Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty

Key Differences Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

Are you considering a nose job but unsure what procedure is right for you? What are the differences between a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty?

Both rhinoplasty and septoplasty are surgical procedures involving the nose. Septoplasty is a type of rhinoplasty, but that’s where the similarities end. Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are different in purpose, cost, and more.

Below are the key differences between rhinoplasty and septoplasty to help you decide which procedure is right for your nose job.

Purpose

While both procedures are designed to improve the nose, rhinoplasty and septoplasty are completed for different reasons. Rhinoplasty is performed to improve the nose and create a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing face. This procedure is the typical nose job done to correct nose angle, adjust shape and size, correct a nasal hump, or other cosmetic improvements.

A septoplasty isn’t a nose surgery for aesthetic improvements. Instead, this procedure is done to improve breathing and nasal function. Septoplasty is performed for people who have a deviated septum which is when the thin wall of cartilage between your two nasal passages is off-center.

A deviated septum can be caused by past injuries or a condition present at birth. While rhinoplasty can be performed for a long list of aesthetic improvements and adjustments, septoplasty is specific to the correction of a deviated septum. 

Procedure

Due to the difference in purpose for rhinoplasty and septoplasty, the procedures for each will also look different. The rhinoplasty procedure is dependent on the type of corrections you want for your nose. These corrections could mean modification to cartilage and bone with incisions in the nose or on the columella, the skin separating the nostrils.

In a septoplasty procedure, the incision is generally in the nasal cavity. However, it may be necessary for more severe deviated septum cases to have an incision on the columella. Septoplasty involves straightening the septum by repositioning or replacing the bone and cartilage.

Recovery

Rhinoplasty recovery and Septoplasty recovery are also different from each other. Swelling and healing from rhinoplasty can take up to a year to completely resolve, but much of the swelling and bruising improve drastically within the first few weeks. The swelling that takes a year to heal is often very minimal and nearly invisible.

Septoplasty recovery is often shorter. Most swelling is gone by the first few days, and any lingering bruising is healed within three months. 

While the timeline for recovery looks different for rhinoplasty and septoplasty, both recovery periods look similar. Patients should avoid rubbing, touching, or blowing their noses. Avoid showers, sleeping on the face, and places with a lot of smoke.

Whether you get rhinoplasty or septoplasty, you can get back to everyday life and work within a week or two.

Cost

Due to the differences in procedure, rhinoplasty and septoplasty will have different costs. The costs of both procedures vary based on specific needs. Rhinoplasty costs range from $4,500 to $9,000. Septoplasty typically costs around $4,000 to $6,000 and is covered by insurance.

Are you considering rhinoplasty or septoplasty and want a deeper understanding? Below are more specifics on each procedure, including benefits, costs, recovery, and ideal candidates.

Rhinoplasty

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also referred to as a nose job, is a procedure to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nose. This procedure involves creating a balance between the nose and the rest of the face by improving symmetry. Rhinoplasty is a procedure that can help improve confidence.

The nose is a major part of the face, and if you have a nasal deformity or other irregularity, it can be hard to cover up. If you want to improve your facial appearance aesthetic by correcting your nose, rhinoplasty is the right procedure for you. Whether you wish to improve the nose you’ve had since birth or correct an alteration caused by an injury, rhinoplasty may be right for you.

There are many types of rhinoplasty, including:

Dr. Castellano at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery can perform all of these rhinoplasties in Tampa. He can help you achieve the appearance you’ve always wanted.

Rhinoplasty Benefits

There are many reasons you may consider getting a rhinoplasty. This procedure can help improve a wide range of aesthetical problems. Below are some of the top benefits of this procedure.

  • Reduce nasal tip
  • Correct bridge
  • Create facial balance and harmony
  • Reshape nostrils
  • Correct a broken nose

Rhinoplasty before and after pictures show the beautiful results that you can get with rhinoplasty no matter what aesthetic improvements you need for your nose.

Rhinoplasty Cost

The complexity of your procedure will determine the cost of the rhinoplasty. Typical rhinoplasty procedures cost around $4,500 to $9,000. To get a more accurate estimate for your specific rhinoplasty needs, schedule a consultation with your rhinoplasty surgeon.

Dr. Dominic Castellano is double board-certified and is an expert in performing rhinoplasties. When you meet with Dr. Dominic, he will help determine the best type of rhinoplasty for your needs and desires. All of his procedures are unique to each patient, so you’ll always get your desired results.

At Elite Facial Plastic Surgery, consultations are low-stress and completely free.

Rhinoplasty Procedure

Your procedure can either be an open rhinoplasty or a closed rhinoplasty. The difference between these options is where the incision is made on the nose. Open rhinoplasty is when the incision is made on the columella, which is the tissue that separates the nostrils.

Closed rhinoplasty is when an incision is made within the nostrils. Both rhinoplasty procedures will lead to your desired result, but a closed rhinoplasty may have faster recovery time, and an open rhinoplasty allows for more precision.

The rhinoplasty procedure includes a modification to the nasal bone and cartilage. This may include removing or adding bone, cartilage, or tissue. Depending on why you want a rhinoplasty, whether you want to correct your nose’s bridge or reduce your nasal tip, the procedure will change accordingly.

For a more accurate estimate of what your rhinoplasty procedure will include, schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon. 

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Much like the cost and procedure, your rhinoplasty recovery will depend on the type of rhinoplasty you need. However, the first week after your rhinoplasty, you’ll experience bloody discharge from your nostrils, and you’ll experience some soreness. Rest is vital during these first few days after your procedure.

Within the first month, you should see the majority of the swelling and bruising subside. By month two, you’ll when your face should look fully healed, although some residual swelling may last for an entire year.

Good Candidates for Rhinoplasty

While rhinoplasty is a great procedure for anyone who wants to improve their nose’s appearance and create facial harmony, some characteristics mark the best candidate for rhinoplasty. You’re a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you’re unhappy with your current nose, don’t have any serious medical conditions, are age 18 or older, and are prepared to focus on recovery.

Septoplasty

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a procedure that corrects a deviated septum. A deviated septum is when the bone and cartilage between the nasal passages is crooked which often makes it difficult to breathe and causes frequent sinus infections. This procedure straightens the bone and cartilage of the septum.

This nose surgery isn’t done for aesthetic correction. If you’re interested in improving your facial harmony by improving your nose’s appearance, rhinoplasty is a better option for you.

Septoplasty Benefits

The main benefit of septoplasty is the improvement of breathing. With a deviated septum, one nostril is often blocked, and the air is restricted. This procedure will greatly improve quality of life by improving the ability to breathe.

Septoplasty will also reduce any of the symptoms brought on by having a deviated septum. These include sinus infections, nose bleeds, snoring, sleep apnea, nasal pressure, and headaches. 

Septoplasty Cost

The cost of septoplasty is based on the complexity of the procedure you’ll need to correct your deviated septum. Septoplasty typically costs around $3,000 to $6,000. This often doesn’t include the cost of the operating room or prescriptions.

For a more accurate estimate for your septoplasty, schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Dr. Dominic Castellano is an expert in all types of rhinoplasties, including septoplasties. Schedule a free consultation at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery to determine the right procedure for your specific needs.

Septoplasty Procedure

During the septoplasty procedure, the mucosal lining, bones, or cartilage involved in the deviated septum will be removed. The septum is then reinserted in the right position, and the mucosal lining is put back. The incision is often made within the nose, so there is no visible scarring.

Septoplasty Recovery

Immediately following your septoplasty, you may experience swelling, blood drainage from the nose, and tenderness. Most of the swelling will be healed within two to five days, but it could take up to three months for any residual swelling to heal. After septoplasty, you can return to work and normal life within a week or two, but you should continue to avoid any strenuous activity.

Am I a Good Candidate for Septoplasty?

If you have a deviated septum, you’re a good candidate for septoplasty. A good candidate for septoplasty has bothersome symptoms such as snoring, difficulty breathing, nose bleeds, headaches, or frequent congestion. If you need a septoplasty to correct your deviated septum, contact Elite Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule a free consultation.

Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty: Which Is Right For You?

If you are looking to improve the balance of your face and want a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, a rhinoplasty is the option you will want to choose. If you are having difficulty breathing or suffer from frequent nose bleeds, snoring, or other symptoms, a septoplasty is the better choice.

Whether you need a rhinoplasty or septoplasty, Dr. Dominic at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery is the experienced plastic surgeon you can trust with your aesthetic improvement or septum correction.

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