The Difference Between Rhinoplasty & Septoplasty

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a facial cosmetic procedure which enhances facial harmony by adjusting various proportions of the nose. This type of procedure can also be used to correct impaired breathing that is caused by structural defects in the nose.

Rhinoplasty surgery is primarily used to change:

•Nose size for better facial balance

•Nose width, usually at the bridge 

•Position of the nostrils

•Nose profile by removing visible humps or depressions on the nose bridge

•Nasal tip that is enlarged, upturned or hooked

•Nostrils that are too large, wide, or upturned

Those who desire a more symmetrical nose may benefit greatly from rhinoplasty. Even slight adjustments to the nose can create better facial balance and correct disproportion. This type of procedure typically consists of modifying the nasal cartilage and bone structures. The specific steps taken will depend on the desired end results. Rhinoplasty can be used to reduce or increase nose size, change nose shape and even change the angle between the nose and lips. In some cases, rhinoplasty is used to correct congenital problems, trauma and even respiratory problems. Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. 

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a special surgical procedure that is used to correct a deviated nasal septum. The septum is a wall in the nose that is composed of bone and cartilage. This wall divides your nose into two separate nostrils. When the septum is deviated, the septum is displaced to one side of the nose. This can cause breathing problems to arise. 

Which Do I Need to Correct My Nose? 

The type of procedure a patient undergoes will depend on the desired end result. Rhinoplasty would be used to change the shape or size of the nose, while septoplasty would be used to correct a deviated septum to improve breathing function. If you need both, it is called rhinoseptoplasty. In some cases, a patient may need rhinoseptoplasty as opposed to one or the other. When a patient suffers from severe deviations of the nasal septum and the entire nasal bony and cartilaginous framework needs to be treated, it can only be adequately done by performing a classical rhinoplasty coupled with a septoplasty. This could be the result of trauma or poor nasal formation. A rhinoseptoplasty offers the patient benefits, from better breathing to a more proportional and visually pleasing nose.

Dr. Kevin Sadati, board-certified Newport Beach facial plastic surgeon and ENT specialist, has over 10 years of experience in natural, non-surgical looking rhinoplasty results and in improving patient breathing quality. He has performed countless rhinoplasties, septoplasties and rhinoseptoplasties using twilight sedation and local anesthesia. If you are dissatisfied with the look of your nose and/or you are suffering from breathing issues due to a deviated septum, make an appointment to speak with Dr. Sadati at his Newport Beach plastic surgery practice and see how he can help.