What Is The Difference Between Rhinoplasty And Septoplasty?

Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty

Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are plastic surgery procedures that involve the nose. Rhinoplasty is more focused on the aesthetic appearance of the nose. Septoplasty, on the other hand, deals with the internal structure of the nose, such as breathing concerns. The two types of surgery are often combined for optimizing the form and function of the nose.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.

Nose Needs Both Form and Function

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty or a nose job is a surgical procedure that enhances the outward appearance of the nose or the external aesthetics. It involves reshaping a crooked nose or reducing the size of a large nose to make it proportionate to the face.

The bridge, tip, and rotation of the nose come into play when creating a customized rhinoplasty solution. The procedure addresses naturally occurring changes in the nose because of aging. For instance, rhinoplasty can address the shifts in cartilage which may make the nose grow.

The surgeon, during a nose job, will use tiny incisions for raising the nasal tissue. They will use this to access underlying cartilage and bones. They will then painstakingly manipulate the cartilage, bone structure and skin tissue for reshaping the nose to achieve facial symmetry.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is performed on the inside of the nose. It is used for correcting structural defects, such as a deviated septum. Septum refers to the section of the bone dividing the nostrils. Deviated septum can make it difficult to breathe. Septoplasty is performed for repositioning or straightening the nasal septum for making the nose function as it is supposed to.

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty overlap within the realm of cosmetic surgery in two ways:

• Patient looking for rhinoplasty may have a septum issue that needs to be addressed at the time of external enhancement
• The nose may require manipulation of the shape and size in such a way that septum becomes an issue later on

It’s critical to improve both function and form at the same time. Septoplasty and rhinoplasty complement each other by providing renewed function and form. Rhinoplasty is essentially about how your nose appears.

The surgery is performed to:

• Change the width of the nasal bridge
• Reduce nose size
• Straighten a crooked nose
• Make the nose appear more symmetrical
• Improve the shape and size of the nasal tip
• Remove a depression or bump on the bridge
• Correct the shape, size, and position of the nostrils

Septoplasty, on the other hand, is more about nose function. The emphasis of the procedure is on correcting a deviated septum. Misaligned septum can make breathing difficult by blocking one or both the nostrils. This can lead to recurring sinus infections and frequent nosebleeds. An off-balance septum can also have a significant impact on the way you look.

This is one of the major reasons why rhinoplasty is combined with septoplasty. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

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