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Your nose plays a central role in your appearance and function. Although rhinoplasty and septoplasty are both procedures that involve nasal surgery, they solve different problems. In this guide, we explain the differences, benefits, risks, and recovery expectations of each procedure, and help you determine which one may be right for your needs.
Definition:
Rhinoplasty (commonly known as a “nose job”) is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the nose to achieve a more balanced, natural appearance. It can also address functional issues like sinus problems or breathing difficulties.
Definition:
Septoplasty is a functional surgery performed to correct a deviated septum, the wall of cartilage and bone dividing your nostrils. A deviated (crooked) septum can block airflow and cause chronic congestion, disturbed sleep, and reduced exercise tolerance. On its own, septoplasty is not designed to change how the nose looks.
| Feature | Rhinoplasty | Septoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Cosmetic enhancement (and sometimes improved function) | Functional improvement (correcting a deviated septum) |
| Incisions | Mostly internal (closed) or external (open) if needed | Internal incisions (usually on one side) |
| Procedure Duration | 1–2 hours | 60–90 minutes |
| Recovery Time | Light activities in a few days; full healing takes several weeks to months | Light activities within a week; full healing may vary |
| Risks | Infection, scarring, anesthesia risks, breathing issues | Bleeding, scarring, slight change in external shape, septal perforation |
| Cost & Insurance | Generally cosmetic (often self-funded) | Often covered by insurance (medical necessity) |
| Can Be Combined? | Yes – when both cosmetic and functional issues exist (septorhinoplasty) | Yes – can be combined with rhinoplasty |
Septoplasty typically costs less than rhinoplasty and, because it addresses a medical (functional) problem, it is often covered by insurance. At Berkeley Square Medical, we offer an all-inclusive package for combined procedures (septorhinoplasty) at £8,950.00. See our rhinoplasty cost guide for current pricing of each procedure.
If your concern is purely breathing, septoplasty may be enough. If it is purely appearance, rhinoplasty. If it is both, a septorhinoplasty corrects function and form in a single operation and recovery, which is usually more efficient than having them done separately. This is assessed at consultation, where Mr Taimur Shoaib examines the inside and outside of your nose and advises honestly. He performs septorhinoplasty as day-case surgery. See the recovery timeline for what to expect afterwards.
No. Septoplasty straightens a deviated septum to improve breathing; rhinoplasty reshapes the appearance of the nose. They can be combined as a septorhinoplasty.
Yes. Combining both, known as septorhinoplasty, corrects a functional problem (such as a deviated septum) while also refining the nose’s appearance in one operation and recovery.
Standard cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on appearance. If you have a breathing problem from a deviated septum, you need a septoplasty or a septorhinoplasty. Your surgeon will assess this at consultation.
Often yes. Because septoplasty is performed for medical reasons (improving breathing), it is frequently covered by insurance. Rhinoplasty, being primarily cosmetic, is usually self-funded.
At Berkeley Square Medical, septorhinoplasty is a fixed, all-inclusive price. See our rhinoplasty cost guide above for current pricing of each procedure.
Many patients return to work within a few days after a minor rhinoplasty, and most resume normal activities within a week after septoplasty.
Patient Journey We are here to guide you to make the right decision for your well-being. If you are considering an aesthetic change to your appearance, we know that it’s one of the most important and personal decisions you wish to make. Therefore you need to be certain that the medical advice you receive is […]
Patient Aftercare All cosmetic surgery procedures at Berkeley Square Medical come with a comprehensive aftercare package and a 24-hour service so you can be assured you are always under the care and guidance of our surgical team. All your immediate aftercare is included in the cost of your surgery so there are no hidden extras in our […]
If you are considering Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that it's probably one of the most important decisions you're likely to make, therefore, you need to be sure it's right for you and you receive professional and independent advice about your procedure.
Our Philosophy We began our journey setting foot in the highly fashionable area of Berkeley Square, Mayfair where luxury fashion, galleries and five-star hotels all conveniently meet to set the example for world-leading client services and experience. Our goal was to create a cosmetic surgery practice that would not only exceed patients’ expectations but provide […]
