Yes, septoplasty and rhinoplasty can be performed together in a single operation, often referred to as septorhinoplasty. Septoplasty is a functional surgery intended to correct a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing and airflow. Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic procedure focused on altering the external appearance of the nose. This combined approach allows a surgeon to address both internal structural issues and external cosmetic concerns simultaneously in one comprehensive nasal surgery.
Distinguishing the Goals of Each Procedure
Septoplasty is a medical procedure designed to fix the nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the nasal cavity. A crooked or displaced septum (deviated septum) restricts airflow and causes breathing difficulties. During this functional surgery, the surgeon straightens, repositions, or removes portions of the septum to open the nasal passages and improve respiratory function.
Rhinoplasty focuses on cosmetic enhancement and the external structure of the nose. This procedure modifies the size, shape, or proportion of the nose to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance. Surgeons may reduce a dorsal hump on the nasal bridge, refine a bulbous tip, or alter the angle between the nose and the lip.
The procedures have distinct objectives: septoplasty addresses internal structure for functional necessity, and rhinoplasty addresses external shape for aesthetic desire. Combining them is often beneficial because the internal framework of the septum is structurally connected to the external appearance of the nose. Correcting functional issues internally can sometimes improve the nose’s external straightness.
Advantages of Combining the Surgeries
Combining septoplasty and rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty) offers several advantages. Patients require only a single round of general anesthesia and operating room fees, which is typically safer and more cost-effective than two separate surgeries. Since septoplasty may be covered by medical insurance when breathing is impaired, combining it with aesthetic rhinoplasty can help reduce the overall financial burden.
The patient endures only one recovery period, minimizing total downtime away from responsibilities. This consolidation avoids the inconvenience of scheduling and recovering from two distinct medical events. The combined procedure allows the surgeon to achieve a harmonized result by simultaneously considering internal function and external form.
The septal cartilage removed during septoplasty can be repurposed as grafting material for the rhinoplasty component. Combining the procedures ensures the best use of the patient’s own tissue for optimal structural support and aesthetic outcome. Otherwise, the surgeon might need to harvest cartilage from the ear or ribs for the aesthetic work.
Understanding the Combined Recovery Period
The recovery period for a combined septorhinoplasty is generally similar to that of a complex rhinoplasty. Immediately following surgery, patients will have a protective splint or cast placed externally, and may have internal splints or soft packing. The external splint is typically removed by the surgeon within five to seven days after the operation.
Initial bruising around the eyes and significant nasal swelling are expected, with most visible discoloration fading within the first two weeks. Mild to moderate discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medication, and the nose will feel congested for several weeks due to internal swelling. Patients should keep their head elevated, even while sleeping, for the first few days to minimize swelling and reduce bleeding risk.
Restrictions on physical activity are important for healing. Patients must avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or anything that raises blood pressure for two to three weeks. Contact sports must be avoided for at least six weeks to protect the healing nasal structures from injury. Patients who wear glasses cannot rest them on the nasal bridge for four to seven weeks after the splint is removed to prevent shifting the reshaped nasal bones.
Most patients can return to work or school within one week, but the full aesthetic result is not immediately visible and takes time. The majority of swelling resolves over the first three months, but subtle residual swelling can persist for up to a full year. Breathing improvements from the septoplasty are often noticeable once the initial internal swelling subsides, typically within the first few weeks.
Selecting the Right Surgical Specialist
Finding the appropriate surgical specialist is necessary for a successful septorhinoplasty, as the procedure requires expertise in both functional and aesthetic nasal surgery. Patients should prioritize surgeons who are Board Certified, preferably by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. These certifications confirm the surgeon has met rigorous training standards and passed comprehensive examinations.
The ideal specialist is often a facial plastic surgeon or an otolaryngologist with fellowship training and substantial experience in aesthetic nasal procedures. This dual expertise ensures the surgeon can successfully correct the deviated septum to improve breathing while simultaneously achieving the desired cosmetic changes. Patients should inquire about the surgeon’s specific experience with septorhinoplasty and the number of combined procedures performed.
A thorough pre-operative consultation is required to assess the patient’s nasal anatomy, discuss aesthetic goals, and determine functional corrections. The consultation should include an internal examination of the nasal passages, often using a fiber-optic scope, to evaluate the septum and other structures. Many surgeons use computer imaging tools during this meeting to help the patient establish realistic expectations for the final aesthetic outcome.