Medical description
Septorhinoplasty combines two procedures: a rhinoplasty, which changes the external shape of the nose, and a septoplasty, which straightens the nasal septum when it is deviated. It is intended for patients who wish to improve the appearance of their nose while treating a nasal obstruction of anatomical origin. A deviated septum can cause difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, snoring or a permanently blocked-nose sensation. Treating both aspects under the same anaesthetic makes it possible to harmonise form and function, and cartilage taken from the septum can sometimes be used to support or reshape the tip.
What the procedure can correct
- Deviated nasal septum
- Difficult or one-sided nasal breathing
- Crooked or deviated nose
- Unattractive bump or tip
- After-effects of a nasal injury
The ideal candidate
An adult in good health who has both breathing difficulty related to the septum and a wish to change the appearance of their nose. An internal nasal examination, sometimes supplemented by imaging, allows the surgeon to confirm the cause of the obstruction. Non-anatomical causes, such as allergic rhinitis, require different treatment and must be assessed beforehand.
The technique
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Through an incision inside the nose, the surgeon lifts the lining of the septum, removes or repositions the deviated portions of cartilage and bone, then reshapes the external nose using an open or closed approach. The septal cartilage removed can be reused as a graft. An external splint is applied, together with internal splints or packing that hold the septum in place while it heals.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
General · 2–3.5 h
- 3
Monitoring in the clinic
Hospital stay: 1 night. The care team looks after your comfort and post-operative monitoring.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 7–8 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, you send your photos and stay in touch with the practitioner through your patient area, for up to 12 months.
Risks and recovery
The nose is blocked for the first few days, with swelling and bruising around the eyes; slight bleeding is common at first. Less commonly, significant bleeding, a septal haematoma, infection, septal perforation, persistent obstruction or an aesthetic irregularity may occur. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Will I breathe better after the procedure?
When the difficulty is caused by the deviated septum, septorhinoplasty generally brings a clear improvement in breathing once the swelling has subsided. The improvement does, however, also depend on the condition of the nasal lining and turbinates, which is assessed during the examination.
Why a night in the clinic?
Work on the septum carries a slightly higher risk of bleeding and is often accompanied by nasal packing. A night of monitoring makes it possible to check that all is well before you are discharged.
When will I be able to fly?
Travelling home is generally possible once the splints have been removed and the surgeon has examined you, within the recommended length of stay. It is advisable to avoid blowing your nose hard and to keep the nose well moisturised during the flight.
