Thanks to the insight of our top doctors, NewBeauty editors know the ins and outs of a rhinoplasty, also known as rhinoplasty. But septal rhinoplasty is a procedure we don’t hear about that much. However, according to SPATE, videos about the surgery have been viewed more than 543.7 million times on TikTok. And, it is a frequently requested medical procedure for people of all ages. Here, we get the inside scoop from three top facial plastic surgeons A septoplasty is how it differs from a traditional rhinoplasty and more.
What is septorhinoplasty?
“Septum rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses concerns about both the septum and the overall shape of the nose,” explains Kirkland, WA facial plastic surgeon Daniel J. Liebertz, MD. “It straightens the nasal septum, a sheet of cartilage that separates the nose into the left and right nasal passages. The diaphragm is usually deviated, or crooked, to one side or the other. Septorhinoplasty is the combination of two separate operations, a septum and a rhinoplasty, through the same incisions.
New York facial plastic surgeon Lee Ann M. Klausner, MD says that the ideal candidate for a Septorhinoplasty is someone who may complain of symptoms of nasal obstruction from one or both nasal passages, resulting in breathing problems. “Sometimes when the diaphragm bends toward the right or left nostril, people will notice that they’re not breathing well through one or both nostrils,” he explains. “Sometimes a crooked diaphragm can cause the patient to get recurrent sinus infections. Other candidates for Septorhinoplasty is people who have a crooked nose from birth or acquired from nasal trauma.” With a nasal injury, the septum can deviate and block the airway and breathing, adds Palo Alto, CA, facial plastic surgeon Jill L. Hessler, MD. If only the inner part of the nose is operated for this purpose, the operation is a septoplasty.
What is the difference between sept rhinoplasty and rhinoplasty?
Think of septorhinoplasty as functional and cosmetic surgery, and rhinoplasty as purely cosmetic. “Septorhinoplasty changes the shape or outline of the nose and diaphragm. Rhinoplasty only changes the shape of the nose,” explains Dr. Klausner. Dr. Hessler adds that if there is no deviation in the diaphragm, then only a rhinoplasty can achieve the change in appearance. “This operation takes less time and may be less expensive.”
During a rhinoplasty, Dr. Liebertz explains that “small pieces of septal cartilage are usually removed for grafting without the need to complete a full septoplasty. Some doctors may take insurance for the diaphragmatic surgery portion. However, most private insurance carriers will not cover rhinoplasty.” A rhinoplasty usually involves making an internal incision in the nose bone and moving it to a more desirable position.
Why would a surgeon perform a sept rhinoplasty vs rhinoplasty?
It really depends on the patient’s concerns and the surgeon’s skills, says Dr. Hessler. “If there is a breathing problem or an external deviation of the nose, then often the septum needs to be addressed in addition to the external appearance of the nose,” he explains. “Seek the expertise of a fellowship-trained and experienced facial plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon who performs many rhinoplasty procedures. Facial plastic surgeons spend five years of training exclusively on the face, including surgery deep into the nasal passages and sinuses. Because of this, they are aptly able to deal with most possible deviations.” Otolaryngologists are surgeons who specialize in head and neck surgery and are also qualified to perform septorhinoplasty procedures.
When is the best time for your nose surgery?
This depends on many factors, including the patient’s lifestyle, health status and age. Nose jobs are very popular among younger people, since the nose stops growing in the mid to late teens. “Many students – high school and university – choose to have their septum repaired or rhinoplasty done during their summer break,” says Dr. Hessler. “It gives them time to heal and not miss school. It also helps draw less attention to the fact that they’ve had surgery.”
What kind of anesthesia is required for a septum rhinoplasty?
Most patients receive general anesthesia for this procedure, as well as septum and rhinoplasty. However, in the right candidate and at the physician’s discretion, some individuals may receive local anesthesia with sedation.
How is recovery and does it affect breathing?
“The recovery from Diaphragm rhinoplasty is similar to a standalone rhinoplasty. Patients can expect significant external swelling and some bruising for the first two weeks. However, because more work has been done internally to improve the diaphragm, they may also experience congestion, dryness, or congestion (difficulty breathing) during this time,” says Dr. Liebertz. “I recommend liberal use of saline nasal sprays and intranasal Aquaphor for at least the first few weeks.”
When you return home after surgery, keep your head up, even when you sleep. You may also have a mild headache and your cheeks and jaw ache. You will also be asked to avoid blowing your nose. Cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling.
