Both Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty procedures are often referred to as “nose jobs.” However, there is a difference between the two plastic surgery procedures.

Rhinoplasty is sometimes called “nose reshaping” and is a type of cosmetic surgery that can be used to change the size and/or appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty can be used to change the size of the nose in relation to the rest of the face. It can also be used to change nose width at the bridge or the size and position of the nostrils.

Rhinoplasty is also effective in correcting visible humps or depressions on the bridge of the nose and a nasal tip that is enlarged, bulbous, drooping, hooked or upturned. Since Rhinoplasty is a purely cosmetic surgical procedure, it is not typically covered in part or in full by health insurance.

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be used to correct a deviated nasal septum. Ideally, the septum should run down the middle of your nose. When the nasal septum is not correctly aligned, it can cause symptoms including breathing difficulties and snoring. During Septoplasty, the nasal septum is straightened and repositioned in the middle of your nose. This may require your surgeon to cut and remove parts of the septum before reinserting it in the proper position. Since Rhinoplasty is used to alleviate symptoms, it may be covered in part or in full by health insurance, in cases where it is deemed “medically necessary” by a physician.

In many cases, Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty are performed on one patient at the same time. Both procedures are typically performed in a hospital operating room or outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia. To get more information regarding Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty, talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon today.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones, Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C.

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