A septoplasty is a medical procedure that straightens the septum of the nose. The septum divides the nose into two halves \u2014 it\u2019s like a flat wall made of bone and cartilage. Ideally, we want a straight septum, but the septum can be crooked to one side and result in sinus problems.<\/p>\n
A straight midline septum allows for smooth airflow in our nostrils, but a crooked septum can cause turbulence. Think of it like the airflow around an airplane. \u201cLaminar\u201d is a smooth airflow we all want when we\u2019re flying. Turbulent airflow means the air moves in a circular motion and makes for a bumpy ride. In the nose, turbulence causes drying currents and breathing difficulties. This turbulence also creates snoring issues. Many people who get their septum straightened have a smoother \u201claminar\u201d airflow. They snore less, breathe better, and the sinuses work as they should.<\/p>\n
A septoplasty allows us to straighten the septum to improve the function of the sinuses. It\u2019s done through a small incision in the front of the nose with minimal removal of bone and cartilage.<\/p>\n
This is the cosmetic procedure that allows us to change the external appearance of the nose. When someone wants to correct the hump, crookedness, or visible injury on their nose, we elect to use a rhinoplasty. This surgery on the outside of the nose can involve changing the shape of the cartilage at the tip of the nose or changing the nasal bones. Essentially, it\u2019s a conservative re-breaking of the nose.<\/p>\n
The primary difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty is the purpose. A septoplasty is a functional procedure while a rhinoplasty is cosmetic, but there is some crossover.<\/p>\n
These procedures can complement each other well. To get a good result on the rhinoplasty, some patients need to have the septum straightened as well. There\u2019s an old saying that may make more sense once you understand the septum: \u201cAs the septum goes, so goes the nose.\u201d<\/p>\n
Essentially, straightening the septum inside helps the surgeon better straighten the outside as well. If the septum is crooked, the outside will be crooked. But that isn\u2019t always the entire problem with the outside. You may need to remove a small hump, realign the bones of the outer nose, or work on the cartilages on the tip of the nose. But a key part of this procedure is first straightening the septum \u2014 which makes it logical to do these procedures together.<\/p>\n
A patient may opt not to have a septoplasty and rhinoplasty together for a few reasons:<\/p>\n
You can do the septoplasty by itself. If the septum is straight, you could do the rhinoplasty by itself. But if the septum is not straight, a septoplasty should accompany the rhinoplasty.<\/p>\n
Think of it as a home renovation. If you have a solid structure, you can focus on cosmetic updates. But if the subfloor is weak and the walls aren\u2019t plumb, you have to repair the structure before you can move to the decor and paint.<\/p>\n
Generally, a septoplasty is covered by insurance.<\/p>\n
Rhinoplasty procedures tend to not be covered by insurance because it\u2019s considered cosmetic procedure. This can be a hindrance for many patients. While we can do a septoplasty without a rhinoplasty, when a patient has a significant cosmetic deformity, we strongly recommend coupling these procedures together. If there are financial concerns, wait until it\u2019s possible to do them together. If you fix one without the other, it\u2019s never as an ideal of a solution.<\/p>\n
A septoplasty is a relatively quick procedure that takes 30 \u2013 45 minutes.<\/p>\n
Rhinoplasty can take a little longer because of the finesse involved. Even one millimeter can make a difference in the outward appearance. Expect this procedure to last 2-3 hours.<\/p>\n
Splints from a septoplasty are removed 4-6 days after the procedure. Once the splints are removed, the person recovers quickly and can return to work.\u00a0External casts are sometimes placed for rhinoplasty. These are typically removed within 4-6 days as well.<\/p>\n
Expect an office appointment in this 4-6 day time period to remove splints or external casts. At that point, patients can start a saline regimen. For some rhinoplasty patients, we prescribe antibiotics for 7-10 days after the procedures. We also schedule a final follow-up four weeks after the procedure.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re considering a rhinoplasty vs. septoplasty, discuss your best option with our team at Blue Illusion. You may find your best solution will be to have a septoplasty and rhinoplasty together.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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