The septum
Correcting the septum aims to resolve obstruction and improve breathing. When the problem is limited to this structure, the appropriate procedure is septoplasty.
Dr. Gustavo Suárez · Nose surgery
Septorhinoplastyin Barcelona.
When a deviated septum affects breathing as well as the shape of the nose, septorhinoplasty addresses both in the same procedure.
Request a consultation What is septorhinoplasty?The problem it addresses
When the septum
and shape go together.
Septorhinoplasty is considered when a deviated septum affects both breathing function and the appearance of the nose. It combines functional correction with plastic surgery techniques, taking facial harmony into account.
The same procedure can have both aesthetic and functional objectives. Dr. Suárez notes that the septum can be corrected at the same time as rhinoplasty, and the examination determines whether this surgery is appropriate or whether the problem requires another treatment.
What is assessed
What is assessed
before deciding.
Dr. Suárez reviews the patient's objectives, medical history and previous procedures. He examines the septum and the structures involved in airflow, including the nasal valves and turbinates.
The examination assesses the nose externally and internally, and nasal endoscopy helps locate the problem. This determines whether the problem involves the septum, the turbinates or also the external shape of the nose. His training in otorhinolaryngology and facial plastic surgery underpins this assessment of the nose.
What the initial consultation involvesThree different options
Septum, shape
or both.
The Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology includes septoplasty, turbinate surgery and septorhinoplasty among operations to improve nasal breathing. The choice depends on the source of the problem. This comparison covers the differences between septoplasty, septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty. Turbinate surgery treats a different structure.
| Septoplasty | Septorhinoplasty | Rhinoplasty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is treated | The septum. | The septum and the external structure of the nose, in the same procedure. | The shape of the nose and its structure. |
| When it is considered | When breathing difficulties are caused by the septum. | When, alongside a desire to improve the appearance of the nose, there are functional problems (difficulty breathing, a deviated septum, etc.). | When the main motivation is aesthetic and there are no significant breathing problems. |
| The aim | To improve breathing. | To improve breathing and the shape of the nose together in the same procedure. | Improving the shape and proportions of the nose so that it is in harmony with the face. |
How it is performed
One procedure,
two objectives.
Septorhinoplasty treats the septum and the external structure of the nose at the same time. Its extent depends on the examination findings and the objectives agreed before surgery.
The external shape
The aesthetic part addresses the visible structure of the nose. Surgery can modify bone, cartilage or both, according to the agreed goal.
The turbinates
When airflow is also restricted by the turbinates, the assessment takes this into account. Turbinate surgery is a different procedure, chosen according to where the problem lies.
Suitability
The examination determines which structures need treating and the extent of the procedure.
After surgery
Care and
follow-up.
Recovery
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of congestion may be present during the first few weeks. The appearance during those days may still change over the following months.
Returning to work or exercise depends on the procedure, progress during recovery and the type of activity. Aftercare and follow-up are explained before surgery.
Risks and limitations
Swelling, bruising and congestion may be part of recovery, and changes in nasal sensation are also assessed. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, postoperative breathing problems, healing difficulties and injury to nearby structures.
Results are not always predictable or permanent, and some patients may need an additional or revision procedure.
These complications are very rare. During the consultation, after the medical assessment, the risks are explained individually according to each patient's characteristics.
Before deciding
Frequently asked
questions.
Questions that arise when comparing this surgery with others.
What is the difference between septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty addresses the shape of the nose. Septorhinoplasty adds septum correction, addressing appearance and airflow at the same time. The examination determines which is appropriate. Learn about primary rhinoplasty.
Can the septum and the shape of the nose be corrected in the same procedure?
Yes. Dr. Suárez states that aesthetic rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time as septum correction. Whether this is appropriate in each case depends on what the examination shows.
What is recovery from septorhinoplasty like?
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of congestion can be part of the first few weeks, and the appearance may still change over the following months. Returning to work or exercise depends on the procedure, progress during recovery and the type of activity.
What are the risks of septorhinoplasty?
Swelling, bruising and congestion may be part of recovery, and changes in nasal sensation are also assessed. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, breathing problems after surgery, healing difficulties and injury to nearby structures. These complications are very rare. Results are not always predictable or permanent, and a further procedure may be needed. During the consultation, following medical assessment, the risks are explained individually according to each patient's characteristics.
Related procedures
Other procedures
in the same area.
Septoplasty
It corrects a deviated septum that obstructs airflow, through the natural openings of the nose and without external scars.
Turbinate surgery
Reduces the volume of the turbinates when their enlargement obstructs airflow and medical treatment does not resolve it.