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Restore SD Plastic Surgery»Blog » Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?

Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?

Published September 30, 2024 by Dr. Janet Chao
Woman at rhinoplasty consultation with plastic surgeon
  • What is Rhinoplasty?
  • What is Septoplasty?
  • Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty Comparison
  • Can Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Be Combined?
  • Which Procedure Is Right for You?

If you’re considering nasal surgery in San Diego or La Jolla, you may be wondering about the differences between rhinoplasty and septoplasty. While both surgeries involve the nose, they serve different purposes. In this blog post, our very own facial palstic surgeon Dr. Janet Chao will help you understand the key distinctions and provide insight into which procedure may be best suited for your needs. Whether you’re seeking a rhinoplasty specialist in San Diego or a septoplasty surgeon, understanding these two procedures can help you make an informed decision.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty—also known as a “nose job”—is a popular cosmetic surgery that reshapes the nose. Many patients in San Diego and La Jolla seek rhinoplasty to enhance their facial appearance or address breathing issues caused by structural problems in the nose.

  • Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes the shape, size, or proportions of your nose to improve your overall appearance. Common requests include reducing a dorsal hump, refining the nasal tip, or narrowing wide nostrils.
  • Functional Rhinoplasty: This type of rhinoplasty improves both the appearance and function of the nose. If you experience difficulty breathing due to the structure of your nose, a functional rhinoplasty may help.
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What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgery that corrects a deviated septum. The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils, and when it’s misaligned, it can cause breathing problems and nasal obstruction. Many patients in San Diego who suffer from chronic nasal congestion or frequent sinus infections seek septoplasty surgery to improve their breathing.

  • Primary Goal: Septoplasty aims to straighten the septum to allow for better airflow through the nostrils. Unlike rhinoplasty, septoplasty focuses solely on function and does not change the external appearance of the nose.

A Key Consideration Before Septoplasty

If you’re thinking about septoplasty, it’s essential to consider whether you might want a rhinoplasty in the future. During septoplasty, septal cartilage is often removed or repositioned to improve airflow. However, this septal cartilage is a primary donor site for cartilage grafts used in rhinoplasty.

If you undergo septoplasty first, and later decide you want rhinoplasty, there may be less septal cartilage available for grafting, which could require cartilage from your ear or rib. This can increase recovery time and costs for your future surgery. For patients interested in both procedures, combining them into a septorhinoplasty is often a smart choice, allowing both functional and cosmetic concerns to be addressed at once.

Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty Comparison

Rhinoplasty vs Septoplasty infographic from Restore SD Plastic Surgery in San Diego

For patients interested in both procedures, combining them into a septorhinoplasty is often a smart choice, allowing both functional and cosmetic concerns to be addressed at once.

Can Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Be Combined?

Yes, rhinoplasty and septoplasty can be combined in what is known as a septorhinoplasty. This is especially popular in San Diego and La Jolla for patients who want to address both functional and cosmetic issues in a single surgery. With a septorhinoplasty, you’ll undergo one surgery, have one recovery period, and enjoy the benefits of both improved breathing and an enhanced nasal appearance.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

  • Rhinoplasty is ideal if you want to improve the appearance of your nose, whether for cosmetic or functional reasons.
  • Septoplasty is best if you’re only looking to improve your breathing due to a deviated septum.
  • Septorhinoplasty is the preferred option if you want to address both cosmetic and functional issues in a single procedure.

If you’re unsure which procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Janet Chao to discuss your options. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery in San Diego, Dr. Chao specializes in both rhinoplasty and septoplasty and can help guide you toward the right choice for your goals.

Dr. Janet Chao
Female San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Chao’s elite facial plastic surgery training and remarkable attention to detail offers patients safe, natural-looking results. She will work closely with you to understand your goals and concerns to bring your aesthetic vision to life.

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Understanding the differences between rhinoplasty and septoplasty is crucial for anyone considering nasal surgery. If you’re interested in improving your breathing or the appearance of your nose, consider your future needs and how these procedures may work together. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we offer personalized care to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome, whether you’re looking for a simple septoplasty or a more complex rhinoplasty in San Diego or La Jolla. For more information or to schedule your consultation, contact Dr. Janet Chao at Restore SD Plastic Surgery.

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