Many people hear the words “rhinoplasty” and “septoplasty” without truly understanding what is possible with each. A septoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the nasal septum in some way to fix a deviation. Doing this procedure does not typically change the external appearance of the nose, unless there is major work that is required or the deviation is very far towards the front of the nose. Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that alters the non-septal nasal framework, typically by reshaping the nasal bones and/or cartilage to change its appearance. A rhinoplasty, however, is not always performed for aesthetic reasons. In some instances, it can be used as a functional procedure to improve breathing by strengthening the framework of the nose with minimal (if any) alteration to the external appearance.
Combining both a rhinoplasty and septoplasty is referred to as a septorhinoplasty.
At the Stern Center for Aesthetics in Bellevue, WA, Dr. Corin Kinkhabwala, a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specializes in all forms of rhinoplasty and septoplasty.
Form and Function Are Always ConsideredÂ
While surgeries are often performed to focus more on function or more on aesthetics, they are actually more related than you might think. When the nose appears too narrow for someone’s face, they often have cartilage (or nasal bones) that are constricting airflow. When the septum is very deviated to one side, the nose can appear crooked, and one side of the nose will feel blocked. When the nostrils are asymmetric, narrowed, or prone to collapse during inspiration, both the function and appearance are affected.
Because of this, it is imperative that function is always considered during every rhinoplasty, even those performed for aesthetic reasons. It is never the surgeon’s goal to create an aesthetically appealing nose at the sacrifice of function.
Rhinoplasty is About Balance
The nose is a complex three-dimensional structure in the center of the face and is a large part of how we see ourselves and how others see us. Its appearance, however, can seem different based on the surrounding facial features. For example, the nose may appear more projected outward if there is a smaller, recessed chin (and vice versa). In addition, patients with longer faces may look imbalanced if the nose is surgically made significantly smaller. The nose must be seen in relation to the entire face, and because of this, surgery should always take into account the proportions of every other facial landmark. No face is the same, and no rhinoplasty is treated the same.
Primary versus Revision RhinoplastyÂ
A primary rhinoplasty is a patient’s first rhinoplasty. Revision refers to any subsequent rhinoplasty, even many years later. Revision rhinoplasties are more complicated and require more time and a prolonged healing process. During revision rhinoplasty, the surgical dissection planes are distorted by scar tissue, and the existing cartilaginous framework may be weakened from the prior surgery. Revision rhinoplasty generally takes longer to heal, with the final result often not apparent until around 18 months.
Rhinoplasty in Bellevue, WA
Whether you’re concerned about your nose’s appearance, nasal breathing, or both, a rhinoplasty (with or without septoplasty) can be an effective remedy.
Contact the Stern Center for Aesthetic Surgery in Bellevue, WA, or call (425) 455-9100 to schedule a rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Kinkhabwala.
