Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?

If you’re considering nasal surgery, you’ve probably come across the terms septoplasty and rhinoplasty. While both involve the nose, they serve different purposes and have unique surgical approaches. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between septoplasty and rhinoplasty, helping you decide which option — or combination — is right for you.

What Is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a functional surgery designed to correct a deviated septum — the wall of cartilage and bone that divides your two nostrils.

A deviated septum can cause:

Chronic nasal congestion
Breathing difficulty
Frequent sinus infections
Nosebleeds
Snoring or sleep apnea

During septoplasty, the surgeon straightens or removes portions of the septum to improve airflow. It’s usually performed inside the nose with no changes to the outer shape.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the nose for aesthetic reasons. It can:

Reduce a nasal hump
Refine the nasal tip
Narrow wide nostrils
Straighten a crooked nose
Adjust nasal symmetry

Rhinoplasty can also improve breathing if combined with internal corrections — in which case it’s called a functional rhinoplasty.

Key Differences: Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty

Here’s a breakdown of how the two procedures differ:

Feature	Septoplasty	Rhinoplasty
Purpose	Improve breathing, fix deviated septum	Reshape the nose for cosmetic reasons
Aesthetic Change	No change to external appearance	Alters external nose shape
Insurance Coverage	Often covered (medical necessity)	Usually not covered (cosmetic)
Surgery Duration	30–60 minutes	1.5–3 hours
Recovery Time	1–2 weeks	1–3 weeks (swelling may last longer)
Scars	No visible scars	May have minor scarring (especially open rhinoplasty)

Can You Combine Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty?

Yes — and many people do. A septorhinoplasty combines both procedures into one surgery, addressing breathing issues and cosmetic concerns at the same time.

Benefits of combining:

Single recovery period
Reduced overall cost
Improved form and function
Balanced results inside and out

This is especially helpful if your deviated septum also caused visible nasal asymmetry or if trauma affected both appearance and breathing.

Cost Comparison

Septoplasty: Often covered by health insurance, especially if breathing problems are documented.
Rhinoplasty: Considered elective; costs range from $5,000 to $15,000+, depending on the surgeon and location.
Septorhinoplasty: Partially covered if medically necessary, but cosmetic elements are out-of-pocket.

Always check with your provider and insurance company for accurate estimates.

Who Performs These Surgeries?

Both procedures are usually performed by:

Otolaryngologists (ENT specialists) – focus on functional issues
Facial plastic surgeons – specialize in cosmetic enhancements
Dual-certified surgeons – ideal for combined surgeries

Make sure your surgeon is board-certified and experienced in nasal anatomy to ensure the best outcome.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you struggle to breathe through your nose, have frequent sinus problems, or snore heavily, a septoplasty might be your best option.
If you’re unhappy with the look of your nose, want a smaller tip, smoother bridge, or more facial harmony, then rhinoplasty is the answer.
If you have both functional and cosmetic concerns, consider a combined septorhinoplasty to treat everything at once.

Final Thoughts

Although septoplasty and rhinoplasty both involve the nose, their goals and outcomes are very different. Septoplasty is designed to improve your health, while rhinoplasty aims to enhance your appearance. When done together, they can offer dramatic improvements in both breathing and confidence.

Before choosing a procedure, consult a qualified surgeon to assess your needs and create a personalized plan. Whether you’re looking to breathe easier, boost your self-image, or both, there’s a solution tailored just for you.