Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?RecoveryPreparationInsurance and CostWhat to ExpectPost-Op InstructionsResults
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
Recovery
Preparation
Insurance and Cost
What to Expect
Post-Op Instructions
Results
Septorhinoplastyis a medical procedure that permanently alters the structure and look of the nose. The procedure can improve breathing as it corrects the airway, with the added benefit of altering the shape of the nose for cosmetic reasons.
The surgery may be necessary in cases of injury from an accident or to correct a deviated septum or structural differences present at birth that prevent someone from breathing adequately.
This article will cover what you can expect from a septorhinoplasty procedure, including what it involves, how to prepare for it, health insurance and financial considerations, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
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Septorhinoplasty: Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty at Once
Different from a cosmetic rhinoplasty, a septorhinoplasty typically includes corrective work on adeviated septumor another problem with the structure of the nasal septum. This means a septorhinoplasty involves aseptoplasty procedureand arhinoplasty procedureat once.
Deviated Septum
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How Intensive Is Septorhinoplasty Recovery?
After the septorhinoplasty procedure, you will have to stay at home with nasal packing until the packing is removed, usually about one to three days after the procedure. You will have to isolate from others for two weeks, as catching a cold can lead to infection in the nose.
Most of the swelling will resolve within the first few weeks post-op. The shape of the nose will slowly change over the course of a year, and breathing will be improved within three months.
How to Prepare Before a Septorhinoplasty
Before your septorhinoplasty, your healthcare provider will assesswhether you’re a good candidate for anesthesia. The presurgical assessment will include taking photos of your nose and gaining informed consent.
Your healthcare provider will physically examine your nose and may take sinusX-rays. Changing the nose for cosmetic reasons will require a psychological assessment.
Your healthcare provider will go over potential risks and complications so you are fully informed of what to expect and what could go wrong. This isn’t to scare you but to ensure each patient has informed consent and knows the importance of following the recovery protocol to prevent infections and complications.
Things to avoid before a septorhinoplasty include:
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Insurance and Financials for Septorhinoplasty
Bear in mind that quotes for septorhinoplasty found online list just the cost of the procedure. They may not include costs of anesthesia or the operating room facilities and other associated costs.
Even with insurance coverage, cost can vary depending on factors such as:
Check with your insurance provider for more details on your exact coverage.
What to Expect the Day of Your Septorhinoplasty
The surgery will take an hour or two, and you’ll be under conscious sedation, meaning you will be awake but unable to feel or remember the surgery. It involves a surgeon making small cuts so they can access your septum for correction and to smooth out any bumps for cosmetic purposes.
Most people can go home a few hours after their septorhinoplasty procedure to begin recovery (after the anesthesia wears off). Your healthcare provider will determine if you need to stay overnight.
You can also expect:
Post-Op Septorhinoplasty Instructions
Many precautionary and recovery measures will be recommended to ensure speedy healing without infection. This includes avoiding any hot foods or drinks, as well as showers or baths, as heat exposure causes an increased risk of bleeding, for example.Your healthcare provider will thoroughly review the specific recovery instructions.
Other post-op septorhinoplasty instructions usually include:
Most people can return to work two weeks post-op. But even after healing, your nose will still be extra sun-sensitive. Wear sunscreen to avoid burning.
Septorhinoplasty Results: Cosmetic and Breathing
Experts say septorhinoplasty is a safe procedure with a good outcome. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, after a septoplasty, results remain stable, and breathing is expected to improve quickly.Reduced snoring and improved sleep are also common results. The tip of your nose may remain numb for months, but it’s not cause for concern.
When to Call a Healthcare ProviderAll surgical procedures come with somerisk of infectionor complication. Experts say if you experience any of the following after a septorhinoplasty, it’s time to consult your healthcare provider:Persistent, excessive, and foul-smelling discharge from the noseFeeling feverish or unwellIncreasing pain and current medications don’t relieve the pain
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
All surgical procedures come with somerisk of infectionor complication. Experts say if you experience any of the following after a septorhinoplasty, it’s time to consult your healthcare provider:Persistent, excessive, and foul-smelling discharge from the noseFeeling feverish or unwellIncreasing pain and current medications don’t relieve the pain
All surgical procedures come with somerisk of infectionor complication. Experts say if you experience any of the following after a septorhinoplasty, it’s time to consult your healthcare provider:
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Summary
Septorhinoplasty is a procedure that includes both a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty. The procedure is geared toward correcting septum differences that cause or contribute to breathing challenges and making cosmetic adjustments to the nose. It can also be done for cosmetic reasons. Your healthcare provider or surgeon will give you full details during a presurgical assessment and determine if this procedure is right for you.
The surgery takes a few hours, with recovery time lasting from several months to a full year. Immediately postsurgery, you will need to take measures to prevent bleeding, injury to the surgical site, and infection. Most people experience better breathing, reduced snoring, and improved sleep after a septorhinoplasty. As with any surgery, the risk of infection or complications exists.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.Healthdirect.Septorhinoplasty.NHS Foundation Trust: Royal Berkshire.Advice following nasal surgery (septorhinoplasty).Ishii LE, Tollefson TT, Basura GJ, et al.Clinical practice guideline: improving nasal form and function after rhinoplasty.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2_suppl):S1-S30. doi:10.1177/0194599816683153American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Rhinoplasty cost.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my septoplasty recovery?.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Septoplasty—discharge.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.Healthdirect.Septorhinoplasty.NHS Foundation Trust: Royal Berkshire.Advice following nasal surgery (septorhinoplasty).Ishii LE, Tollefson TT, Basura GJ, et al.Clinical practice guideline: improving nasal form and function after rhinoplasty.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2_suppl):S1-S30. doi:10.1177/0194599816683153American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Rhinoplasty cost.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my septoplasty recovery?.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Septoplasty—discharge.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.Healthdirect.Septorhinoplasty.NHS Foundation Trust: Royal Berkshire.Advice following nasal surgery (septorhinoplasty).Ishii LE, Tollefson TT, Basura GJ, et al.Clinical practice guideline: improving nasal form and function after rhinoplasty.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2_suppl):S1-S30. doi:10.1177/0194599816683153American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Rhinoplasty cost.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my septoplasty recovery?.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Septoplasty—discharge.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Septoplasty.
Healthdirect.Septorhinoplasty.
NHS Foundation Trust: Royal Berkshire.Advice following nasal surgery (septorhinoplasty).
Ishii LE, Tollefson TT, Basura GJ, et al.Clinical practice guideline: improving nasal form and function after rhinoplasty.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(2_suppl):S1-S30. doi:10.1177/0194599816683153
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Rhinoplasty cost.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my septoplasty recovery?.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Septoplasty—discharge.
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