Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two different surgical procedures often associated with each other. While both treatments involve the patient’s nose, they are designed to address different issues and achieve different results. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a cosmetic procedure that primarily focuses on improving the appearance of one’s nose. On the other hand, Septoplasty is a functional procedure designed to address a deviated septum.
A deviated septum is a condition in which the wall that separates the two nostrils becomes crooked, causing breathing issues for the patient. It can have various causes, including genetics, injuries, or trauma. Septoplasty is the only procedure to correct a deviated septum and improve breathing. While Rhinoplasty procedures can sometimes improve breathing, they primarily address the patient’s cosmetic concerns.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty procedures are carried out to achieve a full reshaping of the nose. It can achieve a change in the size, shape, and angle of the nose. Beyond that, it can sometimes be tailored to improving breathing. The procedure is performed either with the “open” or “closed” technique. The open technique involves making an incision across the columella (strip of skin between the nostrils), while the closed technique’s incisions are fully internal.
The procedure involves making incisions either inside the nostrils or on the outside of the nose. The bone and cartilage of the nose are then reshaped in order to achieve the patient’s desired look. This process can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the extent of work needed.
There are various reasons that patients choose to undergo rhinoplasty. Some patients choose it for cosmetic reasons to improve the look of their noses. Others elect to have it to address breathing issues, whether related to a deviated septum or another issue.
It can also correct birth defects or treat injuries to the nose. A cleft palate, for example, may require a rhinoplasty procedure to address it.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that is specifically designed to correct a deviated septum. The septum is a structure made of cartilage and bone that is situated in the nasal cavity between the two nostrils. If the septum becomes crooked (deviated), it can result in breathing issues, snoring, and other unwanted conditions. Septoplasty involves straightening out the septum, allowing for better airflow and a full alleviation of breathing problems.
Patients undergo septoplasty procedures for a number of reasons. Some may have had a deviated septum since birth, while others may have developed the condition because of an injury or trauma to the nose. Patients with deviated septums typically experience issues such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, snoring, and sleep apnea.
The two main types of septoplasty are traditional septoplasty and endoscopic septoplasty. With the traditional approach, an incision is made on the inside of the nose, allowing for the mucous membrane to be lifted. This gives the surgeon easy access to the septum. Once the incision is made, the surgeon is able to straighten the septum and remove any excess cartilage or bone from the area.
Endoscopic septoplasty, on the other hand, involves making smaller incisions and using a miniature camera and specially-designed instruments to make modifications. This form of septoplasty usually produces fewer scars and comes with a shorter recovery period.
The differences between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
While rhinoplasty and septoplasty may sound similar, they are completely different procedures with totally different purposes, surgical techniques, and recovery times. Understanding how the procedures differ can help patients make an informed decision on their treatment.
The procedure
The surgical procedures for rhinoplasty and septoplasty are quite different. While rhinoplasty involves modifying the cartilage and bone of the nose to achieve aesthetic improvements, septoplasty primarily focuses on straightening the septum. Furthermore, patients undergoing rhinoplasty have the option of local or general anesthesia, while septoplasty is carried out only under general anesthesia. Following rhinoplasty, patients can go home on the same day, while septoplasty requires an overnight hospital stay.
Recovery time
The recovery time for rhinoplasty and septoplasty is also different. After undergoing rhinoplasty, it is normal for patients to experience effects such as swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes for a few days. They may be given a splint to wear during this time and be advised against all forms of exercise. In the days following a septoplasty procedure, patients may also have to deal with some swelling and congestion. They may have to use a saline nasal spray to maintain moisture in their nasal passages, and they should refrain from blowing their noses for several weeks.
What is the takeaway?
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are entirely different procedures with entirely different focuses. Patients only undergo septoplasty if they are dealing with a deviated septum, which is a very specific issue. Those looking to address cosmetic issues in the nose will be recommended to undergo a rhinoplasty.
