Having septoplasty and rhinoplasty done at the same time is a common surgical procedure for people with a deviated septum. In this article we answer frequently asked questions related to having septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery:
What’s the Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty (or nose job) is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose. It involves change in the complete appearance of the nose. Besides aesthetic benefits, rhinoplasty also improves breathing problems by correcting the deformity present in the nose. It is the most commonly-performed surgery in the US with over 200,000 procedures performed every year.1Ishii LE, O’Connor SS, Strike DJ, Walsh SA. Plain Language Summary: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2017 Feb;156(2):220-7.
Meanwhile, the septoplasty surgery is performed to straighten the deviated nasal septum. The correction of the deviated septum clears the nasal blockage and eases breathing. In this procedure, crooked areas on the septum are identified and cut, resulting in the straightening of the septum. Septoplasty improves the function of the nose.2Gandomi B, Bayat A, Kazemei T. Outcomes of septoplasty in young adults: the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness study. American journal of otolaryngology. 2010 May 1;31(3):189-92.
Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty Together – How Is It Done?
The surgery involving septoplasty and rhinoplasty together is known as Septorhinoplasty. In this procedure, a cut is made either on the inner skin of the nose or on the outer surface of the tissue present between the two nostrils. The skin covering the underlying cartilage and bone is then lifted. The bone and cartilage (forming the external appearance of the nose) are either removed, reshaped, or rebuilt using a graft.
Deviations on the septum are also identified and removed to straighten the septum. After the correction, skin is again stitched back on the nose. Splints or nasal packing may be placed within the nose to give support.3Geriatric Rhinitis - ENT Health
Should I Get Rhinoplasty if I Get Septoplasty?
Yes, combined surgeries are recommended in patients requiring cosmetic correction and experiencing impaired breathing due to nasal obstruction.
It results in an improvement in the aesthetics and function of the nose along with high patient satisfaction with the outcome. Performing such surgeries together saves time, money, and lessens the patients’ recovery period.4Biggs TC, Fraser LR, Ward MJ, Sunkaraneni VS, Harries PG, Salib RJ. Patient reported outcome measures in septorhinoplasty surgery. The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. 2015 Jan;97(1):63-5.
Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty Recovery
In this section we cover what you can expect when recovering from septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery, along with recovery tips:
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty recovery – What to expect
You can expect the following conditions for initial few weeks after the surgery:5Ishii LE, O’Connor SS, Strike DJ, Walsh SA. Plain Language Summary: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2017 Feb;156(2):220-7.6Bernardo MT, Alves S, Lima NB, Helena D, Condé A. Septoplasty with or without postoperative nasal packing? Prospective study. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Aug;79(4):471-4. English, Portuguese.
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty - Recovery time
Initial swelling and bruising after the surgery will reduce in 7-10 days. Recovery is slightly slow. The patient will be able to appreciate the final results of the surgery after 1 year.7Ishii LE, O’Connor SS, Strike DJ, Walsh SA. Plain Language Summary: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2017 Feb;156(2):220-7.
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty - Recovery tips
Below are some of the recovery tips after the surgery:8Ishii LE, O’Connor SS, Strike DJ, Walsh SA. Plain Language Summary: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2017 Feb;156(2):220-7.9Simpson JC. Postoperative Care of The Patient After Nasal Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions – Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty Surgery
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions related to septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery:
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty cost in the USA
The average cost of a Rhinoplasty with Septoplasty is ~$10,000.10How Much Does a Rhinoplasty with Septoplasty Cost?
Is septoplasty and rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Yes. Surgeries performed in cases where the patient faces difficulty in breathing are covered by insurance. Surgeries performed for cosmetic enhancement are not covered by insurance. The insurer may require a detailed assessment to verify the cause of the breathing impairment.11Septoplasty.pdf
Sources:
- 1Ishii LE, O’Connor SS, Strike DJ, Walsh SA. Plain Language Summary: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2017 Feb;156(2):220-7.
- 2Gandomi B, Bayat A, Kazemei T. Outcomes of septoplasty in young adults: the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness study. American journal of otolaryngology. 2010 May 1;31(3):189-92.
- 3Geriatric Rhinitis - ENT Health
- 4Biggs TC, Fraser LR, Ward MJ, Sunkaraneni VS, Harries PG, Salib RJ. Patient reported outcome measures in septorhinoplasty surgery. The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. 2015 Jan;97(1):63-5.
- 5Ishii LE, O’Connor SS, Strike DJ, Walsh SA. Plain Language Summary: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2017 Feb;156(2):220-7.
- 6Bernardo MT, Alves S, Lima NB, Helena D, Condé A. Septoplasty with or without postoperative nasal packing? Prospective study. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Aug;79(4):471-4. English, Portuguese.
- 7Simpson JC. Postoperative Care of The Patient After Nasal Surgery
- 8How Much Does a Rhinoplasty with Septoplasty Cost?
- 9Septoplasty.pdf