Can septoplasty and rhinoplasty be done together?

Yes. This is called septorhinoplasty. It is common when a crooked nose or a hump comes with a blocked side, and it avoids two separate operations and recoveries.

Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?

Septoplasty on its own is designed not to change the outside of the nose. If the outside is also crooked, rhinoplasty work is usually needed to straighten it.

Does insurance cover septoplasty?

Septoplasty for a documented breathing problem is a functional operation that some insurers consider. Cosmetic changes made at the same time are usually not covered. Check your policy before surgery.

Is septoplasty recovery shorter than rhinoplasty recovery?

Usually, because there is no external reshaping and less visible swelling. Most people return to desk work within about a week. Breathing improves gradually as swelling inside the nose settles.

Will rhinoplasty fix my snoring?

It may help if snoring is partly caused by a blocked nose, but snoring and sleep apnoea often have other causes. Tell your surgeon about loud snoring or pauses in breathing at night so this can be assessed.

How long does recovery take after septorhinoplasty?

Most people return to desk work after about 7 to 10 days, once the splint is off. Breathing through the nose improves as internal swelling settles over the following weeks. See rhinoplasty recovery for a week-by-week guide.

Rhinoplasty vs Septoplasty: What Is the Difference?

Rhinoplasty vs septoplasty is a question of shape versus airflow. Septoplasty straightens the septum, the wall inside the nose, to improve breathing and does not change how the nose looks. Rhinoplasty reshapes the outside of the nose. When both are needed they are done together as a septorhinoplasty.

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is surgery to straighten the nasal septum, the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two passages. A deviated (bent) septum can narrow one or both sides, causing a blocked nose, mouth breathing, snoring, or difficulty breathing during exercise. The most common cause is an old injury, sometimes one you do not remember.

Septoplasty is done through the nostrils. The bent parts are trimmed or repositioned, while enough support is kept so the nose does not collapse. On its own it does not change the outside shape of the nose.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the shape of the nose: a hump on the bridge, a wide or crooked nose, a drooping or bulbous tip, or wide nostrils. It can also strengthen weak areas of the nose that collapse when you breathe in. Read about the operation, recovery and risks on the rhinoplasty page.

Rhinoplasty vs septoplasty at a glance

	Septoplasty	Rhinoplasty	Septorhinoplasty
Main goal	Better breathing	Change in shape (and sometimes function)	Both
Changes outside shape	No	Yes	Yes
Incisions	Inside the nose	Inside, with or without a small cut across the columella	As for rhinoplasty
External splint	Usually not	Usually for about a week	Usually for about a week
Visible bruising	Little	Common for about 2 weeks	Common for about 2 weeks
Insurance	Sometimes considered when functional	Usually not, if cosmetic	Functional part sometimes considered

When are they combined?

Septorhinoplasty is common when:

the nose looks crooked on the outside and one side is blocked
a hump reduction or tip change is planned and there is also a deviated septum
cartilage from the septum is needed as a graft to support the reshaped nose

Doing both in one operation means one anaesthetic and one recovery. It also lets the surgeon use septal cartilage, which is often the preferred grafting material.

How is the cause of a blocked nose assessed?

Not every blocked nose needs surgery. Before recommending septoplasty or septorhinoplasty, your surgeon will ask about allergies, sinus problems, decongestant spray use and snoring, and examine the inside of the nose, sometimes with an endoscope. Allergic rhinitis and enlarged turbinates (the swellings on the side walls of the nose) can cause blockage too and may need medical treatment or a separate procedure. Professional guidelines recommend checking for conditions such as sleep apnoea before rhinoplasty.

Myths about septoplasty and rhinoplasty

“Septoplasty will make my nose look different.” It is designed not to change the outside.
“Rhinoplasty always improves breathing.” Cosmetic changes can narrow the airway if function is not considered; planning should protect breathing.
“A blocked nose always means a deviated septum.” Allergies, turbinates and sinus disease are common causes.

What is recovery like after each operation?

	Septoplasty	Septorhinoplasty
Hospital stay	Usually day care	Usually day care
Blocked nose	One to two weeks while swelling settles	One to two weeks
Bruising	Usually little	Around the eyes for about two weeks
External splint	Usually not	Usually for about a week
Desk work	Often within a week	Often after seven to ten days
Breathing benefit	Improves as internal swelling settles over weeks	As for septoplasty
Final shape	No change intended	Develops over 6 to 12 months

In both cases, avoid blowing your nose for the first week, sleep with your head raised, and use saline rinses or sprays only as advised.

Which one do you need?

If your concern is breathing, start with an assessment of the cause. If your concern is shape, or both shape and breathing, a consultation for rhinoplasty will cover what can change and whether septoplasty should be included. To understand the surgical approaches, read open vs closed rhinoplasty.