The term “nose job” often implies an aesthetic alteration, causing confusion about nasal surgery. Many operations, however, correct internal structural problems. Septoplasty is one such procedure, designed to address functional issues within the nasal passage. This article clarifies the differences between septoplasty and its cosmetic counterpart, defining why one is a medical necessity and the other is an elective change.
Septoplasty: The Functional Focus
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to straighten the nasal septum, the wall of bone and cartilage that divides the two nasal cavities. Its sole purpose is to restore proper airflow by correcting a deviated septum, a condition where this partition is crooked or off-center. A deviated septum obstructs nasal passages, leading to medical problems.
The surgery is reconstructive, targeting the internal architecture rather than external appearance. Surgeons work inside the nasal cavity, often through an incision inside the nostril, to reposition or remove deviated portions. Patients seek septoplasty to alleviate chronic symptoms like persistent nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, or breathing difficulties during sleep.
Rhinoplasty: The Cosmetic Focus
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” focuses on altering the external appearance of the nose to enhance facial harmony. This surgery aims to change the nose’s shape, size, or proportions for aesthetic purposes. Modifications involve reshaping the nasal bone, cartilage, and soft tissues to achieve the desired look.
Common goals include reducing a dorsal hump (a bump on the bridge) or refining a bulbous or drooping nasal tip. Rhinoplasty can also adjust the width or the size and flare of the nostrils. Although a surgeon may incidentally improve breathing, the procedure’s driving force is the aesthetic change, making it elective cosmetic surgery.
The Combined Procedure: Septorhinoplasty
Although septoplasty and rhinoplasty have distinct purposes, they are frequently performed simultaneously when a patient has both functional impairment and aesthetic concerns. This combined operation is formally termed septorhinoplasty. The procedure allows the surgeon to correct internal structural issues, like a deviated septum, while also reshaping the external nose for a better appearance.
During septorhinoplasty, the functional correction is typically addressed first, followed by cosmetic modifications. Combining the two procedures offers the convenience of one recovery period and one session of anesthesia. Even when merged, the functional and cosmetic goals are treated as separate operative components, which impacts billing and insurance coverage.
Key Differences in Cost and Recovery
The most significant difference is the financial aspect, as septoplasty is considered a medical necessity. Because it corrects functional impairment to improve breathing, septoplasty is often covered by health insurance. Conversely, rhinoplasty is an elective cosmetic procedure, typically paid for entirely out-of-pocket, with costs significantly higher than septoplasty.
When a septorhinoplasty is performed, insurance may cover the functional portion, while the patient is responsible for the cosmetic part. Recovery processes also differ. Septoplasty recovery focuses on managing internal nasal congestion and swelling, with patients often returning to normal activities within about a week.
Rhinoplasty recovery, especially when external changes are made, involves managing more prominent external bruising and swelling, and may require an external splint or cast. While initial recovery for rhinoplasty takes about two weeks, final aesthetic results may take up to a year to fully settle as subtle swelling resolves.