Many of us look in the mirror and notice something about our nose we’d like to change. Maybe it’s a bump on the bridge or a tip that feels too wide. But for others, the nose is a source of frustration for a completely different reason: they just can’t breathe through it properly.
When you struggle with both form and function—hating the shape of your nose while also fighting chronic congestion—you might think you need two separate surgeries. Fortunately, there is a procedure that tackles both issues at once. It’s called septorhinoplasty.
What is Septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty is a combination of two distinct surgeries: a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty.
- Septoplasty: This procedure corrects a deviated septum. The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nose into two nostrils. When it’s crooked or displaced (deviated), it blocks airflow, leading to chronic stuffiness, snoring, and even sleep apnea.
- Rhinoplasty: Commonly known as a “nose job,” this surgery focuses on the external appearance of the nose. It reshapes the bone and cartilage to improve symmetry, size, and proportion.
By performing these together, a surgeon can straighten the internal structure to help you breathe freely while simultaneously refining the external shape to boost your confidence.
The Dual Benefits: Medical and Aesthetic
The primary advantage of septorhinoplasty is efficiency. You undergo anesthesia once and have a single recovery period, yet you solve two significant problems.
Improving Function (Breathing)
For patients with a severe deviated septum, life often involves mouth breathing, poor sleep quality, and frequent sinus infections. Correcting the septum opens up the nasal passages. Patients often describe the result as life-changing, finally experiencing what it feels like to take a full, unobstructed breath through their nose.
Enhancing Appearance (Aesthetics)
While the surgeon is fixing the internal deviation, they can address cosmetic concerns. This might involve:
- Smoothing out a dorsal hump on the bridge.
- Refining a bulbous or drooping tip.
- Straightening a crooked nose (which is often caused by the deviated septum itself).
The Procedure and Recovery
The surgery typically takes between one to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Because it is an outpatient procedure, most patients go home the same day.
Recovery is a gradual process. You can expect some swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose for the first week or two. Most people feel ready to return to work or school after about 10 days. While you will see immediate improvements in shape once the bandages come off, it can take up to a year for all minor swelling to fully resolve and the final contour to settle.
Is It Right for You?
If you find yourself constantly reaching for nasal spray just to breathe, and you also feel self-conscious about your profile, septorhinoplasty might be the ideal solution. It bridges the gap between medical necessity and cosmetic desire, proving that you don’t have to choose between looking good and feeling good.
Book a consultation to get started, we can evaluate your internal nasal structure and discuss your aesthetic goals to create a plan tailored to you.
