How Long Should One Wait Between Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty?

Hi Ims0413; You are describing a rather unfortunate episode. Frankly, it is important that a surgeon do a complete nasal examination prior to the surgery to determine if, in fact, other things, besides changing the outside of the nose, need be corrected. If you are said to need a septoplasty now, then you probably needed it before the surgery, unless the surgery created some change. Was your nose crooked before the surgery? Without having checked it before,... more

You're insurance will cover the septoplasty under a plastic surgeon if that individual takes insurance. If they have chosen to not take insurance you may want to get another opinion. In my practice, I routinely bill the insurance carrier for breathing related surgery if we are to also do cosmetic surgery at the same time. They will cover time in the OR for the septoplasty and pick up a majority of the fees for the anesthesiologist and facility... more

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are often combined in one session.  This is helpful for a number of reasons including: Only one anesthesia and recovery Using septal cartilage for rhinoplasty Septoplasty after rhinoplasty can change shape of nose    

 The insurance company pays for surgery that is done to correct a breathing problem. They do not pay for cosmetic surgery. The surgeon often does both no matter whether he is facial or general plastic surgeon.

A septoplasty is peformed to improve breathing that is blocked by a deviated (crooked) septum. A rhinoplasty is a surgery performed to change the shape of the nose. Frequently, during rhinoplasty, cartilage grafts are needed straighten, strengthen, or reshape the nose. If the cartilage from the septum has already been removed during a previous septoplasty, the results of your rhinoplasty could be sub-optimal or require alternative cartilage grafts from the ear or rib. It is much better... more

All three procedures should be done at the same time. I cannot imagine that your insurance carrier has really made the statement about not allowing the septoplasty to be done by an aesthetically oriented surgeon. I do a septoplasty on almost all of those who undergo rhinoplasty in our practice. At times the septoplasty is covered by a third party payor and I am an aesthetic surgeon ! Additionally having the septoplasty done by one surgeon and the rhinoplasty done by a second surgeon... more

In my opinion, it's best to perform a septoplasty and rhinoplasty at the same time. Re-operating on the nose adds complexity, difficulty and risk. While insurance will not cover the cosmetic rhinoplasty part of the procedure (nor should it), the septoplasty component should be covered--provided that it's being done for functional reasons and provided that medical management of nasal obstruction has either failed or is unreasonable. Insurance companies are wise to the fact that unscrupulous... more