Facial plastic surgeon and nasal and sinus disorder specialist, Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is an expert in the field of nasal reshaping and repair. There are a number of different procedures that can be performed on the nose, and rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two commonly requested options. Rhinoplasty serves as a transformative surgery where the aesthetics of the nose are most important to the patient, while septoplasty is performed for medical reasons. The surgeon often performs the two procedures in conjunction if the patient requires correction to both the form and function of the nose.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery
Prospective patients consult with Dr. Rubinstein to undergo a rhinoplasty when they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose. They may feel the feature’s size, shape, position on the face, or other aspects detract from their attractiveness. There are many changes possible through a surgical rhinoplasty.
There are different ways to perform a nose job surgery, including though an open or closed technique. When the doctor utilizes the open rhinoplasty technique, a small incision is made in the area of skin dividing the two nostrils. This allows him to see the interior of the nose and make changes accordingly. Through a closed technique, the doctor accesses the anatomy of the nose through the nostrils, and does not make any incisions. While the doctor has access the interior of the nose, he may shave down the cartilage, remove bone, and suture areas in place for the final look.
Revision Rhinoplasty
In certain circumstances, the initial rhinoplasty may not result in a favorable aesthetic outcome. The patient may have weak nasal cartilage, or had suffered an infection or traumatic injury during the healing period. There are a number of other factors than play into the recovery process and final result, any of which may result in patient dissatisfaction. Patients often visit Dr. Rubinstein to undergo a revision rhinoplasty after the original surgeon did not deliver favorable results. While secondary rhinoplasty procedures carry a higher risk, Dr. Rubinstein specializes in nasal anatomy and reconstruction, and has completed many successful nasal procedures.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Changes to the nose can also be accomplished through dermal injections, which are used to add volume to skin of the nose or the skin that directly surrounds it. While the doctor cannot remove tissues to make the nose smaller, he can disguise imperfections by adding filler to the nose. The nasal bridge may be equalized so a dorsal hump is less prominent, or an injection to the end of the nose camouflages visible cartilage of the nasal tip. Often, he is also able to achieve symmetry of the nose, and overall facial harmony.
The Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is an interior dividing wall of the nose, separating the left and right nostrils. Composed mainly of cartilage and some bone, the septum should create an equal division of the nostrils. When the septum is shifted to one side, or forms an irregular pattern in the nose, the conditional is medically referred to as a deviated septum.
Septoplasty, or Surgery for a Deviated Septum
When the septum does not form a straight line, patient health can be negatively impacted. The nostrils may take in an uneven distribution of air, and one side of the nose may cause ineffective inhalation. Aside from breathing air in and out, the nose also acts as a way for mucus to drain from the sinus cavities. The sinuses are hollow structures made of bone, and are present throughout the middle and top portion of the face. These structures create mucus that can flush irritants from the nose.
When the mucus cannot flow freely from the nose, people develop nasal congestion that can in turn lead to infection. Bacteria growth in the nasal cavities can cause pain and other symptoms during its course. While antibiotics may effectively treat a sinus infection, they will not prevent other infections from occurring in the future. Chronic or recurring sinus infections often mimic the symptoms of colds, and interfere with one’s daily life.
Septoplasty surgery treats the cause of sinus infections, and other breathing issues. A deviated septum may cause individuals to snore while sleeping, or will alter their voice. An irregularly shaped or positioned septum can also cause cosmetic changes to the exterior of the nose.
Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty: Which Surgery is for You?
The answer is potentially “both.” While rhinoplasty is performed to correct visual issues of the nose, patients may also benefit from the straightening of the septum. In certain cases, patients’ insurance will cover a portion or all of the surgery when performed to treat patient health. Learn more about each surgery by visiting Dr. Rubinstein at his Hudson Valley Sinus Center practice.
About Dr. Rubinstein
Dr. Rubinstein has been performing facial plastic surgeries and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the Hudson Valley for nearly twenty years. The doctor’s specialty services include laser treatments, sinus disorders, and facial plastic surgeries. The doctor provides each patient with an improvement to their looks as well as nasal function. Dr. Rubinstein holds dual board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.