Oftentimes, visible nasal deformities go hand in hand with internal nasal structural issues. While Rhinoplasty addresses the external appearance of the nose, a septoplasty addresses any internal issues. What is a septoplasty? A septoplasty is performed when the cartilage and bone inside the nose is deviated and causes a reduction in air entry through the nose. This decrease in airflow can be the cause of breathing problems. In addition to issues with the septum, some patients have an enlargement of the turbinates, which can also cause an obstruction of airflow and affect breathing. Patients experiencing problems with nasal airflow can undergo a septoplasty procedure in addition to the aesthetic correction of their nose. Some patients elect to have a septoplasty at the same time as their rhinoplasty This procedure is referred to as a Septorhinoplasty.
Defining Septorhinoplasty
Septorhinoplasty, combines the rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures in order to simultaneously address both breathing issues and aesthetic concerns. Candidates for septorhinoplasty surgery are looking to improve the breathing through their nose at the same time they are addressing their aesthetic concerns and improving their overall facial appearance.
Shared Aspects: Overlapping Goals
Rhinoplasty vs Septorhinoplasy: The goals of these two procedures are often times the same, with the only difference being that the septorhinoplasty combines surgery to correct internal structures such as a deviated septum and rhinoplasty, while rhinoplasty focuses purely on external changes to the nose.
Goals of Septorhinoplasty patients:
- To correct the internal structure of the nose
- Improve the ability to breathe through the nose
- Improve sleep quality
- Improve sense of taste and smell
- To soften the tip of the nose
- To reduce the length and/or height of the nose
- To decrease the size of the nostrils
- To narrow the width of the nose
- To decrease the dorsal hump on the nose
- To decrease the projection of the nose
- To change the angle between the nose and upper lip
- To make the nose appear more aesthetic and improve the overall facial appearance
- To feel more confident
Goals of Rhinoplasty patients:
- To soften the tip of the nose
- To reduce the length and/or height of the nose
- To decrease the size of the nostrils
- To narrow the width of the nose
- To decrease the hump on the nose
- To decrease the projection of the nose
- To change the angle between the nose and upper lip
- To make the nose appear more aesthetic and improve the overall facial appearance
- To feel more confident
Patient Candidacy and Indications
During your rhinoplasty / deviated septum consultation with Dr. Barr, he will determine if there are issues with the internal structure of your nose that should be addressed with surgery. In Ontario, nasal procedures to correct breathing difficulty or nasal deformity from trauma may be covered by OHIP. In these cases, Dr. Barr will submit a request to the Ministry of health for coverage of the septoplasty portion of your procedure. The rhinoplasty (external aesthetic changes to the nose) portion of your surgery is not covered by OHIP.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Dr. Barr’s extensive experience with both the septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty procedures will ensure that your healing time is minimized. You will be discharged the same day as your procedure with a customized, molded, plastic splint on your nose. This is used to protect the nose from injury while it is healing and will be worn for 7 days following surgery. While some patients have minimal bruising, likely there will be some bruising and swelling that takes a few days to settle. Any bruising can be concealed with makeup by the 7 to 8 day mark, at which point the cast and any small external sutures will be removed.
There is absolutely no discomfort after a septorhinoplasty or rhinoplasty due to the method Dr. Barr has developed over his extensive career. Patients do not use any medications for discomfort following either procedure. Swelling generally peaks within 48 hours after surgery then steadily improves. This swelling affects the lower forehead and eyes. By the time the splint is removed at 7 days, the swelling is significantly better.
You may engage in light activities for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. You can increase the intensity of your activities and resume regular activities by two weeks following surgery. You will also be asked to refrain from contact sports for a minimum of 6 weeks after surgery.
Dr. Barr and his highly trained medical staff will be available to answer questions and address any concerns throughout the healing process.
Septorhinoplasty and Rhinoplasty at Barr Plastic Surgery
Advanced computer imaging will be used to demonstrate the possible aesthetic outcome of your septorhinoplasty or rhinoplasty procedure. Your assessment and imaging will provide the foundation for your consultation with Dr. Barr, where your individual concerns and expectations will be thoroughly discussed.
Choosing the right surgeon is essential in realizing your objectives with septorhinoplasty or rhinoplasty surgery. Dr. Scott K. M. Barr is dedicated to delivering extraordinary results tailored to each patient’s desires. His commitment to an in-depth, thorough consultation ensures that patient decisions are well-informed and educated.
Communication is vital to achieving the best possible surgical outcome. Dr. Barr’s approachable demeanor fosters trust and security, creating a comfortable environment for effective communication, easing anxiety, and generating excitement for the transformation ahead.
Choose Dr. Barr for a professional and technologically advanced approach to achieving the septorhinoplasty or rhinoplasty results you’re seeking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does nose job surgery cost?
An accurate quote will be provided at the time of your consultation. Many patients choose to invest in their self-confidence and happiness through cosmetic surgery. There are financing options available if desired, to make this investment more manageable. Our Patient Coordinators are familiar with various payment options and can facilitate the process for you in just minutes.
Does septoplasty change nose shape?
No. A septoplasty procedure addresses changes to the internal structure of the nose only, and does not change the external appearance of the nose.
What is recovery time for deviated septum surgery with rhinoplasty?
There is no discomfort following your septorhinoplasty procedure. Your nasal plastic splint is removed at 1 week, you can engage in regular activity by 2 weeks, and by 6 weeks full contact sports may be resumed.
What should I expect after surgery for deviated septum with rhinoplasty?
There will likely be some bruising and swelling that takes a few days to settle. Any bruising can be concealed with makeup by the 7 to 8 day mark, at which point your nasal splint is removed.