When people hear about a nose job, they often think of it as a purely cosmetic procedure to alter the appearance of the nose. While that is one reason, many people also choose nose surgery for functional reasons like fixing a deviated septum or other issues that make it hard to breathe. That’s where getting septoplasty and rhinoplasty together comes in. These two procedures can be performed as a combined procedure to address both cosmetic concerns and functional concerns in a single surgical process. Let’s walk through what each surgery does, why septoplasty and rhinoplasty are often done together, and what you can expect from the healing process. Keep reading!
Understanding Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty surgery, commonly referred to as a “nose job,” reshapes the outer shape and nasal structure of the nose. Some people choose cosmetic rhinoplasty to improve facial features, fix a crooked nose, smooth a dorsal hump, or refine the nasal tip. Others need functional rhinoplasty to correct problems that interfere with nasal function and nasal airway support, such as nasal valve collapse or trauma to the nasal bones. There are different types of rhinoplasty procedures:
- Open rhinoplasty: Involves a small incision at the base of the nose, giving the surgeon full access to reshape cartilage and bone.
- Closed rhinoplasty (also called endonasal rhinoplasty): All incisions are inside the nostrils, which may mean less visible scarring and a shorter recovery time.
Which technique is used depends on your anatomy, goals, and your surgeon’s preference.
Understanding Septoplasty
A septoplasty procedure is designed to fix problems inside the nasal cavity. The nasal septum is the wall of septal cartilage and bone that divides the two nasal passages. When the septum is bent or misaligned, known as a deviated septum, it can cause breathing problems, frequent congestion, chronic sinusitis, or even sleep issues.
During septoplasty surgery, your surgeon straightens or trims the septal deviations and septal deformities. In some cases, they may need to remove excess tissue or bone to clear the airway obstruction. If the septum is damaged or too thin, spreader grafts made from septal cartilage may be used to support the structure.
Surgeons may also address inferior turbinate hypertrophy when the turbinates (structures in the nose that help filter and humidify air) are too large and block the airway. Correcting this can significantly improve breathing.
Why Combine Septoplasty & Rhinoplasty?
For many patients, it makes sense to combine the two surgeries. Doing a combined septoplasty with rhinoplasty means the surgeon can improve both form and function in one surgery, avoiding two procedures and separate recoveries.
This combined procedure is often referred to as septoplasty and rhinoplasty or, in casual terms, a “functional nose job.” By combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty, you can achieve both cosmetic improvements and better breathing. Here are some common reasons people choose to combine them:
- Correcting a deviated septum while also smoothing a dorsal hump.
- Improving nasal function while refining the nasal tip.
- Fixing a crooked nose caused by trauma while restoring balance to facial features.
- Addressing airway obstruction from septal deviations and nasal valve collapse, while also making subtle cosmetic improvements.
The Surgical Process of Septoplasty & Rhinoplasty
When you undergo rhinoplasty and septoplasty, the surgical procedure usually happens in an operating room under general anesthesia. The board-certified plastic surgeon or reconstructive surgeon begins with a nasal endoscopy to fully evaluate the nasal cavity and plan the treatment.
The surgical process may involve:
- Straightening the nasal septum.
- Removing or reshaping septal cartilage.
- Correcting nasal valve collapse.
- Reducing inferior turbinate hypertrophy by trimming excess tissue.
- Reshaping the nasal bones or nasal tip for balance.
The length of surgery varies, but it typically takes two to three hours.
Recovery Time After Septoplasty & Rhinoplasty
The healing process after a combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty is similar to recovery from other cosmetic surgeries involving the nose.
- First week: Expect swelling, bruising, and some difficulty breathing due to swelling inside the nasal passages. Splints or dressings are usually removed after about 7 days.
- Two weeks: Much of the bruising fades, and most people feel ready to return to normal activities, though there may still be noticeable swelling.
- One month: Breathing begins to feel easier as swelling inside the nose improves.
- Several months: The nose continues to refine, with cosmetic improvements becoming clearer.
- One year: The nose settles into its final shape, and the full benefits of both procedures are realized.
As with any surgery, there are risks such as excessive bleeding, infection, or, rarely, septal perforation. Choosing a skilled surgeon significantly reduces these risks.
Benefits of Combining the Two Surgeries
Here are the major benefits of getting septoplasty and rhinoplasty together.
One Surgery, One Recovery
Instead of undergoing two surgeries with separate recoveries, a combined procedure means just one period of downtime.
Improved Breathing & Appearance
Patients can resolve functional concerns like a deviated septum or airway obstruction while also addressing aesthetic goals such as a smoother outer shape.
Better Balance in Facial Features
By refining the nose through rhinoplasty and septoplasty, a surgeon can enhance the overall harmony of facial features.
Cost-Effectiveness
For some, doing both at once is more cost-effective than paying for two procedures at different times.
Who Is a Candidate for Septoplasty & Rhinoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for septoplasty and rhinoplasty if:
- You have a deviated septum or breathing problems.
- You experience frequent congestion, chronic sinusitis, or difficulty breathing.
- You have cosmetic concerns such as a crooked nose, a large dorsal hump, or an unbalanced nasal tip.
- You want to achieve both cosmetic improvements and functional relief in one surgery.
- You have realistic expectations about the outcome.
Other Procedures That May Be Combined
In some cases, surgeons combine nose work with neck surgery or other facial plastic procedures to enhance overall appearance. These choices depend on the patient’s aesthetic goals and health.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Whether you’re considering a simple septoplasty surgery or a cosmetic rhinoplasty, the most crucial decision is selecting the right provider. A board-certified plastic surgeon or reconstructive surgeon with experience in both functional and cosmetic aspects of nose surgery is essential.
Look for someone who is trained in facial plastic surgery and who can balance the need to improve breathing with the desire for subtle cosmetic improvements. A skilled surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals, evaluate your nasal structure, and guide you through the options.
Final Thoughts:
Getting septoplasty and rhinoplasty together allows patients to solve both appearance-related and breathing-related issues in one surgery. For many patients, this combined procedure offers the best of both worlds: relief from breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, along with changes that improve the nose’s appearance and overall facial features.
The healing process takes time, but the results can be life-changing, including better airflow, fewer sinus issues, and cosmetic changes that bring the nose into balance with the rest of the face.
By working with a board-certified plastic surgeon or skilled reconstructive surgeon, you can make sure your cosmetic concerns and functional concerns are both addressed safely and effectively. With realistic expectations and proper care, combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty can deliver long-lasting benefits for both health and appearance.
Aesthetic & Functional Rhinoplasty by Dr. Jim Brantner
Want to improve your appearance or struggling to breathe because of a deviated septum? Dr. Jim Brantner M.D is here to help! Our plastic surgery clinic in Johnson City, Tennessee offers expert rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, neck lift, liposuction, and a whole range of other cosmetic procedures.
If you want to improve the shape of your nose or fix breathing issues, our certified and experienced surgeons can help you get the best results. Contact us to book your consultation today!