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If you struggle with medically documented nasal breathing difficulties and wish to improve the shape or size of your nose at the same time, a combined procedure known as septorhinoplasty could be the ideal solution. This surgical approach addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns, offering patients an opportunity to enhance their breathing while achieving their desired nose appearance.
At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in advanced nose reshaping surgery, and our surgeons are highly skilled in ENT (ear, nose, and throat) procedures. This combination of expertise ensures that patients receive the best possible care for both medical and cosmetic needs. Below, we provide an in-depth guide to septorhinoplasty, covering everything you need to know about this transformative procedure.
Rhinoplasty versus Septoplasty
It is important to understand the difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty because although both surgeries focus on the nose, they are performed for distinct reasons. Rhinoplasty is generally regarded as a cosmetic operation designed to alter the outer form of the nose. Individuals who choose rhinoplasty often do so because they feel unhappy with certain aspects of their nasal appearance. Some may think their nose is too large or too wide, while others may feel it does not suit the shape of their face. At times, the bridge may appear overly prominent, or the tip may be too rounded, too long, or slightly drooping. Since the nose sits at the centre of the face, its shape and size can dramatically influence overall facial harmony. Skilled surgeons regularly perform rhinoplasty on women and men from varied age groups, different gender identities, and diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty involves carefully adjusting nasal bone, cartilage, and soft tissues so that a patient’s facial features appear more balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Surgeons might remove or reshape certain parts of cartilage to create a more refined contour, or they may narrow an overly wide nasal bridge to bring better proportions to the face. The procedure can also involve reducing or adjusting the size of the nostrils. Many people who turn to rhinoplasty do so because they feel their nose draws unwanted attention. By refining its shape or size, the entire facial structure can appear more harmonious, which in turn often boosts personal confidence and comfort in social situations.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty, on the other hand, concentrates primarily on correcting functional problems rather than enhancing physical beauty. This surgery focuses on the nasal septum, the vital strip of cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils. When the septum is deviated, it can cause breathing difficulties that affect daily life, including sleep quality and the ease of normal physical activities. Septoplasty aims to straighten and reposition this internal partition to allow air to flow more freely through the nostrils. Many patients undergo septoplasty because they experience chronic nasal congestion, ongoing sinus issues, or breathing obstruction, and these problems can have a considerable impact on well-being. Unlike rhinoplasty, septoplasty is usually considered medically necessary due to the health issues it addresses.
RELATED: Should I Get Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty?
Will Septoplasty Change the Nose’s Outer Appearance?
Because septoplasty is performed inside the nose, it typically has little impact on the shape of the nasal exterior. Patients often wonder if straightening the septum will automatically create a more appealing profile or a more pleasing nasal contour. Although it sometimes leads to subtle enhancements, these changes are not the primary goal of the surgery. Septoplasty’s main purpose is to improve function, not appearance. The overall external shape of the nose usually remains largely unchanged, so those who wish to address cosmetic concerns or refine their nasal structure for aesthetic reasons should consider rhinoplasty. For individuals who have both breathing problems and an undesirable nasal shape, a combined procedure, known as septorhinoplasty, may offer the best of both worlds.
RELATED: Cosmetic vs Functional Rhinoplasty
Turbinate Reduction
Many individuals find that their breathing is not as effortless as it should be, and one reason may lie within the nasal passages themselves. Inside the nose are structures known as turbinates, which play a key role in filtering and humidifying the air we inhale. Sometimes, due to a misaligned septum or inherited anatomical traits, the inferior turbinates become larger than normal. As these turbinates enlarge, they can narrow the nasal airway even further, making every breath feel laboured and obstructed. By reducing the size of these problematic turbinates, surgeons can dramatically improve airflow, ensuring that patients enjoy smooth, comfortable breathing once more.
Turbinate reduction often goes hand-in-hand with septoplasty, as both procedures target structural issues within the nose. Although it is possible to perform turbinate reduction on its own, it is commonly carried out as part of a more comprehensive approach to correcting nasal irregularities. To achieve this reduction, surgeons sometimes rely on advanced radiofrequency technology, applying carefully controlled energy to shrink the turbinate tissues without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding areas. In more challenging cases, some of the underlying nasal bone may be removed or shaved down to create an optimal breathing space.
RELATED: Pros and Cons of Turbinate Reduction with Septoplasty
What is Functional Rhinoplasty?
Many people might think of rhinoplasty as a procedure aimed solely at improving one’s appearance, but there is another side to this operation that goes beyond simply refining the shape or contour of the nose. Functional rhinoplasty is a surgical solution designed to address structural abnormalities and medical conditions affecting a person’s ability to breathe easily. Rather than focusing exclusively on aesthetic ideals, this approach examines the nasal framework from within, identifying problems that may be causing difficulty with airflow, persistent congestion, or other chronic issues that stand in the way of normal breathing.
RELATED: Breathing Better: How Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Can Help
It is not uncommon for someone to approach a surgeon worried about the outward appearance of their nose, perhaps describing it as crooked, bent, or asymmetrical. Beneath these visual imperfections, there may be underlying issues such as a deviated septum that inhibits air from passing freely, leaving the individual constantly struggling for a clear breath. In these scenarios, the line between cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty often blurs. Patients seeking a more balanced nasal shape may discover that addressing functional defects in tandem with the external adjustment brings about a noticeable improvement, not only in how their nose looks but also in how it feels and operates each day.
Combining Functional and Aesthetic Nasal Surgery: Understanding the Benefits of Septorhinoplasty
Many individuals find themselves wondering if it is possible to improve both the function and appearance of their nose in a single operation. The answer is yes, and it is becoming increasingly common to do so. Septorhinoplasty is an integrated approach that combines internal structural corrections, such as septoplasty, with external cosmetic enhancements, as seen in rhinoplasty. This combined procedure addresses both breathing difficulties and aesthetic concerns at the same time, helping patients achieve a nose that not only looks more refined but also functions more efficiently.
Addressing Structural Concerns and Enhancing Appearance in One Procedure
Septorhinoplasty offers a comprehensive approach to dealing with issues that stem from a deviated septum, cleft palate-related complications, narrowed internal nasal valves, chronic sinusitis, or enlarged turbinates. Correcting these problems, often categorised as functional nasal surgery, can significantly improve a patient’s ability to breathe through the nose. Such procedures might include straightening the nasal septum or reducing the size of enlarged turbinates. Private medical insurance frequently provides coverage for such corrective actions if deemed medically necessary and less invasive treatments have not produced adequate relief.
In contrast, rhinoplasty usually falls outside of private medical insurance coverage, unless it is carried out to address a deformity caused by injury, fracture, or an inherited condition. Most people seek rhinoplasty to alter the size or shape of their nose, not only to achieve better facial proportion but also to enhance their confidence. While these improvements can be life-changing, they are traditionally considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary.
Maximising Results and Minimising Costs by Operating Together
By combining both procedures into a single operation, patients benefit from having one surgeon manage all aspects of their nasal health. Because the surgeon can harvest cartilage during the functional phase of the operation, they have a valuable resource readily available to shape and refine the nose aesthetically. Approaching the surgery as a single, unified event ensures that the surgeon’s plan can accommodate both structural improvements and cosmetic modifications without being limited by changes made during a previous procedure. It also spares patients the inconvenience of going through two separate recoveries and the associated financial implications of paying twice for anaesthetic and surgical fees.
Recovery after Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
It is entirely natural to feel a sense of uncertainty when considering the healing period after rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or a combined septorhinoplasty. Although the process does not unfold overnight, many patients find it far more manageable than they initially imagine. There is a gradual progression from the early post-operative phase, when bruising and swelling are common, to a time when you can return to work, go out in public without any discomfort, and feel confident in your results.
Recovering from Septoplasty
When it comes to healing times, septoplasty alone usually represents the shortest road to recovery. Because the procedure focuses on correcting the internal structures of the nose without extensively reshaping bones or cartilage, patients often experience less trauma and therefore heal more rapidly. Many people find themselves comfortable enough to return to their everyday work routine after around five days, although it is perfectly normal to experience some internal adjustments and minor swelling for several months. Over time, breathing improves steadily as the nasal passages settle into their new, corrected position.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
Rhinoplasty tends to be more involved, as it often includes external reshaping of the nose and careful manipulation of bone and cartilage. The healing period can feel slightly more extended, but it should not be overly daunting. If you are choosing a combined septorhinoplasty, rest assured that the total recovery time usually does not exceed the length of a typical rhinoplasty recovery. Under normal circumstances, surgery takes place under general anaesthesia, and patients can generally return home later that same day, provided there are no complications.
RELATED: Recovery After Rhinoplasty – Top Tips
Planning to stay away from your regular work or routine engagements for about two weeks is often a wise precaution. During this initial phase, swelling and bruising will be at their most noticeable level, and a nasal splint will usually be worn for about seven days. After the splint is removed, taping the nose until around day fourteen helps maintain support and shape. A prescribed pain medication regimen and diligent use of cold compresses can ease discomfort and reduce swelling. Keeping your head elevated, even when sleeping, supports the healing process and encourages the nose to settle into its refined form.
Returning to Normal Activities
While the initial couple of weeks represent the most intensive healing phase, life gradually returns to normal as the days progress. After about two weeks, many patients feel entirely at ease venturing out in public without worry. This period often marks a substantial improvement in both appearance and comfort. Patients typically see dramatic improvements in their nose’s shape and function by four weeks, or roughly one month after surgery. Most people feel delighted and self-assured at this stage, finding that the overall result is strikingly positive even if some subtle swelling remains.
It is important to remember that the final outcome, both aesthetically and functionally, may continue to evolve over a full year. However, a significant portion of the swelling subsides by the three-month point. With each passing week, patients grow more comfortable with their appearance and breathing quality. This reassurance means that going on holiday, attending special events, or simply enjoying social occasions becomes a pleasure rather than a point of concern.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Nasal Surgery?
At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on being one of London’s leading clinics for advanced plastic surgery and ENT procedures. Whether you’re seeking a functional solution for breathing difficulties or an aesthetic enhancement to boost your confidence, we combine cutting-edge technology with the highest standards of patient care. Our expert surgeons are leaders in their fields, bringing years of experience and dedication to delivering exceptional results for every patient.
We understand that deciding to undergo surgery is a deeply personal journey, and we are here to guide you through every step. Our team is committed to creating a seamless and comfortable experience from your initial consultation to your final follow-up. Here’s why so many patients trust us with their care:
Patient Testimonials
“The team at Centre for Surgery truly changed my life. I struggled with breathing issues for years, and the combination of septoplasty and rhinoplasty was nothing short of miraculous. I can breathe freely now, and my nose looks better than I could have imagined.” – Emily T.
“I chose Centre for Surgery for my functional rhinoplasty, and I couldn’t be happier. The consultation was so thorough, and my surgeon made me feel completely at ease. The results exceeded my expectations, and the entire process was smooth and professional.” – James W.
“From the moment I walked into the Baker Street clinic, I felt I was in good hands. The staff were warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. My surgery was a success, and the aftercare was outstanding. Highly recommend!” – Aisha M.
Meet Our Expert Team
Our surgeons are some of the most highly skilled and experienced specialists in the UK, with expertise spanning plastic surgery and ENT. They are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal results that look natural and meet their personal goals. Learn more about our outstanding team by visiting our Meet the Team page.
Financing Options and Resources
We understand that affordability can be a concern, which is why we offer flexible finance options, including 0% APR with Chrysalis Finance. This allows you to spread the cost of your treatment without added stress. For more information about financing, visit our Finance Options page.
We also provide a wealth of resources to help you make informed decisions. Explore our Plastic Surgery Blog for expert insights, and find answers to common questions on our Clinic FAQs page.
Our Baker Street Clinic
Located at 95-97 Baker Street, London, our state-of-the-art clinic is designed with patient comfort and care in mind. Easily accessible and equipped with the latest technology, it’s the perfect place to begin your transformation. Discover more about our clinic here.
Contact Us for a Consultation
Take the first step towards achieving your goals by booking a consultation with our expert team. Call us on 0207 993 4849, email us at contact@centreforsurgery.com, or visit our Contact Us page to get started.
Choose Centre for Surgery for unparalleled expertise, personalised care, and outstanding results. Let us help you breathe easier, look better, and feel more confident.
