Septorhinoplasty

Septorhinoplasty Sydney: Combined Nose Surgery for Breathing and Appearance

Septorhinoplasty is a combined surgical procedure performed by specialist plastic surgeons in Sydney that addresses both functional breathing problems and aesthetic concerns of the nose in a single operation. This dual-purpose surgery is ideal for patients in Sydney, Edgecliff, and surrounding areas who are experiencing nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum while also seeking cosmetic improvement.

The procedure combines:

• Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Surgery): Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum to restore normal airflow and improve breathing function
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping Surgery): External nasal reshaping to refine the nose’s appearance, correct structural irregularities, or repair post-traumatic deformities

Many patients throughout Sydney choose septorhinoplasty to address both medical and cosmetic concerns efficiently, requiring only one surgery, one recovery period, and one anaesthetic, making it a cost-effective solution compared to staging two separate procedures.

Septorhinoplasty vs Rhinoplasty vs Septoplasty: Understanding the Difference

Septoplasty focuses solely on the internal nasal septum to improve breathing and does not alter external appearance. Rhinoplasty addresses only the cosmetic appearance of the nose. Septorhinoplasty combines both procedures, making it the optimal choice for patients with both functional and aesthetic concerns.

Deviated Septum: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in Sydney

What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into left and right passages. In an ideal anatomy, the septum sits centrally, allowing equal airflow through both nostrils. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is crooked or off-centre, often blocking one or both nasal passages.

Deviated septums can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired through nasal trauma, sports injuries, or accidents. According to medical studies, up to 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation, though not all require surgical intervention.

Deviated Septum Symptoms

Common symptoms that may indicate you have a deviated septum include:

• Chronic nasal congestion: Persistent blockage affecting one or both nostrils, particularly when lying down
• Difficulty breathing through the nose: Noticeable during sleep, exercise, or physical activity
• Recurrent nosebleeds: Caused by dryness and airflow turbulence over the deviated area
• Frequent sinus infections (sinusitis): Poor drainage due to structural blockage
• Snoring and sleep disruption: Mouth breathing during sleep, dry mouth upon waking, or sleep apnea symptoms
• Facial pain or headaches: Pressure sensations around the nose, forehead, or cheeks
• Noisy breathing during sleep: Particularly in children

Deviated Septum Treatment Options

While mild septal deviations may be managed conservatively with nasal sprays or decongestants, septoplasty surgery remains the definitive treatment for significant obstructions that impact quality of life. When combined with rhinoplasty as septorhinoplasty, both breathing and appearance can be optimised simultaneously.

The Septorhinoplasty Procedure: What to Expect in Sydney

Dr Mohaghegh performs septorhinoplasty under general anaesthesia at accredited surgical facilities in Sydney. The surgery typically takes 2-4 hours depending on complexity.

Step 1: Functional Correction (Septoplasty Component)

Dr Mohaghegh accesses the internal septum through incisions inside the nostrils (closed approach) or via a small external incision at the columella (open approach). The deviated cartilage and bone are carefully repositioned or removed to create a straight, central partition. Excess septal cartilage harvested during this step is often preserved and used as structural grafts to strengthen or reshape the external nose, eliminating the need for additional donor materials.

Step 2: Aesthetic Refinement (Rhinoplasty Component)

Once the internal foundation is corrected, Dr Mohaghegh addresses external cosmetic concerns, which may include:

• Dorsal hump reduction: Smoothing a prominent nasal bridge
• Nasal straightening: Correcting a crooked or twisted nose (often caused by the underlying deviated septum)
• Nasal tip refinement: Reshaping a bulbous, droopy, or asymmetric tip (see Tip Plasty Sydney)
• Nasal bone narrowing: Creating a more refined nasal bridge through controlled fractures (osteotomies)
• Nostril reshaping: Correcting asymmetry caused by caudal septal deviation

Surgical Techniques: Open vs Closed Septorhinoplasty

Closed septorhinoplasty involves incisions entirely within the nostrils, leaving no visible external scarring. Open septorhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils), providing superior visualisation for complex cases. Dr Mohaghegh will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy and surgical goals during your consultation.

Septorhinoplasty Cost Sydney: Medicare, Insurance and Pricing

How Much Does Septorhinoplasty Cost in Sydney?

Septorhinoplasty cost in Sydney typically ranges from $13,990 to $25,000, depending on surgical complexity, facility fees, anaesthetist charges, and the surgeon’s experience. This is generally higher than septoplasty alone ($10,000-$15,000) due to the additional cosmetic component.

Medicare Rebates for Septorhinoplasty

Because septorhinoplasty includes a medically necessary component (correcting airway obstruction from a deviated septum), eligible patients may receive Medicare rebates and private health insurance benefits for the functional portion of the surgery.

Relevant Medicare item numbers include:

• Item 41671 (Septoplasty): Medicare rebate of approximately $760 for surgical correction of deviated septum
• Item 45641 (Rhinoplasty for Functional Improvement): May apply when external nasal correction is required to restore airway function

Important: Medicare and private health insurance do not cover the purely cosmetic components of septorhinoplasty. Dr Mohaghegh’s team will provide a detailed, itemised quote clearly separating the Medicare-eligible medical costs from out-of-pocket cosmetic costs to ensure complete transparency.

Private Health Insurance Coverage

If you hold private health insurance with hospital cover, you may receive benefits for:

• Hospital accommodation and theatre fees
• Anaesthetist fees
• Surgical assistant fees

Check with your insurer regarding waiting periods and coverage levels. Dr Mohaghegh’s practice can assist with insurance pre-approval.

Am I a Candidate for Septorhinoplasty? Suitability Assessment

Septorhinoplasty candidates typically present with dual concerns: impaired nasal breathing (functional problem) and dissatisfaction with nasal appearance (aesthetic concern). Dr Mohaghegh assesses suitability based on anatomical, medical, and psychological factors.

Septorhinoplasty Recovery: Timeline and What to Expect

Immediate Post-Operative Period (Week 1)

• Internal nasal splints: Soft silicone splints placed inside the nostrils for 5-7 days to support the repositioned septum during initial healing. These create a temporarily blocked sensation
• External nasal cast: Protective thermoplastic splint worn over the nasal bridge for 7 days to protect the reshaped bones and cartilage
• Swelling and bruising: Most pronounced around the nose and eyes, peaking at 48-72 hours then gradually resolving
• Breathing: Initially congested due to internal swelling and splints. Breathing typically improves dramatically after splint removal at the 1-week mark

Early Recovery (Weeks 2-6)

• Most visible swelling and bruising resolves within 2-3 weeks
• Return to desk work typically possible at 1-2 weeks post-surgery
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports for 6 weeks
• Breathing continues to improve as internal swelling gradually resolves

Long-Term Healing (3-12 Months)

• Subtle swelling, particularly in the nasal tip, continues to refine over 12+ months
• Final cosmetic result visible at approximately 12 months
• Full airflow optimisation as internal tissues remodel and scar tissue matures

Note: Recovery timelines vary significantly between individuals based on surgical extent, healing capacity, age, and adherence to post-operative instructions.

Septorhinoplasty Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. Dr Mohaghegh will discuss specific risks relevant to your case during consultation. Potential complications of septorhinoplasty include:

General Surgical Risks

• Bleeding (intra-operative or post-operative haematoma)
• Infection requiring antibiotics or surgical drainage
• Adverse reaction to general anaesthesia
• Scarring (typically internal; minimal with closed approach)
• Pain and discomfort during recovery
• Prolonged swelling or bruising

Septorhinoplasty-Specific Risks

• Persistent nasal obstruction: Inadequate correction or recurrent deviation
• Septal perforation: Hole in the septum (rare with experienced surgeons)
• Altered sense of smell (hyposmia): Temporary or, rarely, permanent
• Cosmetic asymmetry or irregularity: Visible contour irregularities
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome: Result not meeting patient expectations
• Need for revision surgery: Approximately 10-15% of rhinoplasty patients seek refinement
• Nasal valve collapse: Structural weakness causing breathing difficulty
• Numbness: Temporary or permanent altered sensation in the nasal tip or upper lip

Choosing a qualified, experienced specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Mohaghegh significantly reduces these risks. Dr Mohaghegh is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with specialist registration in plastic surgery.

Why Choose Dr Mohaghegh for Septorhinoplasty in Sydney?

• Specialist Plastic Surgeon: FRACS (Plast) with specialist registration (AHPRA MED0001627149)
• Dual-trained expertise: Advanced training in both functional nasal surgery and aesthetic rhinoplasty
• Edgecliff location: Convenient access for patients throughout Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, CBD, Inner West, and beyond
• Accredited facilities: Surgery performed in accredited private hospitals meeting Australian safety standards
• Comprehensive care: From initial consultation through post-operative follow-up
• AHPRA compliant: Full adherence to cosmetic surgery guidelines and patient safety protocols

Septorhinoplasty Sydney: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does septorhinoplasty surgery take?

Septorhinoplasty typically takes 2-4 hours under general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of both the functional septoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty components.

Is septorhinoplasty painful?

Pain levels vary between individuals. Most patients report pressure and discomfort rather than severe pain. Pain is managed with prescribed medications and typically resolves within the first week.

When can I return to work after septorhinoplasty?

Most patients return to desk-based work within 1-2 weeks. Those in physically demanding roles or public-facing positions may require 2-3 weeks off work.

Will I have visible scars after septorhinoplasty?

With the closed approach, all incisions are internal with no visible scarring. Open septorhinoplasty creates a small scar across the columella that typically fades to near-invisibility within months.

How long until I see final results?

While major swelling resolves within weeks, subtle refinement continues for 12+ months. Breathing improvements are often noticeable immediately after splint removal at 1 week, with continued improvement as swelling resolves.

Can septorhinoplasty be covered by Medicare?

The functional septoplasty component may be partially covered by Medicare and private health insurance if medically necessary. The cosmetic rhinoplasty component is not covered. Dr Mohaghegh’s team provides detailed cost breakdowns.

What is the difference between septoplasty and septorhinoplasty?

Septoplasty corrects only the internal deviated septum to improve breathing, without changing external appearance. Septorhinoplasty combines septoplasty with rhinoplasty to address both function and aesthetics simultaneously.

Am I too old for septorhinoplasty?

There is no upper age limit for septorhinoplasty, provided you are in good general health. Suitability is determined during consultation based on medical assessment.

Book Your Septorhinoplasty Consultation in Sydney

If you are experiencing breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum, or you have concerns about both nasal function and appearance, a comprehensive consultation with Dr Mohaghegh is the essential first step.

During your consultation at our Edgecliff practice, Dr Mohaghegh will:

• Conduct a detailed nasal examination including internal assessment
• Discuss your breathing symptoms and aesthetic goals
• Assess your suitability for septorhinoplasty
• Explain surgical techniques, risks, and expected outcomes
• Provide Medicare rebate estimates and transparent pricing
• Answer all your questions about the procedure and recovery

Contact Dr Mohaghegh’s Edgecliff Practice Today:

Phone: 1300 074 466
Email: hello@drmohaghegh.com.au
Address: Shop 1/161 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027

Book Your Consultation Online

Dr Mohammad Hassan Mohaghegh is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (AHPRA Registration: MED0001627149) with specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery. Consultations available for patients throughout Sydney, including Eastern Suburbs, CBD, North Shore, Inner West, and regional NSW.