What is the Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two of the procedures that your ENT specialist can perform on your nose. Both procedures are often used to improve airflow through the nasal passages, but there are some key differences between them.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty surgery is performed to change the shape of your nose for medical or cosmetic reasons. The procedure usually involves removing or reshaping the bone and cartilage in your nose. Grafts of material taken from other parts of your body may sometimes need to be added. The procedure is personalised to you, so every rhinoplasty is different. The procedure can address a wide range of cosmetic and medical issues with your nose. It can change the size and shape of your nose while also improving the airflow through your nasal passages.
Rhinoplasty:
· Is a procedure to reshape your nose
· Can be performed to improve your breathing or to improve the appearance of your nose
Will change the way your nose looks, even if it was performed for medical reasons
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. The septum is the wall of tissue between your nasal passages. If it is crooked or asymmetrical it can interfere with your breathing or cause problems such as recurring sinusitis or nosebleeds.
Septoplasty:
· Is a procedure to straighten and reposition the septum in your nose
· Usually performed to improve breathing or help with other symptoms
Doesn’t usually change the appearance of your nose
Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are both procedures that will change the structure of your nose. Bone and cartilage in your nose will be reshaped in order to achieve the desired results. Both procedures can usually be performed as day surgeries with a general anaesthetic, but it does depend on your health and needs. Rhinoplasty tends to involve more extensive work on your nose and the recovery time will usually be longer. However, you should still be able to return to your usual activities within a few weeks.
The main differences between the two operations are in the types of changes that are made to your nose. Rhinoplasty can reshape your nose to change its size, symmetry and shape. Septoplasty is performed to straighten the septum inside the nose. The effects of these two procedures will therefore be very different. You will see a visible difference in your nose after having rhinoplasty, but you won’t see much of a change if you have a septoplasty.
Which Surgery is Right for Me?
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two similar procedures that can help with breathing issues and other problems affecting your nose. However, the issues that they address and the way the procedures are performed are somewhat different. The best way to decide if one of these procedures is right for you is to discuss the options with an ENT specialist. You’ll get personalised advice on your options, which can include combining the two procedures as septorhinoplasty if necessary.
