Deviated Septum Surgery and Rhinoplasty
Deviated Septum Surgery and Rhinoplasty Correction of a deviated septum and rhinoplasty are two surgical methods that deal with different aspects of nasal function and appearance. Deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, is primarily a functional procedure designed to improve the nasal airway, particularly in patients who have a deviated or crooked septum. A deviated septum can cause problems such as difficulty in breathing, congestion, and sinusitis. Therefore, this surgery is beneficial for those seeking relief from such symptoms and looking to enhance their overall quality of life.
On the other hand, rhinoplasty, often referred to as a “nose job”, is a cosmetic procedure intended to alter the shape and appearance of the nose. It can correct a variety of issues such as humps, wide or narrow nostrils, and asymmetry. While rhinoplasty is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, it can also improve nasal function in some cases. Both these surgeries can be performed independently or together depending on individual needs and desired outcomes.
Deviated Septum Surgery
Deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to correct a misaligned septum. The septum of the nose is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates your right and left nostrils. When it deviates, or moves away from its central location, it can obstruct one or both nostrils and cause difficulty in breathing. In addition to breathing issues, a deviated septum may also lead to regular sinus infections, nosebleeds, facial pain, headaches, and snoring.
The primary goal of deviated septum surgery is nasal airway improvement. During the procedure, the surgeon works to straighten the bent cartilage and bone in the nose. This is done by making an incision inside the nostril to access the septum. Then the deviated structures are moved into the right position. Sometimes, portions of the septum may need to be removed entirely to fully clear the nasal passage. After repositioning or removal, the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.
Septoplasty is considered a functional nasal surgery because its main purpose is to improve function rather than alter appearance. It is often performed alongside other procedures such as turbinate reduction or sinus surgery if needed for comprehensive treatment of nasal obstruction. The surgery itself typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour and is often performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery from deviated septum surgery usually takes a few weeks. Patients might experience some swelling and discomfort initially but these symptoms gradually decrease over time. Breathing improvement can often be noticed immediately after recovery though complete healing may take up to a year. The success rate for this surgery is quite high, with many patients experiencing significant long-term improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, often referred to as a “nose job”, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reshapes and resizes the nose. While deviated septum surgery focuses on improving nasal function, rhinoplasty primarily aims to enhance aesthetic appeal. It can modify various aspects of the nose including its size in relation to other facial features, width at the bridge, profile such as visible humps or depressions, large or wide nostrils, and nasal symmetry.
The process of rhinoplasty begins with an incision inside the nose or at its base. The surgeon then reshapes the inner bone and cartilage to produce a more pleasing appearance. This could involve removing a hump, refining the nasal tip, narrowing the nostril width, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. As
it’s a highly individualized surgery, the specific techniques used can vary greatly depending on the patient’s existing nasal structure and their desired outcomes.
It’s important to note that while rhinoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure, it can sometimes have functional benefits too. For instance, if a person has a deviated septum causing breathing difficulties, combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty can provide both aesthetic improvement and functional relief. However, this is not always the case and prospective patients should have clear discussions with their surgeon about their expectations.
Recovery from rhinoplasty can take longer than from septoplasty due to its complex nature. Initial swelling subsides within a few weeks but it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. With successful surgery and proper care during recovery, rhinoplasty can result in significant enhancement in facial harmony and confidence in one’s appearance.