Septoplasty — the inside only
The deviation of the septum inside the nose is corrected. The aim is to open the nasal passage and reduce complaints caused by obstruction. The outward appearance of the nose is not changed.
Septorhinoplasty
One
session · function and appearance together
SEPTORHINOPLASTY
Breathing and appearance in a single operation
Septorhinoplasty is an operation in which correction of a deviation in the wall that divides the nose (the septum) is combined with reshaping of the nose. Where the deviation not only makes breathing difficult but also makes the outside of the nose look crooked, dealing with both in a single session becomes an option.
- One operation, one anaesthetic, one recovery period
- The structural deviation that makes breathing difficult is addressed directly
- A deviation in the outer framework can be corrected in the same session
- Suitability is determined after an examination and, if needed, imaging
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE
Septoplasty and septorhinoplasty
The two procedures are often confused. The simplest way to tell them apart: one deals only with the inside, the other with the inside and the outside.
Septorhinoplasty — inside and outside
While the septum is corrected, the outer shape of the nose is reshaped as well. Where the deviation affects both breathing and appearance, both aims are pursued in the same operation.
RECOVERY
After the operation
Relief in breathing and change in appearance do not progress at the same pace; each has its own timeline.
- First 48 hours
A period of rest
A splint sits on the bridge of the nose. Because the inside of the nose is swollen, a temporary blocked feeling when breathing is normal; it says nothing about the result of the operation.
- Week 1
The splint and cleaning the nose
The splint is removed and the inside of the nose is cleaned. Most people begin to feel their breathing ease from this point on.
- Weeks 2–4
Back to daily life
The bruising fades and social life resumes. Crusting inside the nose lessens during this period; the nasal care your doctor recommends is continued.
- Months 2–3
Breathing settles
As the swelling inside the nose resolves, the quality of your breathing becomes clear. Swelling on the outside may still be present.
- Months 6–12
The final appearance
The outer contours of the nose reach their final form. The functional result usually settles earlier than the aesthetic one.
With any surgical or interventional procedure, results can differ from person to person. The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a medical examination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What people ask about septorhinoplasty
The questions we hear most often from people with breathing complaints.
What is a deviated septum?
It is a deviation in the wall (the septum) that divides the nose into two passages. It can be a structural feature present from birth, or it can appear after a blow or an injury. Where the deviation is marked, it can cause a blocked nose, an inability to breathe through one side and poorer sleep.
I have trouble breathing but I am happy with how my nose looks. Do I still need a septorhinoplasty?
No. If the complaint concerns only breathing and the outer framework of the nose needs no correction, a septoplasty may be enough. A septorhinoplasty comes into play where the deviation also affects the outward appearance. The decision is made at the examination.
When will my breathing ease after a septorhinoplasty?
In the first few days a blocked feeling from swelling inside the nose is normal. Relief begins once the splint is removed, and as the internal swelling resolves the quality of your breathing becomes largely clear by months 2–3.
Would it be better to have the two procedures separately?
Where the deviation affects both function and appearance, doing them in one session may be preferable: it means one anaesthetic and one recovery period. In addition, correcting the septum can require support for the outer framework, so the two procedures are technically linked.
Will packing be placed in my nose after the operation?
Practice varies with the surgeon and with the extent of the operation. Silicone packing that still allows you to breathe is widely used today. What will be used and how long it stays in is explained before the operation.
RESULTS
Before and after
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With any surgical or interventional procedure, results can differ from person to person. The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a medical examination.
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