Understanding the differences between rhinoplasties and septoplasties is important for helping patients address and correct various concerns regarding their noses. A rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that primarily aims to address the appearance of the nose, while a septoplasty is performed to correct abnormal nasal septums, alleviating discomfort and enhancing each patient’s ability to breathe. This guide will help explain the differences between the two procedures, helping each patient determine which procedure is right for them.
Michael Omidi, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing for over 15 years. He has built a reputation for delivering consistently stunning results and is one of the few plastic surgeons with advanced training in facial and nose contouring.
To find out which procedure is right for you, please schedule your personal consultation by calling (310) 281-0155 or submitting our online contact form.
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About Rhinoplasties and Septoplasties
The nose is one of the most prominent features of one’s face, and is composed of layers of skin, cartilage, and bone that contribute to its shape and function. In certain cases, individuals seek out procedures not only to enhance their appearance but also because they are experiencing breathing difficulties. Dr. Omidi can perform a rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or combine them to help each patient achieve their goals.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, also referred to as a “nose job,” is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape and restructure the nose to improve its appearance and address functional concerns. Depending on the issues being addressed, Dr. Omidi can perform either an open or closed rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty consists of a small incision being made across the flesh between the nostrils. This allows him more precision and visibility during the procedure. A closed rhinoplasty consists of incisions being made inside the nostrils, allowing him to correct more minor issues without leaving any external scarring. (1)
Septoplasty
A septoplasty is a procedure that is performed exclusively to address functional issues related to breathing. This procedure is designed to address and correct abnormalities in the septum, the cartilage structure that separates the nose into two distinct nasal passages. This procedure is often performed to correct deviated septums, which consist of the septum being off-center or crooked. Many patients are born with a deviated septum, but they can also be caused by trauma or injury. (2)
Benefits
Patients can experience a myriad of benefits when undergoing either a septoplasty or rhinoplasty. Under Dr. Omidi’s expertise, our patients see advantages like:
- Long-Lasting Results: Surgical techniques will lead to more durable and permanent results than non-surgical alternatives.
- Enhanced Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence after their procedure.
- Customized Treatment Options: Each procedure is tailored to address the individual concerns and anatomy of each patient.
- Quick Recovery: Patients of both procedures can often return to their normal routines within a week, which is noticeably faster than many other cosmetic surgical procedures.
Rhinoplasty Benefits
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A balanced nasal profile can enhance the balance of each patient’s facial aesthetics, promoting a more attractive appearance.
- Size Correction: Dr. Omidi can reshape and resize the nose, which may be disproportionate to each patient’s facial balance.
- Corrected Structural Abnormality: Rhinoplasty can correct congenital anomalies or deformities caused by trauma or injury, restoring a more pleasing aesthetic.
- Nasal Symmetry: Rhinoplasty can address asymmetries that exist in the nose, creating a straighter appearance.
- Dorsal Hump Reduction: Many patients seek this treatment to remove bumps and humps on the bridge of the nose.
Septoplasty Benefits
- Improved Breathing: Septoplasty is primarily performed to enhance airflow through the nasal passages, allowing for easier and more effective breathing.
- Reduced Nasal Obstruction: Septoplasty can alleviate chronic nasal congestion due to the structural issues of deviated septums.
- Decreased Sinus Infections: Improved drainage encourages better sinus health and reduces inflammation caused by blocked airways.
- Enhanced Sleep: By improving the airway, many patients find a reduction in their snoring. This allows them to sleep more deeply and uninterrupted, decreasing fatigue during the day.
- Improved Sense of Smell: A straightened septum can help restore and enhance one’s sense of smell.
Candidates
All candidates interested in either rhinoplasty or septoplasty should be in good overall health, free from any underlying medical conditions that may impair their recovery. Patients should also hold realistic expectations regarding what either procedure can accomplish. Candidates should also be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine until fully healed.
Suitable candidates for rhinoplasty include those who are dissatisfied with the size, shape, or symmetry of their nose and wish to correct it. Septoplasty candidates typically consist of patients who either have a deviated septum or another septal deformity causing breathing issues. Dr. Omidi will determine each patient’s eligibility for both procedures during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient is asked to attend a personal consultation before scheduling their procedure. This consultation is not only a chance for Dr. Omidi to get to know each patient more personally, but also to ensure he is recommending the best treatment to address their needs. He will first ask each patient about their medical history, concerns, and desired results before evaluating the condition and structure of the patient’s nose.
Using this information, he will craft each patient’s treatment, recommending either rhinoplasty or septoplasty. Patients are encouraged to prepare questions and voice any concerns, as this consultation is meant to be informative and collaborative.
To schedule your personal consultation, please contact us online or call our office at (310) 281-0155.
Preparation
Preparation for rhinoplasty and septoplasty is fairly similar. Dr. Omidi will provide each patient with a set of pre-operative instructions. Instructions may vary between individuals depending on their established treatment plan, but each guideline should be followed to ensure a smooth recovery.
Generally speaking, patients will need to discontinue using medications and supplements that contain blood-thinning properties. Patients will need to temporarily stop smoking and drinking alcohol for optimal results. Patients will also need to arrange transportation home from their procedure and arrange for time off work.
Procedure
While both rhinoplasty and septoplasty enhance the appearance of the nose, they differ in the way they are performed. Regardless of which procedure is being performed, each patient’s skin will first be cleansed and sanitized before anesthesia is administered. Dr. Omidi can perform either a rhinoplasty or septoplasty as a standalone treatment, or perform them simultaneously to address both aesthetic and functional issues in one sitting.
Rhinoplasty
Patients undergoing a rhinoplasty will receive either general anesthesia or moderate sedation. Dr. Omidi can perform either a closed or open rhinoplasty. The incision placement, along with the other surgical strategies used, will be predetermined during the patient’s consultation.
Once the incision has been made, Dr. Omidi will begin to reshape the nose. He may remove excess tissue, reposition the underlying bone, refine the nasal tip, and more. Some patients may also receive cartilage grafts, which are often taken from either the outer ear or ribs. Once the adjustments have been made and the results match the patient’s desired profile, the incisions will be closed, and each patient will be left to rest under the care of our team. Patients receiving a rhinoplasty can expect the duration of their procedure to last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Septoplasty
A septoplasty procedure begins with the administration of either local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia will numb the treatment area only, while patients under general anesthesia will be asleep throughout the procedure. Dr. Omidi will then create an incision across the columella, similar to the open rhinoplasty technique. The nasal tissue will then be carefully lifted, giving Dr. Omidi access to the underlying structures.
He will start to make corrections, the most common being the removal of excess cartilage. He can perform this to help straighten out the septum, correcting any breathing issues. The excess, removed tissue is then used to help reinforce the underlying nasal structures. Once each patient’s concerns have been addressed, the incisions will be closed with sutures. Each patient’s septoplasty can last up to 3 hours depending on the corrections being made.
Recovery
Both rhinoplasties and septoplasties are performed as outpatient procedures, meaning that each patient will be released home to continue resting once their procedure is complete. Dr. Omidi will provide post-operative instructions for each patient to help guide them through their recovery.
Patients can expect to experience swelling and bruising in the treated area, as well as around the under-eyes, but these effects are temporary and will dissipate on their own. Patients recovering from a septoplasty generally experience less swelling, bruising, and a faster recovery compared to those who underwent rhinoplasty. Patients who received either procedure may manage any discomfort using pain medications. Those who received a septoplasty can often return to work within several days, while patients who underwent rhinoplasty can return within a week. However, each individual will need to continue avoiding physical activity or exercise for several weeks, or until approved by Dr. Omidi. He may also ask patients to attend follow-up appointments to help monitor their recovery.
Results
While some patients may notice their results immediately after their procedure, the results of each patient’s rhinoplasty or septoplasty will become more apparent after any residual swelling has resolved.
Patients who received a rhinoplasty, or those who had changes made to the appearance of their nose, will be able to see a more symmetrical and proportionate appearance, as well as an overall more flattering nasal profile. Patients who underwent a septoplasty or had functional issues addressed can enjoy an improvement in their breathing. They will also be able to achieve better quality sleep, leading to an overall improvement in their daily comfort. The results of both procedures are long-lasting, with patients enjoying their results for years.
Cost of Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty in Los Angeles
The cost of each patient’s procedure can vary, as each rhinoplasty or septoplasty is tailored to address their specific needs and anatomy. Anesthesia, facility fees, and the type of surgical strategy employed can all factor into the final cost, making it difficult for our team to provide an early estimate. Dr. Omidi will discuss the cost of each patient’s rhinoplasty or septoplasty with them during their consultation once a treatment plan has been established. Additionally, Dr. Omidi has partnered with Care Credit to offer financing plans for qualifying patients.
To discover the cost of your procedure, please contact us online or call our office at (310) 281-0155.
FAQ
What is the difference between a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty primarily focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance of the nose, while septoplasty is designed to correct breathing issues associated with a deviated septum.
Can I have both a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty performed at the same time?
Yes, many patients undergo both procedures simultaneously to enhance both the structure and function of their nose. This is also referred to as a septorhinoplasty.
How long will my recovery last after my rhinoplasty or septoplasty?
Most patients can return to their workplace within a week, depending on the nature of their careers. However, patients should avoid physical activities or other high-intensity tasks until approved by our team.
Will there be visible scarring after my rhinoplasty or septoplasty?
When performing a closed rhinoplasty or septoplasty, we make incisions inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasties do leave a small external scar, but it is discreetly placed and will continue to fade over time.
References
- Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/
- Watters C, Brar S, Sharinie Yapa. Septoplasty. Nih.gov. Published November 8, 2022. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567718/#article-128413.s4