as breathing issues caused by structural abnormalities; however, its primary goal is to achieve aesthetic improvements. Some patients choose rhinoplasty to reduce the size of their nose, refine the nasal tip, correct bumps or humps, or fix asymmetry resulting from genetics or trauma.

Reasons to Get Septoplasty

You might consider undergoing septoplasty if you’re dealing with the following nasal issues:

• Chronic nasal congestion or blockages that don’t improve with medication
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Frequent sinus infections or postnasal drip
• Snoring or sleep apnea due to nasal airway obstruction
• A deviated septum diagnosed through a physical exam or imaging
• Nasal trauma that caused internal displacement of the septum

Septoplasty is a medical procedure that’s often covered by insurance, provided it’s performed for health reasons and deemed medically necessary.

Reasons to Get Rhinoplasty

When it comes to rhinoplasty, you may choose to undergo surgery to address a variety of cosmetic issues, including:

• Dissatisfaction with the shape, size, or symmetry of your nose
• A hump or bump on the bridge of your nose
• A drooping or bulbous nasal tip
• Wide nostrils or flared nasal base
• Nose asymmetry due to trauma, genetics, or prior surgery
• A desire to enhance your facial balance and proportion
• Functional breathing issues combined with aesthetic concerns

Because rhinoplasty is typically a cosmetic procedure, insurance usually does not cover it. However, some or all may be covered if it is combined with a medically necessary procedure like septoplasty.

How Is Septoplasty Performed?

Septoplasty is typically performed using local or general anesthesia according to your surgeon’s preferences. Dr. Kao uses propofol sedation when performing both septoplasty and rhinoplasty procedures. During septoplasty surgery, an incision is made inside your nostril to access the septum. Portions of bone and cartilage are then trimmed, repositioned, or removed to straighten the septum and open the nasal passages.

There are no visible scars after septoplasty, and since the structure of your nose is usually left unchanged, your outward appearance remains the same.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

There are two rhinoplasty techniques: open or closed. Open rhinoplasty utilizes a small incision across the columella (the tissue at the base of your nose, between your nostrils) for full access to the nasal structure. Closed rhinoplasty involves internal incisions only, with no visible scarring. These techniques are tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.

Dr. Kao reshapes bone and cartilage to create your desired nasal shape. Precise modification of the nasal bones and soft tissues is essential for achieving the desired nasal shape and long-lasting results. If necessary, cartilage grafts may be used to support your new nasal structure.

Recovery After Septoplasty

Recovery from septoplasty is relatively quick. Most patients return to work or school within a week, although full healing from the procedure may take a few months. Septoplasty recovery typically includes:

• Mild swelling and congestion
• Nasal packing or splints for the first few days
• No strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks

Discomfort after septoplasty is usually minimal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Because no external modifications are made, there’s no visible bruising or long-term swelling.

Recovery After Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty recovery tends to be more involved than septoplasty recovery. In the first week, you’ll likely have a nasal splint and visible bruising around your eyes and nose. Minor bruising is an expected part of recovery and typically subsides within a week. Swelling will peak during the first few days, gradually subsiding over the next several weeks. Other general recovery expectations include:

• Returning to non-physical work or school in 7–10 days
• Avoiding strenuous exercise for 3–6 weeks
• Swelling for several weeks up to several months, especially in the nasal tip

Your final rhinoplasty results can take up to a year to fully settle, and though the recovery period is longer, patients often feel it’s well worth it once they see the improved contours of their nose.

How Do I Choose Between Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty?

Choosing between septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery depends entirely on your goals and medical needs.

You may be a better candidate for septoplasty if:

• Your primary concern is breathing difficulty
• You have a diagnosed deviated septum
• You’re not interested in changing the appearance of your nose

You may benefit more from rhinoplasty if:

• Your main goal is to enhance or alter the shape of your nose
• You want to correct cosmetic issues like bumps, asymmetry, or size
• You have both functional and aesthetic concerns

Many patients may actually benefit from a combination of both procedures, known as septorhinoplasty. This approach can improve breathing while also enhancing the external appearance of your nose in a single surgery.

Learn the Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty at Kao Plastic Surgery

Your nose plays a central role in both your appearance and your ability to breathe. That’s why it’s essential to choose the procedure (or combination of procedures) that helps you look and feel your best.

To discover whether rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or septorhinoplasty is right for you, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Chia Chi Kao in Santa Monica by calling (310) 315-9211 or completing our online contact form. Dr. Kao will evaluate your nose, listen to your concerns, and create a customized plan that meets your needs—whether functional, aesthetic, or both.