Deviated Septum and Rhinoplasty? Can I Get Them Together?

Your history suggest that you have a post-traumatic nasal deformity and deviated nasal septum with resultant airway obstruction. Under these circumstances it’s not unusual for plastic surgeons to perform rhinoplasty and septoplasty in combination. This approach has significant advantages including improved aesthetics, lowered cost and one recovery.

                It’s virtually impossible in your case to make a specific recommendation without a physical examination and pictures. If you’re considering this approach it’s important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic deformity and achieves your aesthetic goals. 

It is possible to have a septoplasty and rhinoplasty performed during the same procedure. This is referred to as a septorhinoplasty.  I would recommend seeking a consultation with a board certified rhinoplasty specialist who has a great deal of experience performing both septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery. Thank you and best of luck to you.

Your story sound pretty typical.  Even though you had the nasal fracture repaired following the injury, you still have a cosmetic deformity as well as problems breathing.  It is quite possible that this is due to a deviated septum caused by your injury.  Correction of the deviated septum is commonly performed at the same time as rhinoplasty to correct the appearance.  Be sure to choose a plastic surgeon or ENT surgeon with plenty of experience with rhinoplasty and they should be able to help you.

It is very common to combine septoplasty with rhinoplasty. This septo-rhinoplasty procedure makes a lot of sense as you only need one recovery period and septal cartilage from the septoplasty procedure may be useful for the external rhinoplasty.

You should find a surgeon well versed in treating nasal obstruction. There are several possible reasons for nasal blockage so a thorough exam is an important part of the evaluation process.

It is very common to do both procedures done simultaneously, In fact, it is best to do both procedures at the same time since one can often have a direct effect on the other. I would recommend consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to have both procedures addressed.

Many patients considering Rhinoplasty Surgery have functional problems that may contribute to nasal obstruction. Your airway and nasal septum should be evaluated by your surgeon during your initial consultation so your functional issues may be properly addressed during your nose job surgery.

Hope this helps.

Dr, Joseph

 

These 2 operations are done together in every nose with an airway problem and a cosmetic problem. The nose usually has to be straightened for both the functional and cosmetic issues. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for the best result.

You can absolutely have your deviated septum corrected (septoplasty) at the same time that you have your nose straightened and reshaped on the outside (rhinoplasty). There are several reasons to do these procedures together:

1) You can recover from both surgeries at the same time, to minimize the amount of time you have to take off work and social activities. Our rule of thumb is 8-12 days for the bruising and swelling to settle down enough for others not to know you have had surgery. However, patients who are able to work from home can do so within 2-3 days, as people generally feel fine at this point. 

2) The approach used for the rhinoplasty, whether open or closed (endonasal) is also the approach surgeons can use for correcting the deviated septum. Performing either surgery months or years after the other can certainly be done, but it is a bit more challenging technically, as there can be some scar tissue from the previous surgery. 

3) The deviated cartilage which is removed from the septum during a septoplasty can be used in the form of grafts when performing the rhinoplasty. These may include spreader grafts, columellar strut grafts, lateral crural strut grafts, rim grafts, onlay grafts etc. If a septoplasty is done alone, this cartilage is discarded. 

4) If you have other reasons for difficulty breathing besides the deviated septum, such as narrowing of your internal valves, the techniques performed for correction of these issues are often performed during a rhinoplasty anyway.

5) Lastly, insurance coverage may be utilized for correcting your deviated septum, shrinking your turbinates and correcting any narrowing of the internal valves of your nose. If your insurance company approves these medical portions of the surgery, your anesthesia fees, facility fees, and surgeon's fees may all be reduced. This will offset a large portion of the cost of your rhinoplasty.

Best regards,

Dr. Mehta 

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are often performed together in the same setting.  This makes a great deal of sense for a number of reasons which your surgeon can review with you.  Most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons perform septoplasty although ENT-trained facial plastic surgeons tend to have more experience with correction septal and breathing issues.

Great question. This is one of the most common procedures that a lot of us perform. It is very easy to combine both septoplasty to straighten the septum with a rhinoplasty to straighten the nose. However, only the septoplasty is covered by insurance, and septoplasty alone may not straighten the nose unless it is the only thing contributing to deviation. Most of the time you need to do both septoplasty and rhinoplasty, with the rhinoplasty portion being considered cosmetic and therefore an out of pocket expense.
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group