Septorhinoplasty: correcting breathing and the shape of the nose in a single surgery

Many people who seek rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons also have difficulty breathing through the nose. A blocked nose on one side, snoring, a dry mouth in the morning, tiredness during exercise. In many of these cases, the cause is a deviated nasal septum. The good news is that the shape and function of the nose can be treated in the same surgery: septorhinoplasty, also called rhinoseptoplasty.

In this article we explain what septorhinoplasty is, how it differs from rhinoplasty and septoplasty, who it is for, what recovery is like and why it makes a difference to be operated on by a specialist in Otolaryngology, as is the case with rhinoplasty at Clínica do Nariz e Face, in Porto and Braga.

Septorhinoplasty is a surgery that combines two procedures in a single operation:

• Septoplasty: corrects the nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two halves. When it is deviated, it blocks the passage of air.
• Rhinoplasty: changes the external shape of the nose, for example a hump on the bridge, a drooping or wide tip, or a crooked nose.

In practice, the shape and function of the nose are linked. A nose that is crooked on the outside often has a deviated septum on the inside. Correcting only the outside can leave breathing the same, or even worse. Correcting only the septum can leave the nose crooked. That is why, whenever both complaints exist, it makes sense to treat them together.

• Rhinoplasty: the goal is mainly aesthetic. It changes the shape of the nose to bring it into harmony with the face.
• Septoplasty: the goal is mainly functional. It corrects the deviated septum to improve breathing, without changing the external shape.
• Septorhinoplasty: treats both at the same time, with one anaesthesia and one recovery.

It is at the consultation that it is decided which of these surgeries makes sense in your case. Many people arrive thinking only about aesthetics and discover that they also have a breathing problem that can be solved in the same surgery.

• A permanently blocked nose, especially on one side.
• Breathing through the mouth, especially when sleeping.
• Snoring or waking up with a dry mouth.
• Shortness of breath during exercise.
• Frequent sinusitis or colds.
• Daily use of nasal sprays to be able to breathe.
• A crooked nose after a blow or an accident.

Not all of these symptoms are due to the septum. They can also be related to the turbinates, the nasal valves or allergies. That is why the breathing assessment is part of the consultation.

Septorhinoplasty requires a thorough knowledge of both dimensions of the nose: the aesthetic and the functional. Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira is a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and dedicates most of his practice to rhinoplasty. This means that, in the same consultation, he assesses what you want to change in the shape of the nose and examines the inside of the nose to understand whether breathing is being affected.

During the surgery, the septum is not only there to be corrected. Septal cartilage is often the material used to give support and shape to the tip and bridge of the nose. Planning both together allows a more stable, more natural result with better breathing.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and, in most cases, you go home the same day, one to one and a half hours later. The duration depends on what needs correcting. The surgeon corrects the septum and, if necessary, the turbinates, and then works on the external shape of the nose. When the bone needs reshaping, he can use ultrasonic rhinoplasty, which is more precise and reduces swelling and bruising.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, the patient breathes through the nose from the end of the surgery, without the traditional packing, which makes the first few days much more comfortable.

Recovery is very similar to that of a rhinoplasty. In the first few weeks there is swelling and the nose may feel more congested, which is normal. Breathing improves as the internal swelling decreases. If you work from home, you can usually work the very next day; if your work is in person, allow about a week at home. The final aesthetic result settles over about a year.

To find out what to expect stage by stage, read how long does rhinoplasty take and the week-by-week recoveryguide. If your question is about pain, see is rhinoplasty recovery painful?

Are septorhinoplasty and rhinoseptoplasty the same thing?

Yes. They are two names for the same surgery, which corrects the nasal septum and the shape of the nose in the same operation.

Can I correct only my breathing, without changing the look of my nose?

Yes. In that case the indicated surgery is septoplasty. If you also want to change the shape, septorhinoplasty is performed.

Does septorhinoplasty change the face a lot?

The goal is a natural nose in harmony with the face. At the consultation, the Crisalix 3D simulation lets you see the intended result before deciding.

How much does septorhinoplasty cost?

The price depends on what needs correcting inside and outside, and can only be defined after the consultation. We explain what affects the quote in how much does rhinoplasty cost.

Can I have septorhinoplasty after a rhinoplasty elsewhere?

Yes. Correction of the septum and breathing is common in revision rhinoplasty, especially when the first surgery left the nose more blocked.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, the consultation includes analysis of the shape of the nose, examination of breathing and 3D simulation of the result. It can take place at our rhinoplasty in Porto or rhinoplasty in Bragapractice. See real results in rhinoplasty before and after and find out what the first consultation is like.

Book your consultation or contact us on WhatsApp.

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation.