What is Septorhinoplasty? and How Does It Improve Your Nose and Breathing?
Many people think rhinoplasty is only about changing how the nose looks. But for a lot of patients, the problem goes deeper than appearance. A blocked nose, difficulty breathing, snoring, or always breathing through the mouth are often signs of an internal nasal issue.
This is where septorhinoplasty comes in.
Septorhinoplasty is a procedure that combines septoplasty (to improve breathing) and rhinoplasty (to refine the shape of the nose) in one surgery. It is designed for people who want to breathe better and feel more confident about their nose at the same time.
At the ENT Clinic of Excellence in Dubai Healthcare City, septorhinoplasty is performed by Dr. Hatem Dalati, ENT Consultant & Rhinoplasty Surgeon, with careful attention to both nasal function and natural facial balance.
Understanding Septorhinoplasty: Function Meets Aesthetics
Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty alone, septorhinoplasty addresses both the inside and outside of the nose.
It is especially important for patients who:
- Want a more balanced nose shape
- Struggle with nasal obstruction or poor airflow
- Have a crooked nose due to trauma or genetics
- Want one surgery instead of separate functional and cosmetic procedures
By combining both approaches, septorhinoplasty ensures the nose looks good and works properly.
Septoplasty: Correcting the Cause of Breathing Problems
Septoplasty is the functional part of septorhinoplasty. It corrects a deviated nasal septum—the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal passages.
When the septum is deviated, it can lead to:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Snoring or disturbed sleep
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, septoplasty is an effective treatment for nasal obstruction caused by septal deviation:
👉 https://www.entnet.org/content/deviated-septum
Rhinoplasty: Refining the Shape of the Nose
The rhinoplasty component focuses on improving:
- Nasal symmetry
- Size and projection
- Profile balance
- Tip definition
- Post-traumatic deformities
When performed alongside septoplasty by an ENT specialist, cosmetic changes are planned in a way that preserves nasal airflow and long-term structural support.
Why Combine Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty?
Many patients initially request rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons but later discover that their breathing issues are caused by internal nasal deviation.
Treating appearance alone—without correcting the internal structure—can:
- Worsen nasal airflow
- Increase the risk of dissatisfaction
- Lead to long-term breathing problems
Septorhinoplasty offers clear advantages:
- Improved breathing and airflow
- Enhanced nasal appearance and balance
- One surgery and one recovery period
- More stable, long-lasting results
This is why septorhinoplasty should always be performed by an ENT consultant with rhinoplasty expertise, not cosmetic surgery alone.
What About the Caudal Septum?
In some patients, nasal obstruction and tip asymmetry are caused by deviation of the caudal septum, which is the front-most portion of the septal cartilage near the nasal tip.
When caudal septal deviation affects nasal breathing or tip alignment, it may be corrected as part of septorhinoplasty to ensure proper airflow and structural balance.
🔗 For a detailed explanation of caudal septal deviation and caudal septoplasty, read our dedicated guide here:
Septoplasty and Caudal Septal Surgery in Dubai
Who Is a Good Candidate for Septorhinoplasty?
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have difficulty breathing through your nose
- Suffer from chronic nasal blockage or snoring
- Have a crooked or asymmetrical nose
- Experienced nasal trauma or previous nasal surgery
- Want to improve both function and appearance in one procedure
A full ENT assessment, including nasal examination and imaging, is essential before surgery.
Benefits of Septorhinoplasty
✅ Improved nasal breathing
✅ Relief from chronic congestion and sinus pressure
✅ Straighter, more harmonious nose
✅ Correction of post-traumatic deformities
✅ One combined surgery
✅ Increased confidence and comfort
How Septorhinoplasty Is Performed
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Duration: 3–4 hours (depending on complexity)
- Approach: Functional correction first, followed by aesthetic refinement
The surgeon:
- Straightens the septum to open the airway
- Reshapes bone and cartilage for balance
- Preserves nasal support structures
- Ensures a natural, proportionate result
Each procedure is fully customized to the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Recovery and Healing Timeline
First 1–2 weeks
- Swelling and bruising
- Mild nasal congestion
3–4 weeks
- Return to work and daily activities
- Noticeable improvement in breathing
3–6 months
- Continued refinement of nasal shape
6–12 months
- Final aesthetic and functional results
Regular follow-ups ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes.
🎥 Watch a Real Septorhinoplasty Journey
Watch our YouTube Shorts featuring a real patient who underwent septorhinoplasty by Dr. Hatem Dalati — see her transformation and hear about her breathing improvement and confidence boost!
Why Choose Dr. Hatem Dalati for Septorhinoplasty in Dubai?
Dubai is home to many talented ENT specialists and rhinoplasty experts, but Dr. Hatem Dalati stands out for his precision, expertise, and patient-centered approach.
- Dual specialization in ENT and rhinoplasty
- Deep understanding of nasal anatomy and function
- Precision-based surgical approach
- Focus on natural, long-lasting results
- Patient-centered care and honest consultations
By choosing an ENT Consultant for nasal surgery, patients reduce complications and achieve superior functional outcomes. Read more: Why Dr. Hatem Dalati is the Best Choice for Rhinoplasty in Dubai?
FAQs About Septorhinoplasty
1. What is the difference between rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty focuses mainly on improving the appearance of the nose.
Septorhinoplasty combines rhinoplasty and septoplasty, meaning it improves both the shape of the nose and nasal breathing in one surgery.
2. Do I need septorhinoplasty or just rhinoplasty?
If you have breathing difficulties, nasal blockage, snoring, or a deviated septum, septorhinoplasty is usually recommended. If your concern is purely cosmetic and your breathing is normal, rhinoplasty alone may be enough. A proper ENT evaluation is essential to decide.
3. Will septorhinoplasty improve my breathing?
Yes. One of the main goals of septorhinoplasty is to restore proper nasal airflow by correcting internal structural problems while reshaping the nose.
4. Is septorhinoplasty painful?
Most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate. Pain is well-controlled with prescribed medication, and severe pain is uncommon.
5. Will my nose look natural after septorhinoplasty?
Yes. When performed by an experienced ENT rhinoplasty surgeon, the goal is a natural-looking nose that suits your face, not an “operated” appearance.
7. Can septorhinoplasty fix a crooked or broken nose?
Yes. Septorhinoplasty is especially effective for crooked noses, post-trauma deformities, and noses that are both functionally and cosmetically affected.
8. Will I have scars after septorhinoplasty?
Most incisions are made inside the nose, leaving no visible scars. If an open approach is used, the scar at the base of the nose is usually very small and fades over time.
9. Is septorhinoplasty permanent?
Yes. The results are considered long-term and permanent, provided the nose heals properly and there is no major trauma after surgery.
10. Can septorhinoplasty be done after a failed previous nose surgery?
Yes. Septorhinoplasty is often used in revision cases to correct both breathing problems and cosmetic concerns after previous nasal surgery.
Takeaway
Septorhinoplasty is an excellent solution for those seeking both aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement. It refines nasal appearance, restores airflow, and enhances facial harmony—all in a single, well-planned procedure.
💬Still Struggling With a Blocked Nose or an Uneven Nose Shape?
If breathing through your nose feels like a daily effort—or if your nose shape has always bothered you—it may be more than a cosmetic issue. Septorhinoplasty corrects the structure inside the nose while refining how it looks on the outside.
👉 Get clear answers from an ENT rhinoplasty expert, not guesswork.
📲 Message us directly on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/971502480249
📍 ENT Clinic of Excellence – Dubai Healthcare City
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