Are you considering a nose job? If so, you may have come across terms like rhinoplasty and septoplasty and you may be wondering just what they are. The terms nose job and rhinoplasty are often used interchangeably, but they can also include the technique of septoplasty. It can get very confusing, but that’s where it helps to have a qualified surgeon like Dr. Naderi and his team guiding you through the process. Read on to learn more.
What is Septoplasty?
Do you have difficulty breathing? Not periodically like when you have a cold but nearly every day? Do you experience frequent nosebleeds or pain in your nose? If so, you may be a candidate for septoplasty. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the nose to correct a deviated septum.
The septum is the column of cartilage and bone that separates the nose into two nasal cavities, or nostrils. Ideally, the septum is straight and the cavities on either side are of equal size and proportion. For some, the septum is deviated or crooked, which can be congenital or the result of injury. This is referred to as a deviated septum and it can cause obstruction in one or both nostrils, nosebleeds, facial pain, noisy breathing when sleeping, and other unwanted symptoms.
Septoplasty is the surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum. During the surgery, the septum is straightened by adjusting or removing portions of cartilage and bone. The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. While septoplasty is often performed on its own, it can be combined with rhinoplasty for those also seeking cosmetic correction. This is often referred to as septorhinoplasty.
What is Rhinoplasty?
While septoplasty addresses the function of the nose, rhinoplasty is most often performed to improve the appearance of the nose. Individuals may be unhappy with some aspect of their nose that they were born with, such as a hump or bump on the nasal bridge, or with how the nose has changed due to injury or age.
Rhinoplasty can be used to reduce or increase the overall size of the nose, alter the width of the nose, remove humps or depressions, and improve a variety of other concerns such as asymmetry; large, wide or upturned nostrils; or a bulbous, drooping, hooked or upturned tip.
Rhinoplasty can be performed with one of two techniques: open or closed. If there is a lot of work that needs to be done then Dr. Naderi will choose the open route. The open technique generally allows for a better outcome as it allows for greater visibility of and access to the inside of the nose. The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. The recovery period for septoplasty and rhinoplasty are generally the same.
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Naderi, his practice, or about spetoplasty vs. rhinoplasty procedures and which one is best for you, you can contact either of his offices to speak to his staff. The office numbers are as follows: Herndon, VA – 703-481-0002; and Chevy Chase, MD – 301-222-2020.
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