Rhinoplasty and septoplasty may seem like similar procedures as they both involve improving the nose. However, you achieve different goals with septoplasty vs. rhinoplasty:
- A septoplasty improves functional issues by fixing a deviated or crooked septum or other structural irregularities.
- The primary purpose of rhinoplasty is to make the nose more aesthetically pleasing, although the procedure can sometimes improve breathing issues.
Before you discuss your nose concerns with your plastic surgeon, it’s helpful to understand what each procedure accomplishes.
How Does Rhinoplasty Work?
During rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, your plastic surgeon makes incisions between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty) or inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) to remodel the bone and cartilage under the skin. After discussing your goals and examining your nose, I will recommend the best technique suited to your needs.
Most people take 7 to 10 days off work to recover after the surgery and start seeing results about 3 weeks after the procedure as the swelling recedes.
What Concerns Can Rhinoplasty Improve?
Rhinoplasty can address the following concerns so your nose will look more proportionate to the rest of your features.
- A too-large or too-small nose
- A crooked, twisted, or misshapen nose
- A bulbous, droopy, or too-thick nasal tip
- A bump or hump on the nasal bridge
The procedure can also address concerns with your nostrils, from nostrils that are too small or too large to nostrils that are asymmetrical.
What Is a Septoplasty Procedure Like?
Septoplasty treats structural issues with the nose’s septum, the structure made of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passages. Typically, a deviated septum occurs after an injury to the nose or due to a genetic condition. A deviated septum can cause obstructed breathing, frequent nosebleeds or sinus infections, and other issues.
Both rhinoplasty and septoplasty are performed under general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure. Unlike rhinoplasty, however, there is usually no need for an external incision. Instead, I make incisions inside the nose, lifting the membrane from the septum and straightening the cartilage and bone inside the nose.
Once the procedure is complete, your airways should be unobstructed and your breathing should improve. You can learn more about the septoplasty procedure and recovery in our related blog post.
Do I Need a Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, or Both?
You don’t necessarily need to choose between a rhinoplasty vs. a septoplasty. If you have aesthetic and functional concerns that you want to improve, your surgeon can combine elements of septoplasty and rhinoplasty in one procedure. A board-certified and experienced facial plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist-ENT surgeon can improve the inner structures of the nose for better breathing and refine the external appearance of your nose during the same procedure.
However, if you only want to improve the appearance of your nose, a rhinoplasty should suffice.
Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty Cost
When comparing costs, RealSelf reports that rhinoplasty costs $3,229 to $20,000 on average and is usually not covered by insurance, as it is primarily cosmetic. In contrast, septoplasty may cost between $3,000 and $22,000 and is frequently covered by insurance. If both procedures are performed together, the combined cost may be higher but could be more economical than undergoing them separately. Please note that we do not accept insurance at our San Francisco practice.
Determining Which Is Right for You
Deciding on rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or both can be a difficult decision. I will work with you to identify the best treatment option for your concerns. You can see more of my rhinoplasty patients’ results in our photo gallery.
To learn more about the benefits of rhinoplasty and septoplasty, request a consultation or call us at (415) 441-1888 to schedule an appointment.
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