Can I Later Have Rhinoplasty After Surgery for Deviated Septum?

Rhinoplasty can be done after surgery is performed to correct a deviated septum. Although oftentimes in rhinoplasty we do use cartilage from the septum for rhinoplasty, if needed, cartilage can be harvested from elsewhere. Sometimes this is from the ear preferably or if quite a bit of cartilage is needed, it can be taken from the rib. In addition, if needed, some will use synthetic implants if they need cartilage and a septoplasty has been previously performed. Although previous septoplasty may alter the surgeon’s plan, rhinoplasty can certainly be performed after surgery for a deviated septum.

It is certainly possible to have internal functional nasal surgery, such as sinus surgery or septoplasty performed either together or separate from rhinoplasty surgery.  The downside is that you will have two recovery periods and two anesthetics.  We perform these procedures at the same time so that patients undergo a single anesthetic and a single recovery period, reducing time off from school or work.  Sinus polyps are removed from the internal portion of the sinuses to reduce infections, while turbinate reduction is performed to improve airflow dynamics through the nose.  A deviated septum once repaired will also improve airflow through the nose as well.  Rhinoplasty is done purely for cosmetic purposes.  

While there are clear advantages of combining surgery to improve breathing (septoplasty) with surgery to improve the appearance of the nose (rhinoplasty) and we often recommend performing them simultaneously, in some situations this is not possible or the best option for an individual patient. But many many patients have undergone septal or septal/sinus surgery to later have a very successful and gratifying rhinoplasty. So having one does not close the door for having another nasal surgery later.