Septo-Rhinoplasty 

Combined Surgery for Improved Nasal Function and Aesthetics

Septoplasty, often referred to in conjunction with rhinoplasty as septo-rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that combines two distinct operations to enhance both the function and appearance of the nose.

The septoplasty component focuses on straightening the septum, the wall of cartilage and bone inside the nose that separates the two nostrils. A crooked septum, known as a "deviated septum," can lead to breathing difficulties.

Rhinoplasty reshapes the outer part of the nose for cosmetic reasons, allowing for changes in size or shape, or correcting deformities resulting from injury or birth defects.

The combined septo-rhinoplasty procedure can effectively improve nasal breathing and enhance facial aesthetics simultaneously. Typically performed under general anaesthesia, recovery may take a few weeks, with some swelling and bruising expected around the nose during the healing process.

For those experiencing breathing challenges or seeking improvements in nasal appearance, septo-rhinoplasty offers a comprehensive solution that addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients seeking correction of nasal deformity, obstruction, or both.

Common indications include:

• Deviated nasal septum causing breathing difficulty
• Post-traumatic nasal deformity (cosmetic and/or functional)
• Congenital nasal asymmetry or deformity
• Revision surgery after previous rhinoplasty
• Cosmetic reasons — to refine nasal appearance (bridge, tip, or size).

Recovery Timeline

This is likely to vary with provider.

• Hospital stay: Usually day surgery or overnight stay
• Initial recovery:
  • Nasal packing or splints for 1–2 days; external splint removed after 7–10 days
  • Bruising and swelling around eyes and nose for 1–2 weeks.
• Return to light activities: 1–2 weeks.
• Full recovery:
  • Major swelling subsides by 3–4 weeks
  • Final nasal shape and breathing results evident by 6–12 months.

Benefits

• Improves nasal airflow and breathing by correcting septal deviation
• Enhances nasal appearance (shape, symmetry, projection)
• Corrects trauma- or surgery-related deformities
• Boosts self-confidence and quality of life through aesthetic and functional improvement.

Risks

• Bleeding or blood clots
• Infection (rare with proper care)
• Nasal obstruction recurrence due to scarring or deviation relapse
• Perforation of the septum
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome → possible need for revision surgery
• Temporary numbness or swelling of upper lip and teeth.

This is just an outline. Your specialist plastic/ENT surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

Septo-rhinoplasty is a combined functional and cosmetic nasal surgery that restores both breathing and appearance - outcomes depend on precise surgical technique, careful healing, and realistic patient expectations.