What's the Difference Between a Rhinoplasty and a Septoplasty?

Is your nose bothering you? Whether it's the appearance of your nose or you can’t breathe properly because of a deviated septum, board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew W. Shawl can help. Dr. Shawl 

performs— rhinoplasty and septoplasty — which can  help resolve your discomfort with your nose, whether it’s psychological or physical.  

What a rhinoplasty accomplishes

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your nose, Dr. Shawl can perform a rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a “nose job.” Modern culture views a straight nose or a nose with a slight concave profile as normal. Perhaps your nose has a convexity that gives it the appearance of a beak. Maybe nature gave you a bump in the middle of your nose. 

You may also be dissatisfied with the tip of your nose.  It may be too wide or lack definition.

A rhinoplasty can reshape your nose so that it is more to your liking  Dr. Shawl is a skilled surgeon who has performed many rhinoplasties. 

As an expert in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Shawl consults with you on your goals for the surgery. Exactly what do you want to change? Dr. Shawl shows before and after photos to you so that you can see typical results of the surgery. He wants to make sure you have realistic expectations. 

The operation changes the bone and cartilage under the skin of your nose. Dr. Shawl often will make an incision between the nostrils with minimal scaring.   He explains how he is going to do the surgery and what your recovery is like. 

One important note: A rhinoplasty is classified as a cosmetic procedure; insurance doesn’t cover it.  

What a septoplasty accomplishes

If your primary goal is to be able to breathe better, Dr. Shawl may perform a septoplasty. If you have a deviated septum, the cartilage and/or bone of the middle wall of your nose is off-center,  Air doesn’t flow as easily through that passage, affecting your breathing.

A septoplasty moves and/or removes cartilage and bone to provide more space in your breathing passages. The operation straightens your nasal septum so that it’s more in the center of your nose. 

Because it’s hard for you to breathe with a deviated septum, your operation is medically necessary, meaning it’s covered by health insurance. You will be responsible for copays, deductibles, and coinsurance requirements as per your insurance policy.

Dr. Shawl can also perform a septorhinoplasty. While he’s performing the septoplasty, he can also perform a rhinoplasty, addressing the appearance of your nose. 

Call the office of Matthew W. Shawl, MD today for all of your ear, nose, and throat concerns.