Do Plastic Surgeons perform Septoplasty?

In general, facial plastic surgeons have more experience than full body plastic surgeons in terms of addressing deviated septums and breathing during rhinoplasty. However, there are some full body plastic surgeons that are excellent nasal surgeons.  Consider yourself lucky that the plastic surgeon you saw was honest about his areas of expertise and see if he can refer you to someone who can address the cosmetic and breathing aspects of your nose. Best of luck.  

A Plastic Surgeon who has an interest in Rhinoplasty will almost certainly be trained and experienced in septoplasty.  An isolated anatomically deviated septum that isn't causing functional compromise does not necessarily need to be straightened, but the septum is frequently used as a source of cartilage grafts. I recommend that you choose your Surgeon based on the level of interest that he/she has in Rhinoplasty and the results you are shown.  Either a Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon is acceptable for this procedure.

Thank you for your question.  Most rhinoplasty surgeons will frequently perform septoplasty if for no other reason than they use cartilage from the septum for grafting purposes.  They are certainly less likely to perform isolated septoplasty to improve breathing than say an otolaryngologist, or facial plastic surgeon, but a routine septoplasty is not particularly challenging of an operation.  If you have a severe septal deviation or significant dorsal or caudal deviation, its probably prudent to see someone who performs complex or reconstructive nasal surgery, but this doesn't sound like your case.  All the best!

 A septoplasty is only performed to improve air flow dynamics through the nose, and it is not performed when there is only slight deviation. Medical necessity must be documented at the time of examination and consultation for billing a septoplasty to a medical insurance company. A rhinoplasty is considered cosmetic, must be paid for by the patient. A busy rhinoplasty surgeon will know how to perform a septoplasty, if needed. For more information and diagrams explaining the differences between a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty,  please see the video below

Plastic surgeons with extensive nasal surgery experience routinely perform septoplasties as well as external rhinoplasties.I
would suggest you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by The
American Board of Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are
comfortable with, and discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. You can find the plastic surgeon through Smart Beauty Guide. 

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

It is very common to perform at least a limited septoplasty along with rhinoplasty surgery. I think the vast majority of rhinoplasty surgeons are comfortable with that procedure.

Thank you for the question and while I can't speak for every plastic surgeon most are trained and do a septoplasty during a rhinoplasty if it is necessary to get the best result possible.Dr. Corbin