Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty: Which is the Best Nose Surgery?

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Your nose plays a crucial role in your overall look. For both men and women, it’s often the most eye-catching feature. Because it’s so central to your appearance, any changes or issues with its shape and function are often more noticeable than with other parts of our face.

If you're concerned about your nose’s appearance or experiencing issues with its structure or function, two common surgeries can help: rhinoplasty and septoplasty.

While these procedures might sound similar, they are distinctly different. If you’re unsure which method is best for improving your nose's appearance, this blog will explain the differences between rhinoplasty and septoplasty. And also analyses whether septoplasty and rhinoplasty can be performed together.

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgery performed to correct a deviated septum, which is the cartilage and/or bone that separates the two nostrils. Imagine your nose as a house where the septum acts as the central wall maintaining balance. If this wall bends or shifts (called a deviated septum), it can block airflow and lead to issues such as:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Constant nasal congestion
• Nosebleeds
• Snoring or sleep issues

Septoplasty does not change your nose's external appearance; it mainly straightens the septum to improve breathing.

How Much Does Septoplasty Cost in India?

In India, septoplasty surgery is generally quite affordable, with costs typically ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Keep in mind that the actual price can vary depending on factors like the type of septoplasty, the hospital you choose, your surgeon’s experience, and whether you have health insurance. Traditional septoplasty usually costs between Rs 25,000 and Rs 45,000, while endoscopic septoplasty tends to be a bit more expensive, ranging from Rs 65,000 to Rs 75,000.

When to Choose Septoplasty Surgery?

Consider septoplasty surgery if you're experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Breathing problems - This procedure is performed to help improve breathing issues that result from a deviated septum.
• Chronic sinusitis - If you're dealing with frequent sinus infections or nasal congestion that don't get better with other treatments, septoplasty is a helpful option for you.
• Sleep apnea or snoring - Septal deviations that cause obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring can be effectively relieved with this procedure.

Risks and Complications of Septoplasty Surgery

Septoplasty is usually a safe and effective procedure. Just like any surgery, it does carry some risks, which include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Nose and nostril scarring
• Temporary numbness of the teeth or gums
• Perforation of the septum
• Hematoma
• Altered shape and colour of the nose
• Change in your sense of smell and taste
• Unimproved symptoms or unsuccessful surgery

Tips for Recovering from Septoplasty Surgery

Your doctor might suggest some helpful tips to help you recover smoothly and avoid any unnecessary bleeding or complications. These are some tips to get a fast recovery from septoplasty surgery:

• Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and similar blood-thinning medications.
• Don't blow your nose for at least 3 days post-surgery.
• Refrain from sports, intense workouts, and bending or lifting objects for approximately one month.
• Stay away from smoky or crowded places and avoid close contact with people who have colds, the flu, or coughs.
• Avoid flying for 2 weeks after surgery.
• Sneeze with your mouth open to avoid extra pressure on your nose.
• Take some time to rest at home for about a week.
• Restrict physical activity to gentle exercises during the initial two weeks.
• Use nasal saline as your doctor recommends to clear out old mucus or blood, especially when using splints.

Recovery Tip: If you have a physically demanding job, like heavy lifting, taking 2 weeks off is advisable. A doctor can provide a note for your employer.

>> Also Read: Does Health Insurance Cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Is Septoplasty Covered by Insurance in India?

As medical expenses continue to rise, surgeries can be financially challenging. However, with medical insurance coverage, you won't have to worry about costs. The price of deviated septum surgery may become quite affordable with insurance. Individual health insurance with Care Health Insurance offers financial support, allowing you to access high-quality cashless treatments without stress.

Care Health Insurance also covers daycare procedures, like septoplasty. These are surgeries or treatments that do not require hospital stays longer than 24 hours. For details on how much septoplasty costs with insurance or whether insurance covers septoplasty, contact our insurance experts for policy information and related clauses.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that subtly alters the shape or size of the nose to help you feel more confident in your appearance. Whether for cosmetic reasons, improving breathing, or correcting structural issues from injury or congenital defects, this procedure involves carefully reshaping the bone and cartilage to achieve your desired look or function. Skilled surgeons specialising in plastic or facial plastic surgery perform these operations with care and expertise, ensuring you're in good hands.

Do you know that many actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Khloé Kardashian, and others have openly discussed undergoing rhinoplasty (a nose job) for various reasons, including cosmetic enhancement and functional improvements?

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in India?

In India, rhinoplasty surgery is generally quite affordable, with prices usually between Rs 40,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh. Keep in mind that the actual cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of rhinoplasty, the hospital selected, the experience of the surgeon, and whether you have health insurance. Open rhinoplasty typically costs between Rs 80,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh, whereas closed rhinoplasty tends to be cheaper, ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh. Revision rhinoplasty costs usually fall between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.

When to Choose Rhinoplasty Surgery?

You might consider rhinoplasty to enhance your appearance and confidence. Those who need this surgery include:

• Correct a congenital abnormality, such as a birth defect.
• Enhance your overall appearance.
• Open blocked nasal passages caused by a deviated septum.
• Treat a facial fracture, like a broken nose.
• Restore breathing ability following disease, cancer treatments, traumatic injuries, or burns.

What are the Risks of Rhinoplasty?

All surgical procedures or plastic surgeries, like rhinoplasty, have risks. Some potential complications you might experience after rhinoplasty include:

• A perforation in the nasal septum (nasal septal perforation).
• Infections
• Nosebleeds
• Poor wound healing
• Skin discolouration
• Unsatisfactory appearance.
• Alteration of your sense of smell.
• Pain
• Scarring

Tips for Recovering from Rhinoplasty Surgery

To ensure your nose heals well during the first few weeks after rhinoplasty, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Use cool compresses (not ice) on your cheeks or under your eyes, avoiding direct contact with your nose.
• Prevent any contact with your face.
• Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure on the bridge of your nose when wearing glasses or sunglasses.
• Maintain an elevated head position, particularly while sleeping.
• Reduce exposure to sunlight.
• Do not blow your nose.
• Avoid lifting anything heavy.
• Use over-the-counter pain medications as instructed by your surgeon if you experience soreness.

Is Rhinoplasty Covered by Insurance in India?

Care Health Insurance understands the rising costs of medical care and the need for a comprehensive health plan. Therefore, surgeries for nasal function issues are part of the coverage. However, it is also essential to know which surgeries are excluded from health insurance.

The best health insurance policies do not cover nasal surgeries that are not medically necessary. Procedures like rhinoplasty, which aim to change the shape of the nose for cosmetic purposes, are not seen as medically necessary and are therefore not covered under health insurance. Only reconstructive surgeries that aim to restore the nose's original shape or fix nasal issues are covered.

5 Key Differences Between Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

If you're curious about whether insurance covers a nose job for a deviated septum, it's helpful to understand the different types of surgeries involved. Take a moment to review the simple comparison between rhinoplasty and septoplasty in the table below:

Can Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty be Done Together?

For individuals aiming to improve their looks and breathing, having a rhinoplasty along with a septoplasty can be an excellent option. It's generally best to perform the cosmetic nose surgery before the septoplasty, as the septal cartilage may be restricted after the septoplasty, requiring the surgeon to take cartilage from the ear or other areas. Performing both surgeries at the same time is often the most practical choice, providing not just enhanced overall outcomes but also reduced expenses and shorter recovery time.

Bottom Line!

Nasal surgeries are common these days, especially with more people experiencing breathing problems, nasal polyps, and sinus issues caused by pollution. Getting treatment early on can help prevent more serious health problems down the line. If a deviated nasal septum is making it hard to breathe, septoplasty can be the best option to improve airflow and your overall quality of life. For those interested in cosmetic improvements, rhinoplasty is a great way to boost your appearance and self-confidence. Whatever your reason for considering nose surgery, it's always a good idea to consult with a skilled plastic or ENT surgeon. They can help you make the best decision and ensure everything turns out as positively as possible.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.