Need to Fix Your Breathing and Nose Shape In One Shot? Get a Septorhinoplasty…

If you dislike the shape of your nose, you can get a rhinoplasty. If you can’t breathe properly because of your nasal structure, you get a septoplasty. What do you get when you have both issues? 

A septorhinoplasty! This procedure combines both treatments into one, so you can leave the operating table breathing easier and loving your new nose shape. This post takes a closer look at the procedure, how it works, and what it entails for the patient. 

1. What is a Septorhinoplasty?

A septorhinoplasty is a combination of two procedures—septoplasty (which is the “septo” part) and rhinoplasty (the rhino” part). It’s essentially a two-for-one special—the surgeon uses septoplasty techniques to correct a deviated septum, which often causes breathing difficulties, and rhinoplasty techniques to reshape the nose. The result is a more sculpted-looking yet functional nose. 

2. What are the Benefits of a Septorhinoplasty?

As we mentioned above, septorhinoplasty has two main benefits—better breathing and an improved shape. 

• Breathing improvements: When the surgeon straightens the deviated septum (through septoplasty), air can flow freely, without obstruction. That makes it easier for the patient to breathe. 
• Improved shape: The rhinoplasty portion of the surgery fixes issues such as bumps, asymmetry, bulbous tips, and bridge deviations. When the patient leaves the table and takes the bandages off, they’ll have a new nose shape.

Of course, these are just surface benefits. There are emotional rewards that come with these changes too. Better breathing comes with an increased quality of life, because the patient will snore less, have fewer infections, and get better sleep. Just being able to take a fuller breath of air makes a difference in mood. Also, there’s an improvement in self-confidence that comes with having a nose shape you actually appreciate. 

3. What Does the Operation Involve?

The procedure involves four main steps. 

1. Anesthesia: The patient recieves general anesthesia. 
2. Incisions: The surgeon makes inicisions inside the patient’s nostrils or sometimes across the columella, the the band of tissue that separates our nostrils. 
3. Reshaping and straightening: The surgeon will straighten the septum and surrounding bone or cartilage. They may reshape or remove these structures if necessary. Afterwards, they will move to external tissues of the nose to fix bumps and/or disproportionate tips.
4. Closing incisions: Once the reshaping and straightening is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. They will also pack the nose with gauze to minimize bleeding, and in some cases, add splints to support the new shape. 

4. How Can I Prepare Myself for the Operation?

Assuming you’re generally healthy, you’re probably a decent candidate for a septorhinoplasty. Nevertheless, you’ll fill out a few forms, undergo an assessment, and recieved some tips beforehand. 

• Medical evaluation—You will provide your medical history and undergo a physical exam. The surgeon will look at this info and determine your eligibility for the surgery. 
• Lifestyle check—Once you get the green light, they’ll advise you to stop taking certain medications as well as smoking and drinking alcohol since they can increase bleeding risk. 
• Pre-op instructions—The surgeon will give you some instructions to follow in the days leading up to the procedure. They include things like showering and avoiding certain lotions and creams.

5. What Complications/Risks Can Happen?

Like any surgery, septorhinoplasty carries the risk of some complications, although they’re rare and usually minimal. They include:

• Bleeding and infection—The most common, excessive bleeding and infection can follow a septorhinoplasty. The good news is that they’re easily controlled with additional care and medication. 
• Unintended nasal changes—Excessive scarring and poor healing might contort the nose into a shape that’s not ideal. If it’s severe, then the patient will probably need a revision rhinoplasty. But again, this is uncommon. 
• Septal perforation—A more serious complication is a septal perforation, a fancy term for a hole in the septum. A perforation might bleed and crust over. This is a very rare occurrence, but it when it happens, the hole will need to be sealed.

6. How Soon Will I Recover?

Here’s the good news: the process of recovery following a septorhinoplasty is generally quick. However, the results, namely the new nasal shape, takes a bit longer to achieve. 

• Initial recovery—Patients can go return home the same day of the surgery. You can remove the nasal gauze and bandages next day. 
• First week—The surgeon will remove the splints and strapping a week after the procedure. During this first week, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities, and keep your head elevated as much as possible. 
• Full recovery—It may take several months for swelling to subside. Also, it can take up to 12 months for the nose to fully take its new shape. With that said, you can resume your normal routine long before you make a full recovery. 

7. What are the Costs of Septorhinoplasty?

A big question for many is how much septorhinoplasty costs. It’s tricky to give a straight answer, but the cost can range anywhere from $6,000-$30,000. Factors that determine cost include the surgeon’s track record, the patient’s surgical needs, the geographical location of the clinic and more. 

Fortunately, septorhinoplasty is partly a medical procedure (since you’re correcting breathing difficulties), so some of the cost may be covered by insurance. Of course, you’ll need to check whether your insurance provider offers this coverage and if so, the amount they cover. 

A Two-in-One Nasal Makeover

If your nose is keeping you up at night—either because you can’t breathe properly or just dislike its look—then septorhinoplasty might be for you. The procedure combines the best of septo- and rhinoplasty, freeing you from the shackles of breathing and aesthetic problems all at once. 

At the offices of Dr. Richard Rival, we offer years of experience when it comes to correcting both problems. We give patients the opportunity to shed the nasal troubles they’ve live with for years, so they come out feeling and looking their best for life—you included! 

Need relief from breathing problems and a less-than-stellar nasal shape? Get in touch with us to start your septorhinoplasty journey.