Septoplasty & Septorhinoplasty

Septoplasty & Septorhinoplasty

What is septoplasty?

When medical management isn't enough to alleviate your nasal symptoms, you might consider a surgical procedure known as Septoplasty. This procedure involves the meticulous straightening and repositioning of your nasal septum.

The level of improvement you can expect is directly related to the severity of your septum deviation. Complete relief from symptoms like nasal obstruction is possible. However, it's important to note that Septoplasty alone cannot cure other nasal or sinus conditions affecting your nose, such as allergies.

What is septorhinoplasty?

When your external nasal structure contributes to nasal obstruction and septal deviation, a procedure known as septorhinoplasty may be necessary. This involves modifying both the internal and external bones and cartilages of your nose to change its shape or size.

The term rhinoplasty means to reshape the nose, and colloquially the term “nose job” is used to describe a rhinoplasty for cosmetic purposes.

The term septorhinoplasty indicates that the surgery is done for functional reasons, to reshape or reconstruct any deformity of the external structure of your nose AND your nasal septum to improve your breathing.

It may also be called a functional septorhinoplasty, functional rhinoplasty, or rhinoseptoplasty.

How do I know if I need a septoplasty or septorhinoplasty?

Dr Valerie Tay will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms, examine your nose and perform a Flexible Nasoendoscopy - a flexible camera tube to take a close look inside your nose. With years of experience performing these surgeries, she will advise if you have any deformity or deviation of your nasal structure and septum that contribute to your nasal obstruction, and which operation will be suitable for you.

If you have frequent blocked nose along with a crooked nose, or if you have deformities of the nose from previous trauma or injury, it is likely that you will need a septorhinoplasty.

How long is the recovery after a septorhinoplasty?

The recovery period after a functional rhinoplasty is generally quick, often taking about 2 to 3 weeks. Typically, an external splint will be placed on your nose to protect it during the first week after the surgery.

You should be able to return to work after 1-2 weeks. During this period, you will experience some swelling and bruising, most of which will resolve within the first month.

The mild residual swelling will continue to reduce over the next 2-6 months, and your nose will appear more refined with time.