OP. DR. AKIN ŞAHİN

Septorhinoplasty: Fix Your Nose Shape and Breathing in One Operation

Many patients come to me for a cosmetic nose job and are surprised to learn that they also have a breathing problem. Others come because they can’t breathe through their nose and also want to change its shape. In both cases, the answer is often the same: septorhinoplasty, a single operation that improves both the appearance and the function of the nose.

What Is Septorhinoplasty?

Septorhinoplasty combines two procedures:

  • Rhinoplasty, which changes the shape of the nose
  • Septoplasty, which straightens the septum, the wall inside the nose that divides the two nostrils

Because both operations are performed through the same approach, they can be done safely in one session, with one anaesthesia and one recovery.

Signs That You May Have a Breathing Problem

  • One side of your nose feels blocked most of the time
  • You breathe through your mouth, especially at night
  • You snore or wake up with a dry mouth
  • You have frequent sinus infections or headaches
  • Your nose looks crooked from the outside

Many people live with these symptoms for years without realising they can be treated.

Common Causes of Nasal Obstruction

  • Deviated septum: the septum is bent to one side, narrowing the airway
  • Enlarged turbinates: the structures on the side walls of the nose are swollen, often because of allergies
  • Nasal valve collapse: the sides of the nose collapse inward when you breathe in
  • Previous trauma: a broken nose can leave both the outside and the inside crooked

Why an ENT Surgeon Matters

A rhinoplasty that improves appearance but narrows the airway can create new breathing problems. As an ENT (ear, nose and throat) and facial plastic surgeon, I assess the inside of the nose with an endoscope before every rhinoplasty. If there is a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or a weak valve, I correct them during the same operation. The goal is a nose that looks natural and breathes better than before.

You can read more about the functional operation on my septoplasty page.

How Is Septorhinoplasty Performed?

The operation usually takes 2.5–3.5 hours under general anaesthesia. I straighten the septum, reduce the turbinates if needed, and reshape the outside of the nose. Cartilage removed from the septum is often reused as a graft to support the tip or the nasal valves, so nothing goes to waste. Depending on the case, I use ultrasonic (piezo), preservation or structural techniques, which I explain in ultrasonic, preservation or structural rhinoplasty.

Recovery After Septorhinoplasty

Recovery is very similar to a cosmetic rhinoplasty:

  • The splint is removed around day 6–7
  • Breathing improves noticeably once the internal splints come out and the swelling inside the nose settles
  • Most patients fly home around day 7–8
  • Full breathing improvement is usually felt within 4–6 weeks

For the full timeline, read rhinoplasty recovery day by day.

How Much Does Septorhinoplasty Cost in Turkey?

Septorhinoplasty usually costs slightly more than a cosmetic rhinoplasty alone, because the operation is longer and includes functional work. Correcting the septum during the same operation costs far less than having two separate surgeries. You can see 2026 prices on my rhinoplasty cost in Turkey page, and I’ll give you an exact price after assessing your nose.

Struggling to breathe through your nose? Send me a front, side and base photo on WhatsApp and tell me about your symptoms. I’ll explain whether septorhinoplasty is right for you.

Written by Op. Dr. Akın Şahin, European Board certified ENT, head & neck and facial plastic surgeon, Istanbul.