What is Septo-Rhinoplasty and Do I Need One?

Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are two different things, but that hasn’t stopped them from becoming conflated in the public imagination. Part of this is because of a perceived stigma associated with rhinoplasty that causes many people to describe this cosmetic procedure as something else, as if medical necessity were somehow more important than emotional meaning.

A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to reshape the nose, creating a more pleasing appearance. Although most people associate rhinoplasty with elective or cosmetic enhancement, the procedure may also be performed as a corrective measure following trauma or disease. Although both rhinoplasty and septoplasty can reshape the inside of the nose, rhinoplasty is primarily concerned with the outside.

Septoplasty is a procedure that ams to correct a deviated septum. Although deviated septums can arise later in life due to an injury or disease, the vast majority of these are congenital: they are present at birth and may worsen with time. Septal surgery, or septoplasty, realigns the nasal septum, creating a more symmetrical airway.

So why would you need to get a procedure such as a septo-rhinoplasty, which is both at the same time? The name is a bit misleading, as every procedure involves a combination of cosmetic skill and medical precision. But a true septo-rhinoplasty is more intensive than either is alone, and typically requires the cooperative efforts of a sinus surgeon and a facial cosmetic surgeon.

At the Los Angeles Sinus Institute, I work often with a cosmetic surgeon named Dr. Carlo Honrado, who assists me with complex sinus surgery cases to ensure that each patient’s beauty and overall cosmetic appearance is considered throughout. (I often assist him as well, offering expert consultation on the internal structures of the face.)

Pages like this one offer a first-person look at procedures like these, giving curious patients a chance to pursue the experiences of others. Sample quote:

So far I am completely over the moon! It’s a very subtle difference and I think most people won’t be able to tell. My nose was more hooked from the side and front view was very crooked. Now it’s exactly what I was hoping for and I am so excited to see how it looks once the swelling resolves!

To make an appointment and learn more about your options for septoplasty and rhinoplasty in LA, please contact us today.