Septal deviation surgery vs rhinoplasty: what's the difference?

Shortness of breath, snoring or dissatisfaction with the appearance of your nose can significantly affect your quality of life. Both deviated septum surgery and rhinoplasty offer effective solutions for these problems, but it's important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the right procedure for your needs. Below, we'll provide you with detailed information about each to help you make an informed decision. Here's what you need to know!

Septal deviation surgery (septoplasty)

Septoplasty, or deviated septum surgery, is a surgical procedure to correct the position of the nasal septum (the wall separating the two nostrils). A deviated nasal septum may be present from birth or may be caused by trauma to the nose. As a rule, it can cause certain problems, such as:

• difficult breathing - a deviated septum can make breathing difficult on one or both nostrils;
• nasal congestion - The condition can also cause persistent nasal congestion, which can be more severe on one side of the nose;
• nosebleeds - The deviated septum can irritate and dry the lining of the nose, increasing the risk of nosebleeds;
• sleep apnea - In severe cases, a deviated septum can contribute to interrupted breathing during sleep;
• headaches - Sinus or facial pain can occur due to breathing problems that are caused by a deviated septum [1][2].

Aim of the intervention

The main goal of septoplasty is to straighten the nasal septum, thereby improving airflow and relieving breathing problems associated with a deviated septum. In addition to improving breathing, septoplasty can provide other benefits, such as:

• reducing irritation of the nasal mucosa;
• decreased risk of bleeding;
• relieve sleep apnea and improve sleep quality;
• decrease the frequency of headaches.

It is important to remember that septoplasty is not an aesthetic procedure. The main purpose of the operation is to improve respiratory function and not to change the appearance of the nose [2].

How does septoplasty go?

Like any surgery, septoplasty begins with a detailed pre-operative consultation. Specialist doctor will discuss your medical history with you, perform a physical examination of your nose and face, and assess the severity of the deviated septum. You will also talk about your expectations and the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Some blood tests or additional tests may be needed to better assess your health. You will also be advised to stop taking certain medicines, such as anticoagulants, before your operation.

Septoplasty can be performed with local anesthesia, which numbs only the nose area, or with general anesthesia. The choice of type of anesthesia is made by the doctor, depending on your preferences and the complexity of the deviated septum. Once you are anesthetized, the surgeon will make a small incision inside your nose, either in the nasal mucosa or in the nasal septum. He will then rearrange the bone and cartilage of the nasal septum with special instruments, creating a straighter nasal passage [2].

Results and recovery

After septoplasty, you may feel some mild discomfort or pain, which can be relieved with pain relievers. You will be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks after the operation and not to blow your nose forcefully. You will also return for regular check-ups so that your doctor can monitor your healing and make sure there are no complications.

Most patients notice a significant improvement in nasal breathing after septoplasty. Persistent nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and sleep apnea should diminish or disappear completely after septal deviation correction. Also, sinus or facial headaches associated with breathing problems should decrease or disappear completely. The results of septoplasty are usually permanent and can be seen after about 3-6 months [2].

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the shape and size of the nose. The procedure can also correct certain functional problems of the nose. People generally have rhinoplasty for reasons such as:

• lack of satisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the nose - Many people choose rhinoplasty to improve the way they look, believing that their nose is too big, too small, too wide, too prominent or has an unpleasant shape. Rhinoplasty can correct these issues and create a nose that better fits in with your physiognomy;
• respiratory problems - Sometimes, a structural abnormality of the nose can also cause breathing problems, such as difficulty breathing through the nose or snoring. Rhinoplasty can correct these disorders. Rhinoplasty may also be used in some cases for deviated septum or other structural problems;
• congenital or acquired defects - Certain congenital defects can be corrected by rhinoplasty to improve the appearance and function of the nose. Rhinoplasty can also reconstruct a nasal structure damaged by accident or trauma.

Therefore, the aim of rhinoplasty surgery is to change the shape and size of the nose, for aesthetic or functional reasons or a combination of both [3].

How is rhinoplasty performed?

The rhinoplasty procedure begins in a similar way to a septoplasty, namely with a thorough consultation and, depending on the particularities of your case, a series of tests and investigations. In this case too, the doctor will carefully assess the shape, size and structure of your nose, provide you with information on pre-operative preparations, potential side effects, results to expect and the price of the operation.

If you decide to schedule the procedure, you will be given local or general anesthesia, depending on your doctor's recommendation and the specifics of your case. Once you are anesthetized, the doctor will make a small incision, either inside the nose or in the lower part of the nose, separating the nostrils. Through this incision, the surgeon will have access to the bone and cartilage, which he or she will reshape with special instruments. Reshaping may involve:

• nose reduction or enlargement - Bone and cartilage can be reduced or reshaped to make the nose smaller or larger;
• changing the shape of the nose - The bridge of the nose can be reduced or raised and the tip of the nose can be reshaped to create a more harmonious shape;
• septum deviation correction - If a deviated nasal septum or other structural problems are present, they can be corrected during rhinoplasty to improve breathing [3].

Results and recovery

Immediately after surgery, your nose will be bandaged and you may have a splint for support. Swelling and bruising around the eyes is common in the first few days, but will begin to reduce within a week. It is important to avoid strenuous physical activity for a few weeks and to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Most patients return to normal activities after about two weeks.

The final results of rhinoplasty will be seen after the swelling has completely subsided, usually within 6-12 months. Most patients are satisfied with the more harmonious and balanced appearance of their nose after rhinoplasty, especially if they have had a experienced surgeon [3]!

Which type of intervention is right for you?

The decision between septal deviation surgery and rhinoplasty should only be made after a consultation with a medical specialist! Only a professional can properly assess the nasal structure to identify functional or aesthetic problems that require intervention. If you have shortness of breath caused by a deviated septum, septoplasty may be the right solution. On the other hand, if you want aesthetic changes to the shape of your nose, rhinoplasty is the right procedure. Often, however, the two procedures can be combined to improve both the functionality and the appearance of the nose (rhinostoplasty). Talk openly with your doctor about your expectations and concerns to determine together which is the best treatment option [4]!

The team of highly experienced doctors from Cronos Med is always ready to offer solutions tailored to your needs and expectations. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists and discover the ideal procedure to achieve your health and beauty goals!

Source:

[1] "Deviated Septum-Deviated Septum - Symptoms & Causes - Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic, 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deviated-septum/symptoms-causes/syc-20351710. Accessed on May 17, 2024.

[2] "Septoplasty - Mayo Clinic." Mayoclinic.org, 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/about/pac-20384670. Accessed on May 17, 2024.

[3] "Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): Surgery, Recovery, before & After." Cleveland Clinic, 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11011-rhinoplasty. Accessed on May 17, 2024.

[4] "Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Difference | Otolaryngology | Head and Neck Surgery." Ucsf.edu, 2022, ohns.ucsf.edu/facialplastics/rhinoplasty-and-septoplasty-difference. Accessed on May 17, 2024.