Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty: The Main Difference

Surgical procedures in the nose area often cause confusion among patients due to the similarity of terms and goals. Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are two different procedures that can be performed separately or together. However, they have different objectives: septoplasty aims to restore the functionality of the nose, while rhinoplasty primarily corrects its appearance. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each procedure, their differences, indications, and cases where they can be combined.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum (septum nasi) that removes curvature or other defects that interfere with normal breathing.

The main indications for septoplasty are:

• deviation of the nasal septum (congenital or post-traumatic) or other anatomical changes that make it hard to breathe normally (like polyps);
• chronic rhinitis or sinusitis linked to problems with airflow in the nose;
• snoring caused by narrow nasal passages.

In many cases, septoplasty is performed in combination with rhinoplasty, but it can also be performed separately when the patient is completely satisfied with the shape of their nose.

Septoplasty usually takes 30-90 minutes under general anesthesia. During the operation, the surgeon removes or moves deformed cartilage or bone tissue to straighten the septum and sutures the incision. The operation is usually performed endoscopically, without external scars.

After the rehabilitation period, the patient's breathing improves and their quality of life significantly improves.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at changing the shape or size of the nose for aesthetic or functional purposes.

Most often, plastic surgeons perform aesthetic corrections, such as reducing the size of the nose, removing a hump, straightening the nasal profile, etc. Rhinoplasty can be primary or secondary, when the result of the first intervention did not satisfy the patient or was unsuccessful due to the low qualification of the doctor. In some cases, the shape of the nose damaged as a result of combat injuries, accidents, or accidents is reconstructed.

As a rule, rhinoplasty lasts from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the individual case. After the rehabilitation period, the patient's appearance becomes more harmonious, the quality of life improves, and self-confidence increases.

When is it advisable to combine both procedures?

In many cases, septoplasty and rhinoplasty are performed simultaneously. This is the optimal approach for patients who have functional disorders of the nasal septum and at the same time wish to make the shape of their nose more harmonious.

Septoplasty and rhinoplasty have different focuses, but both are important procedures for ensuring proper breathing and an aesthetic appearance of the nose. Before surgery, it is important for patients to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to choose the optimal approach based on their individual needs.