Septorhinoplasty combines two procedures into one surgery: septoplasty to straighten the nasal septum and rhinoplasty to reshape the outside of the nose. Purely cosmetic rhinoplasty changes only the nose's external appearance and does not touch the internal breathing structures. The right choice depends on whether a patient's main concern is breathing, appearance, or both.
Dr. Yael Halaas is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan and Westchester who has performed rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty throughout her career. In this blog, we'll break down how these two procedures differ, how to tell which one fits your goals, and what to expect from each.
Before comparing the two, it helps to know what each procedure is built to accomplish:
- Septorhinoplasty addresses a deviated septum, chronic nasal obstruction, and external shape in a single operation
- Purely cosmetic rhinoplasty refines the bridge, tip, or overall proportions of the nose without correcting internal breathing issues
- Candidacy for septorhinoplasty typically includes documented breathing problems, while cosmetic rhinoplasty is chosen for aesthetic goals alone
- Insurance may cover the functional portion of septorhinoplasty, while purely cosmetic rhinoplasty is paid out of pocket
What Is Septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty is the medical term for performing septoplasty and rhinoplasty together in one surgery:
- The septoplasty portion straightens the nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the two nasal passages, to improve airflow
- The rhinoplasty portion reshapes the external nose at the same time
This combined approach benefits patients whose nasal appearance and breathing problems share a common root cause, such as a crooked nose due to an off-center septum. Rather than treating the internal and external issues in two separate surgeries, Dr. Halaas can correct both in a single procedure, resulting in one recovery period instead of two.
What Is Purely Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
Purely cosmetic rhinoplasty is a nose surgery performed solely to change how the nose looks. It can:
- Reduce a dorsal hump
- Refine a bulbous or drooping tip
- Narrow wide nostrils
- Improve overall balance with the rest of the face
Patients who choose purely cosmetic rhinoplasty are typically happy with their breathing but want a nose that better suits their facial proportions.
Key Differences Between Septorhinoplasty and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Signs You May Need Septorhinoplasty Rather Than Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Certain symptoms point toward a functional component that purely cosmetic rhinoplasty will not resolve. According to the Mayo Clinic, a deviated septum can cause:
- Nasal blockage
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Frequent nosebleeds
- A nose that appears crooked from the outside
Patients experiencing chronic congestion on one side of the nose, difficulty breathing that worsens with colds or allergies, or a history of nasal trauma should mention these symptoms during a rhinoplasty consultation.
Dr. Halaas evaluates both the internal septum and the external structure at every rhinoplasty consultation to ensure that a functional issue is not overlooked in favor of aesthetic goals alone.
Is Septorhinoplasty Covered by Insurance?
The functional portion of septorhinoplasty may be covered by insurance, while the cosmetic portion is not. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that rhinoplasty performed to correct an obstructed airway is generally considered reconstructive and may be covered, subject to a detailed evaluation and prior authorization from the insurer.
When septoplasty and cosmetic reshaping are combined, insurers typically cover only the septal repair, and the patient is responsible for the aesthetic component. Dr. Halaas's office can help document medical necessity for the functional portion, though final coverage decisions rest with each patient's insurance plan.
Septorhinoplasty vs. Purely Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Which Is Right For You?
Dr. Halaas is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a distinction held by a select group of facial plastic surgeons nationwide. Her undergraduate training in art history at Columbia University continues to shape how she evaluates facial proportion and symmetry before every rhinoplasty, while her role as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine keeps her connected to the latest teaching and techniques in the field.
As a former AAAASF operating room inspector, Dr. Halaas performs surgery in her own AAAASF-accredited facility in Manhattan, and her experience lecturing internationally on rhinoplasty techniques, including approaches to the crooked nose, reflects more than two decades of guiding patients toward the right procedure for their goals.
Whether the priority is clearer breathing, a more balanced nasal profile, or both, patients don't have to choose between form and function. Dr. Halaas's combined expertise in functional and cosmetic nasal surgery means both can be addressed in one carefully planned procedure, evaluated at a single consultation. Contact us today to book yours.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
