If you are considering nose surgery, you may have come across both the terms rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty and wondered what the difference is. Both procedures involve surgical work on the nose, but they serve distinct — and sometimes overlapping — purposes. Understanding the difference is crucial to making an informed decision about which route is right for you.
At My Nose London, Mr Samit Unadkat is a double board-certified rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery. In this guide, we break down the key differences between rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty to help you understand what each procedure involves and what it can achieve.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty — often referred to as a nose job — is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape or resize the nose to improve its appearance. It can address a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including:
- A nasal hump or bump on the bridge
- A wide, bulbous, or drooping nasal tip
- Asymmetry or a crooked appearance
- Nostrils that are too wide or too narrow
- A nose that appears too large or too small in proportion to the face
Rhinoplasty is entirely focused on the external appearance of the nose. The procedure works on the bone, cartilage, and skin of the nose to create a more balanced, harmonious result that suits the individual patient’s facial features. It does not typically address any internal structural issues affecting breathing.
What Is Septorhinoplasty?
Septorhinoplasty combines the cosmetic goals of rhinoplasty with the functional correction of the nasal septum — the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your left and right nasal passages. When this septum is deviated (shifted to one side), it can cause:
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Nasal congestion that does not respond to medication
- Sleep disturbances such as snoring
- Recurring sinus infections
A septorhinoplasty addresses both the aesthetics and the function of the nose in a single procedure. Rather than undergoing two separate operations, patients can have the structural issues corrected at the same time as any cosmetic refinements, reducing overall recovery time and surgical risk.
Key Differences at a Glance
Rhinoplasty focuses purely on the appearance of the nose. It is the right choice for patients who are happy with how their nose functions but want to change how it looks.
Septorhinoplasty combines aesthetic improvements with functional correction. It is the right choice for patients who have both cosmetic concerns and breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum.
In some cases, a patient may arrive seeking only cosmetic improvement but during consultation it becomes apparent that there is an underlying structural issue contributing to the nose’s appearance — such as a deviation that is also affecting symmetry. In these situations, addressing both concerns together often produces a better and longer-lasting result.
How Do I Know Which Procedure I Need?
The most important step is a thorough consultation with an experienced specialist. At My Nose London, Mr Unadkat conducts a comprehensive assessment that includes a clinical examination, nasal endoscopy where appropriate, and simulation photography to help you visualise potential outcomes.
Questions that can help guide the conversation include:
- Do you experience difficulty breathing through your nose on a daily basis?
- Have you noticed that one nostril feels more blocked than the other?
- Do you have cosmetic concerns about the shape or size of your nose?
- Have you suffered a nasal injury in the past?
- Has medication or nasal sprays failed to resolve your breathing issues?
If you answer yes to several of these, a septorhinoplasty may be the more appropriate route. If your concerns are purely aesthetic, a rhinoplasty alone may be all that is required.
Recovery: Is There a Difference?
Recovery from both procedures follows a broadly similar timeline. Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks, with more noticeable swelling subsiding over the following weeks and months. The final result of rhinoplasty — including any cosmetic changes — can take up to 12 months to fully reveal itself as residual swelling gradually resolves.
Patients who undergo septorhinoplasty often notice an improvement in breathing relatively quickly after surgery, even while the cosmetic results are still settling. This functional improvement is frequently one of the most immediately satisfying aspects of the combined procedure.
Why Choose My Nose London?
Mr Samit Unadkat is one of the UK’s leading rhinoplasty and nasal surgeons, holding dual board certification and working within the NHS at the Royal National ENT and University College London Hospital — the national centre for complex sinonasal disorders. With over 150 verified five-star patient reviews and an international reputation, he brings a level of expertise and precision that patients can trust.
Whether you are considering rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, or are simply unsure which procedure is right for you, the first step is a consultation. My Nose London offers a free initial phone consultation to help you understand your options before committing to anything.
Book your free consultation today at mynose.co.uk or call 020 7971 7890.
