Both septoplasty and rhinoplasty are surgical procedures intended to change the shape of the nose. However, these are very different procedures with different goals. Some people are interested in having both of them. Does this mean that you need to have two separate surgical procedures, or can you have both septoplasty and rhinoplasty at the same time?
What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a procedure in which the nasal septum is reshaped or relocated. The nasal septum is a structure made up of cartilage and bone, which separates the left and right sides of the nose. It should sit right on the midline, so that the two halves of the nose are roughly the same size and shape.
In some people, the nasal septum is curved to one side or is positioned off the midline, which is known as a deviated septum. This affects the nasal airway, causing one side to be significantly smaller than the other. Because air has a difficult time flowing through the smaller side, people may experience congestion and difficulty breathing. Some people have headaches or trouble sleeping as a result.
During a septoplasty, the surgeon will realign the nasal septum on the midline, to allow good airflow through both sides. This is a functional procedure, which is intended to relieve symptoms related to airflow restriction. The nose may look somewhat different afterwards, but changing its appearance is not the purpose of the procedure.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a procedure in which the external pieces of cartilage that make up the nose are reshaped. These pieces of cartilage provide the main structure of the nose. Incisions are made inside the nostrils or on the columella, which is the small area of skin between the two nostrils. This gives the surgeon access to the nasal cartilages, which can be reshaped as the patient desires.
The purpose of rhinoplasty is to change the appearance of the nose. The shape and size of the nose are largely determined by genetics. It’s difficult to change how the nose looks with makeup or other cosmetic techniques. For those who are unhappy with the size and/or shape of the nose, there are only two options. Dermal fillers can help for those who have only minor concerns, but they can’t make the nose appear smaller, and they also don’t offer permanent results. Surgical rhinoplasty can make a more significant difference in the appearance of the nose, including making the nose smaller if desired.
Can these procedures be performed together?
If a person is considering septoplasty in order to relieve symptoms, they may want to address the appearance of their nose at the same time. In fact, it’s possible to have both septoplasty and rhinoplasty together. The combined procedure is known as septorhinoplasty. This allows for just one surgery and recovery period, which is far more convenient, economical, and comfortable than having two separate procedures would be.
In fact, because septoplasty can have an impact on the appearance of the nose, it makes sense to consider having these two procedures together. The nasal cartilages can be reshaped according to the new position of the septum, creating a functional and beautiful nose. It’s certainly not required to have a rhinoplasty along with your septoplasty. If you’re happy with how your nose looks, but you’re having functional issues that septoplasty may help with, then you can have a septoplasty procedure alone. It may change the appearance of your nose a bit, but should not have a huge impact on how your nose looks.
Septorhinoplasty Scottsdale
If you’re having difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum, and you’re also unhappy with the appearance of your nose, then you may want to consider having a combined septorhinoplasty procedure. Dr. Caniglia is a specialist facial plastic surgeon, but is also a certified ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon. This gives him the expertise needed to perform both procedures well. To schedule a consultation, please contact our front desk staff.
