Can Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation Surgery Be Performed Together?

Yes, rhinoplasty and septum deviation surgery can be performed in the same session. Rhinoplasty, which reshapes the external appearance of the nose, and septoplasty, which corrects the deviation of the septum inside the nose, can be planned together in suitable patients. This approach is generally called septorhinoplasty and allows both the aesthetic appearance of the nose and the complaint of nasal obstruction to be addressed within the same process. Many people who want to have nose aesthetics may also have septum deviation. Septum deviation may cause problems such as nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through one side of the nose, mouth breathing, nighttime snoring and decreased sleep quality. Therefore, when planning rhinoplasty, not only the shape of the nose but also the internal nasal airway should be evaluated.

Can Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation Surgery Be Performed in the Same Session?

Rhinoplasty and septum deviation surgery can be performed in the same session. In this case, the external structure of the nose and the deviation inside the nose are evaluated within the same surgical plan. If the patient is both unhappy with the shape of the nose and has difficulty breathing through the nose, planning these two procedures together may be considered.

A rhinoplasty performed without correcting septum deviation may not be sufficient to solve breathing problems in some patients. Likewise, performing only septum deviation surgery does not meet aesthetic expectations such as external nasal deviation, nasal hump, asymmetry or drooping nasal tip. Therefore, if both problems are present together, septorhinoplasty can provide a more comprehensive approach.

In Which Cases Is Septorhinoplasty Considered?

Septorhinoplasty is considered in cases where the nasal appearance and the internal nasal airway need to be corrected at the same time. Especially in noses that appear deviated from the outside, there may also be a deviation in the internal septum structure. This condition can affect both aesthetic appearance and breathing quality.

Septum deviation and external nasal deviation may also be seen together in people who have experienced nasal trauma. After an impact, displacement in the nasal bone, deviation in the cartilage structure or asymmetry on the nasal dorsum may occur. In these patients, correcting only the external appearance may not be enough; the deviation that obstructs airflow inside the nose should also be addressed within the same plan.

Does Every Patient With Nasal Obstruction Have Septum Deviation?

Nasal obstruction is not always caused by septum deviation. Enlarged turbinates, allergic rhinitis, nasal valve narrowing, sinusitis, nasal polyps or mucosal swelling may also make nasal breathing difficult. Therefore, before deciding on surgery, the cause of nasal obstruction should be clarified.

In patients with septum deviation, obstruction is usually felt more prominently on one side. In some people, the deviation may affect both nasal passages. Complaints such as mouth breathing at night, morning dry mouth, difficulty during exercise and a constantly changing feeling of nasal openness are also considered during the evaluation process.

Who Is Suitable for Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation Surgery?

Rhinoplasty and septum deviation surgery may be evaluated together in people who are unhappy with the shape of their nose and also have difficulty breathing through the nose. Septorhinoplasty may be considered in patients with nasal deviation, one-sided obstruction, nasal hump, drooping nasal tip, post-traumatic deformity or significant septum deviation inside the nose.

Suitability for this surgery is not determined only by aesthetic expectations. The patient’s internal nasal structure, skin thickness, cartilage support, the cause of breathing complaints, whether they have had previous nasal surgery and their general health condition are evaluated together.

Who May Not Be Recommended Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation Surgery?

In people who carry risks for general anesthesia, have an active upper respiratory tract infection, have a condition in the internal nasal tissues that requires postponing surgery, or have unrealistic expectations, the surgical plan may be postponed. The decision should also be made more carefully in young patients whose nasal development has not yet been completed.

In some patients, septoplasty alone may be sufficient. If the person has no expectation regarding the external appearance of the nose and the problem is only caused by internal nasal deviation, rhinoplasty may not be added. However, if there is a significant nasal deviation or aesthetic concern, both procedures may be planned together.

Advantages of Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation Surgery and Points to Consider

How Is Preoperative Evaluation Performed?

Before surgery, the external structure of the nose, the internal nasal airway and the patient’s breathing complaints are evaluated together. Which side has more intense nasal obstruction, whether it changes during the day, whether it is associated with allergy and whether it affects nighttime breathing are questioned.

During the examination, septum deviation, turbinate enlargement, nasal valve narrowing and other structures that affect internal nasal airflow are examined. Planning is performed more carefully in patients who have previously had nasal trauma or nasal surgery. This evaluation helps determine whether rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures will be performed in the same session.

Recovery Process After Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation Surgery

In the first days after surgery, swelling inside the nose, congestion, mild bloody discharge and a feeling of pressure may occur. If a splint is placed on the outside of the nose, this support is preserved for a certain period. As internal nasal edema decreases, breathing becomes more comfortable; however, the healing process must progress for the nasal airway to be fully evaluated.

During the first weeks, the nose should be protected from impacts, heavy exercise should be avoided and nasal care practices recommended by the physician should be followed regularly. It takes time for the nasal shape to settle. While breathing comfort usually becomes more noticeable within weeks, evaluating the final appearance after rhinoplasty may take 6-12 months in most patients.

When Does Breathing Become Easier After Rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty and septum deviation surgery, breathing may not become fully comfortable in the first days. The reason for this is temporary obstruction caused by internal nasal edema, crusting and the healing process. This condition does not usually mean that the surgery has failed.

As internal nasal swelling decreases, airflow becomes more comfortable. Some patients feel significant relief in the first weeks, while in others it may be necessary to wait a few months for a clear result. Regular follow-up and compliance with nasal care recommendations are important during this process.

Is Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation Surgery Performed in Istanbul?

Rhinoplasty in Istanbul and septum deviation surgery can be evaluated together. In patients with nasal aesthetic concerns and nasal obstruction complaints, the external nasal structure, septum deviation and airway condition are examined through a preliminary examination. In suitable patients, septorhinoplasty can be planned so that both aesthetic expectations and nasal breathing problems are addressed within the same surgical process.

Rhinoplasty in Istanbul should not be evaluated only through nasal aesthetics. Septum deviation, turbinate enlargement or structural narrowings that affect internal nasal airflow should also be examined. This approach contributes to achieving both a more balanced nasal appearance and more comfortable breathing after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty and Septum Deviation