Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure addressing internal nasal issues. This article clarifies whether septoplasty changes the external appearance of the nose and sets expectations for those considering the procedure.
Understanding Septoplasty
Septoplasty corrects a deviated nasal septum, a condition where the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the nose’s internal chambers is crooked. A deviated septum can block airflow, causing difficulty breathing, chronic congestion, nosebleeds, or snoring.
The procedure’s objective is to improve airflow and breathing by straightening or repositioning the septum. A surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to access the septum’s cartilage and bone. Portions may be trimmed, reshaped, or removed and then repositioned to create a clear nasal passage. This functional surgery focuses on internal structural issues.
Septoplasty and External Nose Appearance
Septoplasty does not change the external shape of the nose. The surgery is performed entirely within the nasal passages, focusing on the internal septum. This procedure aims to improve breathing function rather than alter cosmetic appearance.
Septoplasty is distinct from rhinoplasty, a cosmetic surgical procedure that reshapes the nose’s external appearance. Rhinoplasty addresses concerns like a bump on the bridge, a wide nose, or asymmetry by modifying nasal bones and cartilage for aesthetic goals. While septoplasty addresses internal issues, rhinoplasty targets visible features.
Rarely, a severe septal deviation might subtly impact external nasal symmetry. Correcting this internal deviation could lead to a minor, unintentional change in external appearance, making the nose appear straighter or more symmetrical. However, this is not the primary goal or a common outcome; the procedure’s intent remains functional improvement. If significant external changes are desired, a combined septorhinoplasty, including both functional and cosmetic corrections, may be considered.
Setting Expectations for Septoplasty
Patients should expect the primary benefit of septoplasty to be improved breathing and nasal airflow. The goal is to alleviate symptoms like chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and snoring. The surgery is not intended to change the nose’s cosmetic appearance.
Temporary post-operative swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes are common. This swelling typically maximizes within two days and gradually subsides over several days to weeks. These temporary effects do not indicate a permanent change in nose shape and are part of the normal healing process. Full recovery, with nasal tissues settling, can take several months. For individuals seeking aesthetic changes, discussing rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty with a surgeon is appropriate, as septoplasty alone is not designed for this purpose.