Rhinoplasty can address a deviated septum when it is combined with septoplasty, a procedure that straightens or repairs the internal wall dividing the nasal passages. This combined surgery, often called septorhinoplasty, can improve nasal appearance and breathing during a single procedure.
At our facial plastic surgery practice, double board-certified facial plastic surgeons Dr. Joshua Surowitz and I evaluate both the appearance and internal structure of a patient’s nose when planning rhinoplasty. We plan our surgeries based on that evaluation and help set realistic expectations by educating patients about what rhinoplasty can correct.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the left and right sides of the nose. Ideally, it sits near the center. A deviated septum bends or shifts toward one side, potentially making one nasal passage smaller than the other.
Some people are born with a deviated septum, for others, it’s the result of an injury. Mild deviations may cause few or no symptoms. A more significant deviation can contribute to nasal obstruction, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
A deviated septum can also result in cosmetic issues. For example, internal structural deviation may contribute to a visibly crooked or asymmetric nose.
Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty: What’s the Difference?
Although the terms are sometimes confused, rhinoplasty and septoplasty address different concerns.
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, reshapes the nose and may improve concerns such as:
- A dorsal hump (bump on the bridge)
- A drooping, enlarged, or bulbous nasal tip
- A bridge that appears too wide or too narrow
- A visibly crooked or asymmetric nose
- Nasal proportions that feel out of balance with other facial features
Septoplasty focuses primarily on the internal septum. During this procedure, Dr. Surowitz or I straighten or reposition the deviated portions to create a clearer nasal airway.
When a patient has both cosmetic concerns and a deviated septum, we may address them together with septorhinoplasty.
| Consideration | Septoplasty | Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Correct breathing issues | Changing the nose’s appearance |
| What it fixes | Structural issue with the septum | Concerns with the size, shape, or contour of the nose |
| Type of procedure | Functional | Cosmetic |
| Insurance | May be covered if medically necessary | Typically, not covered |
| Recovery | 1 to 2 weeks for most activities | 2 to 3 weeks with full results emerging after several months |
| Visible changes | Possible, but a secondary benefit | Noticeable changes in appearance |
Can Septorhinoplasty Improve Breathing?
For the right patient, correcting a deviated septum can improve airflow through the nose. However, a deviated septum is not the only possible cause of nasal obstruction.
Other structural or medical issues can contribute to breathing difficulties, so correcting the septum does not guarantee that every breathing problem will disappear. A thorough evaluation helps determine where the obstruction is occurring and which structures need to be addressed.
This is also why rhinoplasty planning involves more than simply deciding how the nose should look. Changes to cartilage, bone, and other supporting structures must be made with healthy nasal function and appearance in mind.
What Can’t Rhinoplasty Correct?
Rhinoplasty can accomplish significant changes, but it has limitations. It cannot create an entirely different nose without regard for the patient’s existing anatomy, nor can it guarantee perfect symmetry.
Skin thickness and quality can also affect what is possible. For example, thicker nasal skin may not reveal very fine structural changes as clearly, while thinner skin can make small irregularities more visible.
Just as importantly, rhinoplasty does not treat every cause of nasal congestion. Allergies, inflammation, and other medical conditions may require separate treatment even when structural breathing problems are surgically corrected.
The goal is not a “perfect” nose. It is a nose that looks balanced and natural while preserving or, when appropriate, improving function.
Why Surgeon Expertise Matters for Functional Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is particularly complex because even subtle structural changes can influence both appearance and breathing. Dr. Surowitz and I are fellowship-trained, dual board-certified facial plastic surgeons who focus exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face. We’ve performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures, from subtle refinements to complex reconstructions.
Our collaborative, two-surgeon model combines our expertise and perspectives to patient care. For patients researching their options, our guide to choosing the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Charlotte, NC explains important credentials and questions to consider.
Finding the Right Approach for Your Nose
A crooked nose does not always mean the septum is deviated, and a deviated septum does not always produce an obvious cosmetic concern. That is why the first step is a personalized evaluation. You can use the online form to request a consultation with either Dr. Garcia or Dr. Surowitz, or call us at (980) 949-6544 to schedule an appointment.
Leave a Reply