How long should one wait between Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty?

 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... 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... 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... more