Nose surgery is one of the most popular plastic procedures. For most patients, this operation is associated with the possibility of correcting external defects. But sometimes it is performed in order to solve functional problems, such as nasal breathing disorders.
Depending on the purpose, there are different types of nose jobs. The most common are rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Let’s understand what these surgeries are and in what cases they are done.
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty – what are these operations?
Both rhinoplasty and septoplasty refer to surgeries that involve correcting the structures of the nose. However, there is a key difference between the two. Rhinoplasty is performed to improve the appearance of the nose. And the purpose of septoplasty is to restore its function. It is most often performed if the patient cannot breathe normally due to a deviated nasal septum. Let’s take a closer look at each procedure.
Rhinoplasty – correction of aesthetic flaws
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to correct the size, shape and symmetry of the nose in order to achieve a more balanced facial appearance. Aesthetic problems such as:
- asymmetry of the sinuses;
- an overly large nose;
- a hump or depression on the bridge of the nose;
- disproportionate nasal tip;
- nasal tip drooping;
- excessively wide nostrils.
Rhinoplasty can be performed open or closed. In open surgery, the surgeon makes an external incision most often in the area of the columella, a thin strip of tissue located between the nostrils. He then completely separates the skin of the nose from the underlying bone and cartilage structures. This approach allows the surgeon to visualize the surgical field in detail and assess the anatomy of the nose.
With open surgery, the doctor can perform extensive correction. During the procedure, he works with the bones and cartilage of the nose, modeling them in such a way as to achieve the ideal shape. Sometimes a bone graft is used for certain purposes, such as correcting the shape of the tip of the nose. In the final stage, the surgeon puts the skin back in place and applies cosmetic sutures. After surgery, small scars remain, which over time become virtually invisible.
In closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes internal incisions. This is a minimally invasive procedure, after which the patient recovers faster. However, it can only be used to make small changes. After closed rhinoplasty, there are no visible scars.
Depending on the degree of correction and the approach taken, the rhinoplasty procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours. Patients can usually go home the same day. To support the structures of the nose and reduce swelling after surgery, the doctor will place a special splint on the nose. The preliminary result of rhinoplasty can be evaluated after three months, when the swelling has completely subsided. Full recovery occurs about a year after surgery.
Septoplasty – restoration of normal nasal function
To compare rhinoplasty vs septoplasty, let’s take a detailed look at the second procedure. It is designed to correct the deformity of the nasal septum. This is the wall that divides the nose into two separate chambers (nasal passages). When the septum is deviated or off-center, one of the nasal passages becomes narrower than the other. In severe deformity, obstruction (complete blockage) of one of the nasal passages may even occur. This can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms. The main signs of deviated septum are:
- difficulty breathing through the nose;
- snoring (sleep apnea);
- dry mouth;
- frequent nosebleeds;
- nasal congestion;
- headaches;
- recurrent sinus infections (sinusitis).
If a patient has these symptoms, they will only worsen over time. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum and restore normal nasal breathing.
Septoplasty is most often done in conjunction with rhinoplasty to improve breathing function and make a more attractive nose. The surgeon makes a small incision inside the nostril to gain access to the septum. He then corrects its position by aligning it in the middle of the nose. No bones need to be broken in this process. Like rhinoplasty, septoplasty does not require hospitalization. The patient can go home 2-3 hours after the procedure.
Septoplasty usually does not result in significant swelling or bruising. The success rate of the procedure in terms of improving symptoms caused by a deviated nasal septum is over 90%. That is to say, the patient unequivocally receives health benefits after undergoing this surgery.
Septoplasty vs rhinoplasty: what are the similarities and differences?
In addition to the main difference, which is the purpose of the procedure and its outcome, rhinoplasty and septoplasty have additional features. Correction of the nasal septum takes less time than cosmetic correction of the nose shape. Both surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is possible if the patient has contraindications to anesthesia.
There are differences in the recovery process as well. The rehabilitation period after septoplasty is noticeably shorter than after rhinoplasty. After both procedures, patients can return to normal life after 1-2 weeks. But full healing after cosmetic surgery can take up to a year, while recovery after septoplasty is much faster. If we compare rhinoplasty vs septoplasty in terms of the painfulness of the rehabilitation period, patients usually tolerate the recovery period after both procedures quite well.
Like other plastic surgeries, septoplasty and rhinoplasty come with the risk of potential complications. These include massive bleeding, infection, and perforation of the nasal septum. However, if the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the risk of complications is nil.
Septoplasty vs rhinoplasty: which surgery to choose
The choice between these plastic surgeries is quite simple:
- If you want to improve the shape, size, or overall aesthetics of your nose, and you have no upper airway (nasal breathing) problems, you should have rhinoplasty.
- If you have a deviated septum with complete or partial nasal airway obstruction that causes breathing problems, but you are happy with the appearance of your nose, a septoplasty is sufficient.
- If you are suffering from symptoms related to nasal septal deformity but want to improve the aesthetics of your nose at the same time, you are a great candidate for septorhinoplasty. This is a combined procedure in which the doctor simultaneously corrects a deviated septum and corrects the shape of the nose.
However, if you’re faced with the choice of septoplasty vs rhinoplasty, it’s best not to make the decision on your own, but to consult with your doctor. Beauty by Experts Medical cooperates with the best plastic surgeons in Turkey. We can organize for you a consultation with such famous specialists as Engin Ocal, Celal Alioglu, Akin Zengin, Serkan Bariskan. The doctor will evaluate the anatomical, aesthetic and functional parameters of your nose, and suggest the best option for surgery.
What are the advantages of septorinoplasty?
It often happens that the patient does not need to make a choice rhinoplasty vs septoplasty. If he needs to achieve two goals – to correct a deformed septum and improve the aesthetics of the nose, septorinoplasty is an excellent choice. This procedure has a number of advantages.
- The ability to address breathing problems
Symptoms such as sleep apnea, dry mouth, nasal congestion, and frequent sinus infections can be debilitating and significantly reduce quality of life. Septorhinoplasty helps to return the nasal septum to its proper position and normalize nasal breathing.
- Cosmetic correction of the nose shape
Along with solving the breathing problem, septorinoplasty allows you to correct the shape, size and symmetry of the nose. This operation allows you to achieve a balanced and harmonious appearance of the face.
- Saving money
Septorinoplasty solves two problems at once – aesthetic and functional, which saves the patient from the need for several operations. This saves money on hospitalization, anesthesia and doctor’s consultations. If a patient travels to the surgery from another country, he or she will also not have to pay twice for airfare and a hotel room.
- Time saving
Both septoplasty and rhinoplasty are full-fledged plastic surgeries, after which the patient needs rehabilitation. If the procedures are done at the same time, the patient does not have to go through the recovery period twice.
- Improved quality of life
Septoplasty helps to increase the area of the nasal airways. This leads to normalization of breathing and relief of symptoms. According to studies, septoplasty improves patients’ quality of life as measured by the NOSE scale, and significantly improves nasal symptoms 3 months after surgery. Simultaneous rhinoplasty allows the patient to correct cosmetic flaws, and increase self-confidence.
Functional rhinoplasty vs septoplasty
Comparing functional rhinoplasty vs septoplasty is not entirely accurate. Septoplasty is a type of functional rhinoplasty. The term functional means that the surgery is performed to restore certain functions. In the case of surgical correction of the structures of the nose, we are talking about restoring its main function – normal breathing.
There are several types of functional rhinoplasty:
- Conchoplasty. A surgical procedure aimed at correcting the size or shape of the nasal shells. This procedure can be performed as part of a rhinoplasty or separately, depending on the patient’s goals and needs. The primary goal of conchoplasty is to improve ventilation of the nasal passages and allow air to pass more freely through the nose. The procedure may involve reduction, reconstruction, or removal of part of the nasal conchae.
- Turbinoplasty. Also aimed at reducing the size of the nasal shells, but it is usually used in more complex cases where a more thorough and extensive correction is required. Turbinoplasty may involve reshaping the bony structure of the shells to provide a longer lasting and more stable result.
- Nasal valve reconstruction. Surgery improves nasal breathing function by restoring the function of the nasal valves. These structures play a critical role in the breathing process by ensuring proper narrowing and widening of the nasal passages during inhalation and exhalation.
Correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) is also performed to restore respiratory function, so it is referred to as functional rhinoplasty. After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will determine the nature and cause of respiratory disorders and suggest the type of surgery that will help to effectively cope with the problem.
Where is the best place to perform rhinoplasty and septoplasty?
Beauty by Experts Medical cooperates with leading plastic surgery clinics in Turkey, such as Doku Medical, Esteworld, Turkeyana. With more than 8 years of experience, we have learned to understand the needs of our patients and will help you choose a doctor who will give you the nose you have been dreaming of. Also, a pleasant factor is that we do not charge patients for services and the price does not change compared to direct contact with the doctor. All payments are made only to the clinic after consultation with the surgeon.
The best Turkish plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty work with us. The use of modern computer technology allows us to create a 3D model, with which the patient can see how his nose will look after surgery. Thanks to this approach, the results of the surgery always meet expectations.
Beauty by Experts Medical will choose a suitable clinic and doctor for you, as well as take care of all organizational issues. Cooperation with us helps to avoid any unpleasant surprises, such as price changes after arrival for treatment. We will do our best to make your stay in a Turkish clinic as comfortable and safe as possible.
Sources:
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/all-childrens-hospital/services/cleft-and-craniofacial-program/conditions-we-treat/rhinoplasty-septoplasty
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/septorhinoplasty
- https://journals.lww.com/jcraniofacialsurgery/fulltext/2023/05000/quality_of_life_and_symptoms_before_and_after.21.aspx
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/about/pac-20384670
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532
