Does the appearance of your nose lower your self-esteem? Or perhaps you are already planning to have a nose job. Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are the most common cosmetic surgery treatments for your nose. However, how will you know which of these procedures are right for you? Read further to learn more about the differences between septoplasty vs rhinoplasty.
Both surgical procedures are necessary to fix any anomalies on your nose. However, each can have very different goals. Before moving forward with your decision, let us look at the various aspects of these procedures. In this article, we will discuss how both surgical procedures are essential in improving your nasal structure and which surgery would fit your needs.
What Is Septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a surgical technique that focuses on the functional areas of your nose. These are particular medical concerns, such as nasal obstructions, which can lead to breathing problems.
Surgeons often suggest a septoplasty procedure for those who have a crooked nose or a deviated septum. There are many reasons how a person develops a deviated septum. Aside from heredity and natural causes, the nasal septum can be a subject of physical trauma, which causes a person to end up with a crooked nose. If you think your nose has a structural blockage that causes difficulties in your ability to breathe, you might be a candidate for septoplasty.
During a septoplasty procedure, your surgeon may perform different surgical techniques. It depends on the complexity of your deviated septum whether you will undergo an open or closed surgery. For minor concerns, your surgeon will perform a closed operation. It involves small incisions which will enter your nose’s inner lining to allow access to the cartilage and bones.
On the other hand, an open surgery means your surgeon will perform an invasive operation on your nose. Your nasal septum will undergo some repositioning and trimming or complete removal if necessary.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
A nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, focuses on the external aspect of your nose. It is a standard cosmetic treatment that allows patients to change their noses’ size, shape, and overall appearance. If you happen to have any of the following concerns, a rhinoplasty is what you need.
- Asymmetrical nose structure
- Humps or depressions along the nasal bridge
- Droopy and enlarged nasal tip
- Protruding nostrils
- Wide or flared nostrils
Like a septoplasty, a cosmetic surgeon can also perform a rhinoplasty either with an open or closed operation. An open procedure is perfect for an intensive nose job or total nose reconstruction. However, it can cause minimal scarring, which will fade depending on your body’s healing and recovery process. A closed rhinoplasty is for minor surgeries that would not need external incisions.
Since every patient has various cosmetic concerns, it is essential to know that each rhinoplasty procedure is different. Your surgeon will be the one to provide you with the necessary treatment options that may involve the grafting and trimming of your nasal cartilage.
Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty: Knowing the Difference
You might come across this article because you are considering having a nose job. Whether it is a functional or an aesthetic concern, understanding the differences between a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty procedure is essential. Having enough knowledge about each method can help you choose which treatment is best for your needs.
Choosing whether to go for a septoplasty or a rhinoplasty is not as easy as it seems to be. It is essential to talk to a specialist or a surgeon that can help you address your concerns. Experts from Refine Cosmetic Clinic have the knowledge and experience when it comes to nasal surgeries.
There are possibilities that both surgical procedures are necessary. If you happen to have a crooked nose and a deviated septum that affects your breathing, your surgeon might require a septoplasty with rhinoplasty. Through this treatment plan, you can correct both aesthetic and functional concerns.
What Should I Expect During The Procedure?
Both procedures require the use of general anaesthesia. However, it is within your surgeon’s discretion whether to allow local anaesthetics for close surgeries and other minor treatments.- You can expect your surgeon to place some stitches and splints at the end of the procedure. These will serve as your nose’s guide until it can fully recover.
- The surgery will take less than three hours. However, some procedures can also exceed this timeframe depending on the number of concerns during the surgery.
Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty: Aftercare Tips
- After a successful procedure, you will be allowed to return home on the same day. Both surgeries are outpatient procedures that will not require you to stay in the clinic overnight. However, your doctor will need you to have follow-up visits to assess the results and assist throughout your healing progress.
- Your doctor will provide you the necessary aftercare reminders. They will also discuss what you need to avoid and what to do so that your healing will become faster. Be sure to follow these reminders and note what usually happens and what to do for an emergency concern.
- It is essential to prepare some time off regardless of whether you will undergo a septoplasty, a rhinoplasty, or both. These procedures will take a while to recover, and you will need to have some time away from work until your body fully heals. Swelling and bleeding will usually resolve within the first few days but could take up to weeks, depending on your body’s progress.
If you’d like more details on septoplasty vs rhinoplasty, call us today for a consultation!