The various types of nasal surgery can be confusing. What are the differences between rhinoplasty vs. septoplasty? What are the benefits of each, and why would you choose one procedure over the other? This article will discuss the primary differences between rhinoplasty versus septoplasty and when each procedure may be recommended.
Rhinoplasty procedure
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be done for both cosmetic and medical purposes. This procedure involves reshaping the external structure of the nose to improve its appearance or enhance facial harmony. The surgeon may remove or add bone or cartilage during the procedure to achieve the desired outcome. Rhinoplasty can also be done to correct structural abnormalities that affect breathing, such as a deviated septum.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia and may involve making incisions inside the nostrils or across the base of the nose. The surgeon will then reshape the nose to achieve the desired outcome, considering the patient’s facial structure, skin type, and aesthetic goals.
Who is rhinoplasty for?
Rhinoplasty is for patients who want to improve the appearance of their nose or correct breathing problems caused by structural abnormalities. Candidates for rhinoplasty should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome.
What does rhinoplasty entail?
During rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon makes incisions in the nose to access the underlying bone and cartilage. The surgeon will then reshape the nose by removing or adding bone and cartilage as needed. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and the patient will need to wear a nasal splint for a few days after the procedure.
What is the outcome of rhinoplasty?
The outcome of rhinoplasty is a more aesthetically pleasing nose that enhances the face’s overall appearance. Additionally, if the procedure was done to correct breathing problems, the patient will experience improved breathing, leading to improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and better overall health.
The final result of your rhinoplasty procedure may take several months to become fully visible as swelling and bruising subside. A qualified surgeon will give the patient a good idea of the outcomes so that you’ll have reasonable expectations about how your new nose will look.
Septoplasty procedure
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated septum. In this condition, the thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils is displaced to one side, causing one nostril to be smaller than the other. A deviated septum can lead to breathing difficulties and nasal problems, such as snoring, chronic sinusitis, or nosebleeds.
Septoplasty involves the surgical straightening of the septum to improve the airflow in the nasal passages and alleviate these symptoms. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may involve making incisions inside the nostrils to access the septum.
The surgeon may then remove or reshape the displaced bone or cartilage to restore the septum to its proper position. Septoplasty is a relatively safe and effective procedure that can significantly improve nasal breathing and quality of life.
Who is septoplasty for?
Septoplasty is for patients with a deviated septum that is causing breathing problems or other nasal issues.
What does septoplasty entail?
During septoplasty surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the nasal lining to access the septum. The surgeon will then straighten the septum by removing or reshaping the bone and cartilage. The incision is closed with sutures, and the patient will need to wear nasal splints for a few days after the procedure.
What is the outcome of septoplasty?
The outcome of septoplasty is a straightened septum that improves breathing and other nasal problems caused by a deviated septum.
Do you need both or just one procedure?
So which do you need? In some cases, both rhinoplasty and septoplasty may be recommended. For example, a patient may have a deviated septum that’s causing breathing problems and also wants to improve the appearance of their nose. Both procedures can be done together to achieve the desired outcome.
In other cases, only one procedure may be needed. For example, a patient concerned about the appearance of their nose may only need rhinoplasty. A patient concerned about breathing problems caused by a deviated septum may only need septoplasty.
Dr. Richard Rival is a highly experienced plastic surgeon. His consultation will include a full examination and evaluation of your hopes and concerns and a treatment recommendation you can trust. Contact Dr. Rival today if you’re considering cosmetic surgery for your nose.