Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty: Which Is Better?

What is Septoplasty?

The septoplasty is a specific kind of surgery that is done to treat a deviated septum. Septum is defined as the cartilage and or bone that forms a divide between the two nostrils of the nose.

A deviated septum is a condition where the septum is not aligned in the middle of the nostrils and it hampers free breathing through the nose. This can manifest in noisy snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic congestion or other breathing issues. Septoplasty is surgery performed to correct this problem for enhancing nasal breathing.

In septoplasty operations, the surgeon opens a cut on the septum and then removes or repositions the damaged tissue to correct the septum. This operation is carried out under local or general anesthesia and the majority of patients can be discharge the same day.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is carried out with an aim of enhancing the shape of the nose. This can mean altering the size, shape or position of the nasal structure to improve the looks of the face. Some of the most typical reasons people opt for rhinoplasty are presence of a hump on the nasal bridge, crooked nose, or large or small nose size. Sometimes it is done in combination with another procedure, for example chin surgery to achieve better results.

In a nose job, the cosmetic surgeon decides where to make the cuts; either within the nostrils or the skin that separates the two nostrils- the columella. They then reconstruct the nasal bone and cartilage to one that they consider appropriate. The procedure can be performed either local or under general anaesthesia.

Benefits of Septoplasty

• Improved breathing: Among all the positive outcomes of the surgery, it is crucial to highlight the enhanced quality of breathing through the nose after septoplasty. It has the capacity in performing a septoplasty that can help to correct the position of the septum and at the same time, it unblocks the nasal passages so the patient does not have to breathe through the mouth always.
• Reduced snoring: Septoplasty can also minimize or completely stop snoring since it addresses the problem of breathing through the nose.
• Reduced sinus infections: A deviated septum may lead to blockage of the sinuses; therefore, the person experiences sinus infection frequently. These infections may be minimized by the operation because it aids the drainage of sinuses.
• Improved sleep quality: Nasal breathing and less snoring at night are some of the ways through which the health of a person is improved since they get better sleep.
• Improved sense of smell: The deviation of the septum can also cause the loss of smell; however, septoplasty will be very useful since it will improve the freedom of airways.
• Improved physical activity: Enhancement of the breathing process also result to better movement and performance when it comes to physical exertion especially among those into sporting activities.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

• Improved appearance: Rhino plasty surgery aims at altering the shape and size of the nose and thus can make a significant difference in the facial aesthetics.
• Increased self-confidence: A better appearance of the nose will boost the morale of the patient and self-esteem since they will be satisfied with the symmetry of the nose, or the elimination of any issue the patient might have had with their nose.
• Improved breathing: Such surgeries as the rhinoplasty surgery can help to fix the defects around the nasal passage which helps in respiration and solving issues with snoring.
• Correcting a birth defect: Rhinoplasty can straighten the nose if it has been shaped in a way during birth like a cleft palate or if the septum is deviated.
• Correcting injuries: Rhinoplasty is very effective in fixing an injury to the nose including a broken nose because it helps to re-establish its form and function.
• Reshaping the nose after previous surgery: Rhinoplasty is used to treat or enhance the outcome of previous surgery on the nose.

Septoplasty Recovery

Healing for this functional nose surgery usually takes one to two weeks and this is because there will be some swelling and discomfort. Here, the patient is advised on how to take care of the nose by the surgeon after the surgery has been conducted. Some of these could be taking a pain relief, applying ice to the area, lifting your head up high and avoiding activities that cause stress on the area.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

The estimated time to recover fully from a cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery may take some time depending on the extent to which the surgery has been conducted. After the procedure, most patients of rhinoplasty are capable of looking forward to have some degree of puffiness and bruising for about a few weeks. Like in septoplasty, the surgeon helps you understand how to avoid injuring yourself in the first weeks after the surgery, diet and activity restrictions included.

The risks and complications of septoplasty

• Bleeding: During and after the surgery, some bleeding is common. In rare cases, it can be severe and require further medical intervention.
• Infection: Infection is a risk associated with any surgical procedure. Antibiotics are often prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.
• Changes in the shape of the nose: Septoplasty may cause changes in the appearance of the nose.
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia: Anesthesia is used during the procedure, and there is a risk of allergic reaction or other complications.

The risks and complications of rhinoplasty

• Swelling and bruising: Mild swelling and bruising are common after rhinoplasty and can take several weeks to subside.
• Infection: Infection is a risk associated with any surgical procedure.
• Numbness: Numbness around the nose and upper lip is common after rhinoplasty.
• Breathing difficulties: In some cases, rhinoplasty can cause breathing difficulties.

It is important to discuss the risks and complications associated with septoplasty and rhinoplasty with a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon before undergoing these procedures.