Aesthetic + Functional
Septorhinoplasty: two problems, one solution
Septorhinoplasty is the simultaneous correction of a deviated septum and an aesthetic closed rhinoplasty. Two surgeries completed in one general anesthesia session — breathing problems and nasal shape addressed together.
What is septal deviation?
The septum is the central cartilage-bone wall dividing the nose into two halves. A healthy septum is straight in the middle. Trauma, congenital structure, or developmental asymmetry can cause the septum to deviate left or right — this is called "septal deviation."
Problems it causes
- Unilateral or bilateral breathing difficulty
- Snoring and reduced sleep quality
- Chronic sinusitis — due to impaired ventilation
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis) — excessive airflow drying the mucosa
- Exercise fatigue — inadequate oxygen intake
- Mouth breathing — especially during sleep; dry mouth
- External nasal asymmetry — septal deviation can sometimes affect outer appearance
Why single-session is preferred
Septum (functional) and rhinoplasty (aesthetic) used to be separate surgeries. Modern practice combines them because:
- One anesthesia, one recovery period
- Cartilage from the septum can be used as graft for tip support — no other donor site needed
- Lower total cost — one surgery instead of two
- Form and function addressed together — septum becomes harder to access after a future rhinoplasty
- No additional incisions — closed approach already allows septal access
How is it performed?
Septum portion
- Incision in the septal mucosa, inside the nostrils
- Deviated cartilage and bone are exposed under the mucosa
- Deviated parts are corrected or removed — saved for grafting if needed
- Septum is repositioned at the midline
- Mucosa is sutured
Turbinate portion (if needed)
In most deviation cases the turbinates (bony folds inside the nose) are also enlarged. Radiofrequency, laser, or surgical reduction decreases turbinate size.
Aesthetic closed rhinoplasty
After septum and turbinate work, the patient's desired aesthetic changes are made with the closed technique (hump reduction, tip rotation, etc.).
Insurance coverage
Only functional septal surgery (septoplasty) is covered by Turkish national insurance (SGK) — performed for free or at low cost in state hospitals or SGK-affiliated private hospitals. However:
- Aesthetic rhinoplasty in the same session is outside SGK coverage
- In private clinic septorhinoplasty, pricing is combined
- Per Ministry of Health regulations, prices are not published on the website — personalized quote provided after consultation
Recovery process
Generally similar to closed rhinoplasty recovery, with some additional notes for the septum portion:
- Day 1 nasal congestion more intense (septal splints)
- Day 5-7 septal splints removed — major relief
- First 6 weeks: nasal cleaning with saline spray only
- Breathing improves significantly in 4-6 weeks, full effect in 3 months
- Chronic sinusitis attacks decrease 70-80% in the first 6 months