Septoplasty is often confused with procedures that remove a bump on the nose because it addresses internal function, while hump removal targets external appearance. Septoplasty corrects structural issues inside the nose to improve breathing. Removing an external bump, known as a dorsal hump, is a cosmetic goal achieved through a different type of surgery. These two procedures address distinct areas of the nasal anatomy, though they can be performed simultaneously.
The Purpose of Septoplasty
Septoplasty corrects a deviated septum, the wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity. When the septum is crooked or off-center, it narrows the nasal airways, causing difficulty breathing. The goal of the procedure is to restore proper airflow and alleviate chronic symptoms associated with this misalignment.
The surgery is performed entirely through incisions made inside the nose, ensuring no intentional external changes to the nasal structure. By straightening the septum, the procedure relieves chronic nasal obstruction, reduces sinus infections, and potentially decreases snoring. The surgeon repositions or removes small sections of misaligned cartilage and bone to create a clear, central passage.
Septoplasty focuses exclusively on the internal framework of the nose to enhance functional capacity. Because the work is confined to the inside, it does not alter the external contour, size, or shape of the nose. Therefore, septoplasty alone will not remove a visible bump or dorsal hump on the bridge of the nose.
Addressing the Dorsal Hump: The Role of Rhinoplasty
In contrast to septoplasty, rhinoplasty is a procedure intended to change the external shape and appearance of the nose. Commonly referred to as a “nose job,” it is primarily sought for aesthetic reasons. Rhinoplasty addresses various cosmetic concerns, including size, tip projection, width, and the presence of a dorsal hump.
A dorsal hump is a prominence on the nasal bridge composed of excess bone, cartilage, or both. Hump removal is a common objective of rhinoplasty, accomplished through either a closed approach (incisions hidden inside the nostrils) or an open approach (incision across the columella). The choice of technique depends on the complexity of the required changes.
To reduce the hump, the surgeon uses specialized instruments to remove or reshape the excess tissue. The bony portion is often reduced using a surgical file, known as a rasp, while the cartilaginous section is trimmed. Following removal, an osteotomy may be necessary to reposition the nasal bones inward. This closes the resulting “open roof” deformity, creating a narrower and smoother bridge.
Rhinoplasty’s scope extends beyond hump removal, allowing for refinement of the nasal tip, narrowing of the bridge, or correcting external asymmetries. Though typically cosmetic, the procedure can also correct structural issues that impair breathing, such as a collapsed nasal valve. This makes it a versatile surgery focused on the external anatomy.
When Functional and Cosmetic Needs Meet: Septorhinoplasty
When a patient needs both breathing correction due to a deviated septum and cosmetic modification like dorsal hump removal, the solution is septorhinoplasty. This single procedure simultaneously addresses the functional correction of the septum and the cosmetic modification of the external nose. Performing both corrections at once is advantageous, requiring only a single period of general anesthesia and one recovery phase.
The septoplasty component straightens the internal wall to improve airflow, while the rhinoplasty portion performs external adjustments, such as dorsal hump removal and feature refinement. Surgeons often use cartilage removed from the septum during the functional repair to create grafts. This dual-purpose use of tissue strengthens or reshapes other areas of the nose during the cosmetic phase.
A practical consideration for septorhinoplasty involves the financial distinction between the two components. The septoplasty portion, being a medically necessary procedure to correct breathing, is often covered by health insurance, provided medical necessity is clearly documented. However, the rhinoplasty portion, including dorsal hump removal, is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.
The cosmetic correction is typically an out-of-pocket expense for the patient, even when performed simultaneously with the functional repair. The recovery timeline for septorhinoplasty is generally longer than for septoplasty alone. Patients often require a week of rest before returning to light activity, with residual swelling taking several months to fully resolve.