Why is Rhinoplasty (Rhinoplasty/Septorhinoplasty) Preferred Over Septoplasty?

Nasal obstruction is often caused by structural abnormalities inside and outside the nose. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the deviation of the septum, the structure dividing the nose into two halves. However, in some cases, correcting the septum alone may not be sufficient, and nasal aesthetics (rhinoplasty/septorhinoplasty) may be preferred to improve the overall aesthetic and functional structure of the nasal anatomy. Rhinoplasty is a more comprehensive surgery that addresses both aesthetic and functional goals.

Reasons for Choosing Rhinoplasty

Nasal Valve Disorders

One of the significant causes of nasal obstruction is narrowing or collapse in the nasal valve region (the upper and anterior part of the nose). The nasal valve is the narrowest area inside the nostrils and constitutes the most critical part of nasal breathing.

Septoplasty usually does not directly address the nasal valve area.

During rhinoplasty, nasal valve narrowing can be corrected using cartilage grafts taken from inside the nose (e.g., “spreader graft” or “alar batten graft”), thereby improving airflow inside the nose.

Complex Nasal Anatomy

In some patients, septoplasty alone may not fully resolve nasal obstruction. The anterior portion of the septum provides support to the nasal tip, so it is often untouched in septoplasty surgeries. Deviations in this region cannot be adequately corrected with septoplasty and may require an open surgical approach. Additionally, if there are issues such as asymmetry in the external nasal structure or nasal collapse, these can be more effectively addressed with rhinoplasty. Factors such as a deviated septum, a nasal hump, a drooping nasal tip, or structural weakness in the nasal wings can also contribute to breathing problems. Rhinoplasty provides the ability to reshape the nasal bones and cartilage structures. This not only corrects the aesthetic appearance but also ensures more balanced airflow.

Septoplasty is an effective surgery focused on specific internal nasal issues; however, in some cases, it cannot offer a comprehensive solution. For patients needing both functional correction and aesthetic improvement, rhinoplasty provides a more thorough treatment by reorganizing the overall nasal anatomy. Especially in complex cases like nasal valve narrowing, rhinoplasty is considered the optimal method to enhance airflow and improve nasal functions. Therefore, individual patient needs must be carefully evaluated during surgical planning.