Septorhinoplasty combines septoplasty for a deviated nasal septum with rhinoplasty to reshape or reconstruct the external nose. It may suit people with both structural breathing obstruction and concerns about nasal shape or support. Examination determines whether combined surgery, septoplasty alone or nonsurgical treatment is appropriate; breathing improvement cannot be guaranteed.
What Septorhinoplasty Can Address
- Septorhinoplasty combines correction of the internal nasal septum with reshaping or reconstruction of the external nose.
- It may address a crooked nasal framework, selected breathing problems, changes after injury or concerns about the bridge, tip and facial proportion.
- Septoplasty alone treats the septum rather than deliberately reshaping the external nose.
Who May Consider Septorhinoplasty
- People with both septal obstruction and external shape or support concerns may be assessed for combined surgery.
- Examination must consider nasal valves, turbinates, inflammation, previous surgery and general health.
- Not every blocked nose needs surgery; medical treatment or a different procedure may be more appropriate.
- Expectations and suitability are assessed individually.
Types of Septorhinoplasty
- Functional: correcting structural obstruction while maintaining or restoring nasal support.
- Combined functional and aesthetic: coordinating septal correction with planned changes to external shape.
- Reconstructive or revision: rebuilding support or contour after injury or previous surgery, sometimes using cartilage grafts.
Risks / Benefits
What are the potential benefits of septorhinoplasty?
- Surgery may improve airflow when a structural cause is identified and may change nasal alignment, support and proportion.
- The extent of improvement depends on anatomy, diagnosis and healing.
- Normal breathing, perfect symmetry and a specific appearance cannot be guaranteed.
What are the risks or complications of septorhinoplasty?
- Risks include bleeding, infection, septal haematoma or perforation, adhesions, scars, altered sensation or smell, asymmetry, contour irregularity, persistent or new obstruction, dissatisfaction and revision surgery.
- Anaesthesia also carries risks.
- These are discussed alongside alternatives during consent.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone between the nasal passages. A deviated septum, also called nasal septum deviation, is displaced or bent away from the centre. It may develop during growth or follow an injury. A twisted septum does not always cause symptoms or require surgery.
Deviated Septum Symptoms
Possible symptoms include difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, recurrent nosebleeds and mouth breathing during sleep. These symptoms do not establish the diagnosis: swelling, enlarged turbinates and nasal-valve problems can also contribute to blockage.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Medicines may help accompanying inflammation but do not straighten the septum. Septoplasty may be considered for persistent obstruction attributed to septal deviation. Septorhinoplasty adds external framework correction when shape or support also needs treatment.
See the American Academy of Otolaryngology's deviated septum guidance for further patient information.
Septoplasty, Rhinoplasty or Septorhinoplasty?
| Procedure | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| Septoplasty | Corrects the internal septum; deliberate cosmetic reshaping is not its primary aim. |
| Rhinoplasty | Reshapes or reconstructs the external nose. Read about rhinoplasty and nose reshaping. |
| Septorhinoplasty | Combines septal correction with external nasal reshaping or reconstruction. |
Septoplasty Cost and Combined Surgery
The cost depends on the surgical technique required, the complexity of the individual case, anaesthesia, facility standards, and whether procedures are combined. An accurate assessment requires an individual clinical evaluation.
Ask whether the proposed quote covers septoplasty alone or combined septorhinoplasty, and which surgeon, anaesthesia, facility and follow-up fees are included.
Preparing for Septorhinoplasty
The consultation reviews breathing symptoms, appearance goals, previous injuries or operations, medicines, allergies and bleeding history. Examination of the internal and external nose, with photographs and selected additional tests when indicated, guides the plan. Discuss alternatives, expected scars, possible grafts and realistic limitations.
Follow the surgical team’s instructions about nicotine, medicines, fasting and transport. Do not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice. Arrange help during early recovery and confirm the follow-up schedule before surgery.
What Happens During Septorhinoplasty?
Under the agreed anaesthetic, the surgeon accesses the septum and nasal framework through internal incisions or an open approach with a small incision across the columella. Septal cartilage or bone may be repositioned or adjusted, while the external bones and cartilages are reshaped or supported as planned. Cartilage grafts may be needed to maintain support or address nasal-valve problems.
The incisions are closed, and an external splint, internal splints or packing may be used according to the operation. Duration and the need for an overnight stay depend on complexity and clinical assessment.
Aftercare
Temporary blockage, swelling, bruising and blood-stained discharge can occur. Follow written instructions for cleaning, medicines, sleeping position and protection of the nose. Do not remove splints or packing yourself. Your surgeon will advise when nose blowing, work, exercise, travel and contact sports are safe.
Some people need around two weeks away from work, but recovery varies. Internal swelling can affect breathing for weeks or months, and the external contour may take a year or longer to settle fully. Follow-up checks healing, airflow and the evolving result; early photographs cannot predict the final outcome.
When to Call the Doctor
Seek prompt medical advice for heavy or persistent bleeding, worsening pain, fever, foul discharge or increasing swelling. Breathing distress or visual changes require urgent medical attention. Follow the emergency contact instructions supplied by your surgical team.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the meaning of septorhinoplasty?
2. How is septorhinoplasty different from septoplasty?
3. Does septoplasty change nose shape?
4. What is turbinoplasty surgery?
5. What is functional septorhinoplasty?
6. What is aesthetic septorhinoplasty?
7. When is reconstructive septorhinoplasty considered?
8. What should I look for in septorhinoplasty before and after photos?
Schedule Your Appointment
Speak with Dr. Kotti’s team about your goals, clinical suitability, and the most appropriate treatment approach for you.
