Can-rhinoplasty-fix-a-deviated-septum

Can Rhinoplasty Fix a Deviated Septum? Everything You Need to Know

Choosing to address both the function and appearance of your nose is a significant decision. You may be experiencing difficulty breathing due to a septum or wish to improve the external shape of your nose to enhance facial balance and self-confidence. In many cases, patients explore the connection between rhinoplasty ( nose reshaping) and septoplasty (functional correction of the nasal septum).


Understanding the difference between purely functional and purely cosmetic procedures is the first step towards making an decision.


At Real Plastic Surgery, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Mr Naveen Cavale explains how these procedures work and what to consider if you want to correct a deviated septum while refining the appearance of your nose.


A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of and bone your nasal passages sits off-centre. This can narrow one or both airways, making it harder to breathe comfortably through your nose. It’s a common anatomical variation that may develop naturally or as a result of injury.


When the deviation is significant, it can cause more than simple congestion, how you breathe, sleep, and feel day-to-day.


Common symptoms include:


Difficulty breathing: Often worse on one side.


Persistent nasal congestion: A constant feeling of blockage.


Frequent nosebleeds: Caused by dryness and irritation from restricted .


Headaches or facial pain: Pressure within the nasal passages can cause discomfort.


Sleep disturbance: Snoring, mouth breathing, or symptoms of sleep apnoea.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose reshaping or nose job, is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, Fagron Test – Hair Loss size, and proportions of the nose. It can improve facial harmony and address functional issues such as breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities.


Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes around 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case. During surgery, the bone and cartilage that form the nasal framework are refined. This may include adjusting the nasal tip, smoothing a dorsal hump, narrowing wide nasal bones, or correcting asymmetry.


For patients with functional concerns such as nasal obstruction, snoring, or sleep apnoea, rhinoplasty is often combined with septoplasty (straightening the septum) to improve breathing, or with submucosal resection (SMR) to relieve airway blockages.


At Real Surgery, Mr Naveen Cavale specialises in both and functional rhinoplasty, achieving natural, long-lasting results that enhance facial harmony while improving nasal airflow.

Can Rhinoplasty Correct a Deviated Septum?

While rhinoplasty primarily focuses on refining the external appearance of the nose, it can also be combined with internal correction of a deviated septum to improve breathing. When both goals are addressed together in one procedure, it’s known as a septorhinoplasty.


A septorhinoplasty merges the cosmetic benefits of rhinoplasty with the functional advantages of septoplasty, allowing your surgeon to improve both form and function at the same time. The operation straightens the internal septum to restore clear airflow while reshaping the external nose for a balanced, natural result.


At Real Plastic Surgery, Mr Cavale performs septorhinoplasty for patients seeking to correct breathing difficulties, restore nasal symmetry, and achieve a refined, proportionate nasal shape in a single and recovery.


Suggested Guides:

Rhinoplasty vs Septoplasty: What’s the Difference?

The key difference between and septoplasty lies in their purpose: rhinoplasty focuses on enhancing the appearance of the nose, while septoplasty its function. Understanding this distinction helps you and your surgeon decide which approach, or combination, best meets your goals.

Benefits of Combining Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

A combines structural correction of a deviated septum with external refinement of the nose, improving both breathing and appearance in one operation.


Key benefits include:


Improved airflow and breathing: Straightening the septum opens blocked airways, reducing snoring, congestion, and sleep disturbance.


Enhanced facial balance: Correcting both internal deviation and external asymmetry restores a straighter, more harmonious profile.


Single recovery period: Combining the two procedures means one anaesthetic, one operation, and one recovery process.


use of cartilage: Cartilage removed during septoplasty can be repurposed as graft material to support and refine the nasal framework.


Every septorhinoplasty is individualised to your anatomy, goals, and breathing needs. You’ll work closely with Mr Cavale during the planning phase to discuss what you’d like to achieve both and aesthetically.


Preparation is key to a smooth recovery. You’ll detailed pre-operative guidance, which typically includes:


assessment: Routine blood tests and health checks to ensure you’re fit for anaesthetic.


Medication adjustments: Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) and certain supplements in the weeks before surgery.


Smoking cessation: Stopping smoking before surgery supports healing and reduces the risk of complications.


Anaesthetic: The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and lasts around 1.5–3 hours.


Incision: Most septorhinoplasties are performed using the open approach, with a small incision across the columella (skin between the nostrils) providing precise visibility and access.


Septal correction: The nasal lining is gently lifted to straighten and reposition the septum, restoring clear airflow.


Aesthetic refinement: The external nose is reshaped, refining the tip, a hump, or narrowing wide nasal bones as needed.


Closure and support: Dissolvable sutures are used to close incisions. Internal splints support the septum, and an splint protects the nose as it heals.


Most patients go home the same day. Following your aftercare plan carefully helps ensure a smooth recovery and lasting .


Initial recovery: Expect 1–2 weeks off work for rest and healing.


Swelling and bruising: These are normal and peak within the first few days, improving significantly after two weeks. Keeping your head elevated helps reduce swelling.


Splint removal: Usually at around one week post-op.


Final results: Early improvements are visible once swelling settles, but full refinement takes 6–12 months as tissues fully heal.


If you’re improving both the function and appearance of your nose, book a consultation with , Consultant and Reconstructive Surgeon at .


During your consultation, Mr Cavale will assess your anatomy, listen to your goals, and recommend the safest and most effective approach to achieve results that look natural and help you breathe comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the best approach is often a combined septorhinoplasty. This single surgery allows Mr Cavale to straighten the internal septum for better breathing while simultaneously reshaping the nose externally. It ensures you get a beautiful, functional result.


If your only concern is breathing, a septoplasty to straighten the internal wall is enough. If you also want to change the look of your nose, you would need a septorhinoplasty combining the breathing fix with the cosmetic nose job.


Most patients feel well enough to return to work or school after about seven to fourteen days. You'll experience some and bruising during the first two weeks. However, the nose takes a full six to twelve months to settle and show the final result fully.


Yes, but only the part that fixes your breathing. Insurance typically covers the septoplasty (functional part) because it's medically necessary. The rhinoplasty (cosmetic changes) is considered elective and must be paid for out-of-pocket. Always check your specific policy.


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