A deviated septum is a common condition where the thin wall dividing the nasal passages is crooked, significantly impairing breathing and airflow. Septoplasty is the surgical procedure designed to correct this internal structural issue. Individuals considering this surgery often wonder if fixing the functional problem will also alter the external appearance of their nose. The fundamental distinction between functional and aesthetic goals is central to understanding the outcome. This article explains the technical goals of septoplasty and how they relate to the visible shape of the nose.
Understanding the Goal of Septoplasty
Septoplasty is classified as a functional surgery, meaning its objective is to improve nasal function and airflow. The procedure focuses on straightening the nasal septum, the structure composed of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity. When this internal wall is crooked, it can block the nasal passage, leading to symptoms like chronic congestion and difficulty breathing.
The surgeon works through incisions made inside the nose, lifting the mucosal lining to access the deviated cartilage and bone. They may trim, reposition, or reshape the internal structures to create a clear path for air. This internal manipulation aims solely to restore normal airflow and alleviate nasal obstruction.
The Aesthetic Impact of Septal Correction
The answer to whether septoplasty changes the external shape of the nose is generally no, as the procedure is designed to maintain the nose’s visible contour. Surgeons are meticulous in their technique to ensure the structural integrity of the external nasal framework is preserved. A critical component of this preservation is the “L-strut,” the remaining section of septal cartilage that forms the support structure for the nasal bridge and tip.
Surgeons preserve a minimum width of 10 to 15 millimeters of this L-strut to prevent the external nose from collapsing or changing shape. The deviation correction is performed on the bone and cartilage behind this supportive framework. By keeping the dorsal and caudal edges of the septum intact, the procedure successfully straightens the internal septum without affecting the nose’s height, length, or external profile.
In rare cases, a severe septal deviation that visibly contorts the external nose may result in a slight, often positive, change in appearance when corrected. If the deviation caused noticeable crookedness or asymmetry, straightening the underlying septum may subtly improve the nose’s straightness. This subtle aesthetic improvement is a secondary effect of correcting the internal structural problem, not the goal of the septoplasty procedure.
Distinguishing Septoplasty from Septorhinoplasty
Confusion about external changes often stems from mixing septoplasty with septorhinoplasty, which are two distinct procedures. Septoplasty is strictly a functional surgery for internal breathing improvement. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a cosmetic procedure intended to change the external size, shape, or proportions of the nose.
A septorhinoplasty is a combined procedure that addresses both concerns simultaneously. This surgery includes the functional correction of the deviated septum (septoplasty) alongside the aesthetic reshaping of the external nose (rhinoplasty). If a patient desires both improved breathing and a change in their nose’s appearance, such as reducing a dorsal hump, the surgeon performs the combined septorhinoplasty.
The techniques used in septorhinoplasty intentionally manipulate the external structures, resulting in a visible change to the nose’s shape. Unlike a standalone septoplasty, the combined procedure involves more extensive work on the nasal bones and external cartilage. A change in external shape is an expected and planned outcome only when functional and cosmetic goals are combined into a septorhinoplasty.
Post-Operative Swelling and Appearance Changes
While the final shape of the nose is unchanged by a septoplasty alone, the immediate post-operative appearance will be temporarily altered. Patients should expect significant but temporary swelling and potentially some bruising around the eyes and nose. This initial puffiness is a normal response to the surgical intervention and does not reflect the long-term result.
Major swelling usually begins to subside within the first week or two following the procedure. Most patients feel a reduction in congestion and tenderness within two to four weeks. Residual, subtle swelling can linger for several months, with the nose continuing to refine its shape internally for up to six months or even a year. The final aesthetic outcome will not be apparent until all the swelling has fully resolved.