Rhinoplasty & Septoplasty for Deviated Septum: The Benefits of Surgery
Many people rely on rhinoplasty to reshape the nose and eliminate imperfections such as bumps or indentations on the nasal bridge. While rhinoplasty offers many cosmetic benefits, it can also be combined with septoplasty, which is performed to address a deviated septum.
Facial plastic surgeon David A. Sherris in Buffalo, NY, can perform this combined rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedure to improve breathing as well as the aesthetics of the nose. Let’s review the basics of a deviated septum, why it’s an issue, and how surgery can help.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The septum is a thin piece of cartilage that separates the nostrils, creating two nasal chambers. The septum is supposed to sit in the center of the nose, so both chambers are evenly sized and air can flow freely through both nostrils.
A deviated septum refers to a septum that is off-center, crooked, or uneven. When a deviated septum is severe, it makes one side of the nose much more narrow than the other.
How Do I Know If I Have a Deviated Septum?
Most people do not notice a minor deviated septum because does not cause any issues. A more severe deviated septum can cause breathing problems as well as other issues that impact quality of lie.
The following symptoms may be indicators of a deviated septum:
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Frequent nasal congestion
- Nasal pressure
- Facial pain
- Frequent headaches
- Recurrent nasal infections
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should report them to a doctor. Dr. Sherris can perform a fiber-optic nasal endoscopy to view the nasal passages, determine the position of the septum, and confirm whether or not it is deviated.
Can a Rhinoplasty Alone Correct a Deviated Septum?
No, a rhinoplasty on its own can only change the external appearance of the nasal bridge and other structures of the nose.
Rhinoplasty is predominantly a cosmetic procedure. While a rhinoplasty can be performed reconstructively after an injury or to address a genetic condition, the surgery per se isn’t designed to address the deviated septum.
The Combined Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Surgery
Dr. Sherris can alter the shape of the septum, change the position of the septum, or remove part of the septum. The procedure is customized to eliminate obstructions, improve breathing, and address other complications related to the deviated septum.
Any septal cartilage harvested during the septoplasty can then be used to make aesthetic adjustments during the rhinoplasty.
Why Combine the Two Surgeries?
If patients with a deviated septum want to improve the appearance of their nose, it makes sense to perform the two surgeries at the same time rather than one after the other. A rhinoplasty after a septoplasty is far more complex since the septal cartilage is no longer present. Instead, cartilage grafts will need to be taken from the ear.
Combining the procedures makes the surgical procedure much easier to perform. In addition, patients will not have to undergo and recover from two separate surgical procedures.
The Results and Benefits of the Procedure
Thanks to the combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty procedure, patients can experience:
- Improved breathing
- Quieter breathing during sleep
- Reduction of facial pain
- Improved aesthetic appearance
The rhinoplasty can achieve better overall facial aesthetics, adding greater balance or symmetry to the patient’s facial features.
Contact Us to Set Up a Consultation
To discuss your concerns with Dr. David A. Sherris and determine if you are an ideal rhinoplasty candidate, contact our plastic surgery practice and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.
