A large proportion of the people who want their nose assessed for aesthetic reasons also have a breathing complaint: blockage on one side, breathing through the mouth at night, a feeling of not getting enough air during exercise. These two things often have the same anatomical cause and can be addressed together in a single session. That approach is called septorhinoplasty.
What is the septum, and what does a deviation cause?
The septum is the middle wall, made of cartilage and bone, that divides the nose into two airways. Structural differences present from birth, or injuries sustained later, can cause this wall to lean to one side. When the deviation narrows the airflow, the following complaints may appear:
- Persistent blockage, particularly in one nostril
- Breathing through the mouth during sleep, snoring
- Frequently recurring sinus complaints or headaches
- A feeling of breathlessness during physical activity
A deviated septum is not always noticeable from the outside; the diagnosis is made by examining the inside of the nose.
The difference between septoplasty and septorhinoplasty
Septoplasty addresses the septum alone and does not aim to change the outward appearance of the nose. Septorhinoplasty is the procedure in which the outer contours of the nose are reshaped along with the correction of the septum. Being able to do both in one session means the patient avoids a second operation and a second recovery period.
How is the planning done?
Two aspects are considered together in the assessment:
- Function: examination of the inside of the nose, assessment of the airway on each side separately and, where necessary, further investigation.
- Appearance: the bridge, the tip, the structure of the nostrils and how these relate to the proportions of the face.
These two aspects influence each other: planning that focuses only on appearance can narrow the airway, while planning that focuses only on function may not meet the person's aesthetic expectations. That is why the two are planned together.
Is the recovery different from other nose operations?
The recovery is broadly similar to that after a rhinoplasty. Because the change in how freely you breathe depends on the swelling inside the nose settling, the relief you expect may not be felt immediately in the first few days. This is quite normal and is assessed as the process goes on.
Who might it be suitable for?
- People who have both a breathing complaint and an aesthetic expectation
- People who have experienced a change in both shape and airway after an injury to the nose
- People whose nose has finished growing and whose general health is found suitable for surgery
The decision on suitability is made after an examination, an assessment of the inside of the nose and a general health screening.
This article is for general information; diagnosis, treatment and the choice of technique are decided individually only after a medical examination. The timings and processes described here vary from person to person.