Septoplasty versus rhinoplasty: what’s the difference?

As a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon), I often meet patients who say, “I think I have a deviated septum — is that the same as needing a nose job?” While septoplasty and rhinoplasty both involve surgery on the nose, they are very different procedures with different goals. Understanding the distinction helps patients make informed decisions about what’s best for their breathing, appearance, or both.

What Is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a functional surgery, meaning it’s performed to improve nasal breathing. The septum is the wall made of bone and cartilage that divides the nose into two sides. When it’s crooked or off-center (called a deviated septum), it can cause:

• Chronic nasal congestion (often worse on one side)

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring or sleep disturbances

• Recurrent sinus infections

How It’s Performed: During septoplasty, I carefully straighten and reposition the septum inside the nose. The procedure is done through the nostrils — with no external incisions — and takes about 30–60 minutes. Most patients go home the same day and notice significantly easier breathing within a few weeks. Click here to learn more about recovery from septoplasty.

The Goal: To restore proper airflow and relieve congestion, not to change the appearance of the nose.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure that changes the shape, size, or contour of the nose. Some patients choose rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons, while others seek it after trauma or to correct deformities that affect both appearance and breathing.

Types of Rhinoplasty

• Cosmetic rhinoplasty – focuses on improving appearance

• Functional rhinoplasty – improves breathing

• Reconstructive rhinoplasty – repairs damage from injury or prior surgery

The Goal: To enhance the external appearance of the nose, and in some cases, improve nasal airflow.

Key Differences at a Glance

Although septoplasty and rhinoplasty are sometimes performed together, they differ in several important ways:

• Purpose: Septoplasty corrects internal structural problems that block airflow, while rhinoplasty focuses on changing the external shape or size of the nose.

• Surgical Approach: Septoplasty is performed through incisions inside the nostrils with no visible scars; rhinoplasty may involve small external incisions to reshape cartilage and bone.

• Recovery: Recovery after septoplasty usually takes about a week, while rhinoplasty recovery can take several weeks, with swelling that gradually improves over a few months.

• Anesthesia: Both septoplasty and rhinoplasty are typically performed under general anesthesia.

• Insurance Coverage: Septoplasty is often covered by insurance when performed for medical reasons, while rhinoplasty is usually considered elective and self-pay unless breathing is also affected.

When to Consider Each

• Septoplasty: If you struggle to breathe through your nose, snore, or have chronic congestion due to a deviated septum.

• Rhinoplasty: If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your nose or want to correct structural issues that affect both form and function.

• Septorhinoplasty: If you need both improved breathing and cosmetic refinement.

I am currently accepting new patients and would be glad to help determine which approach (septoplasty, rhinoplasty, or both) is right for you. My practice offers evidence-based, patient-centered care with a focus on achieving both functional and natural-looking results.

Do you need to schedule an appointment to discuss which option might be best for your condition? Contact my office, located in Scottsdale, AZ.

Call my office: (480) 273-8448

Schedule an appointment: Click here