Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco recently posted a photo on her Instagram that appeared as if maybe she had a nose job. The actress, however, replied that she had instead undergone sinus surgery to allow for normal breathing. It’s an answer we often hear from celebrities, and many people think it’s simply an excuse for a nose job. So what’s the difference between rhinoplasty and sinus surgery?
“Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures we perform,” says NJ plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Miller. “Its purpose is to reshape or augment someone’s nose. We can remove humps, narrow bridges and nostrils, or create an overall more appealing nose that works in harmony with the other facial features. An advantage to a nose job is that patients may often be able to breathe better following surgery.”
Rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure that is only covered by insurance for reconstructive or medical reasons. During a rhinoplasty, the skin is lifted away from the cartilage through hidden incisions. Then, the cartilage can be sculpted, bumps removed and the nose can be straightened. The skin will then be re-draped over the new nose shape and incisions will be closed.
A good surgeon will use different techniques for men and women, as well as for those of differing ethnic backgrounds.
Patients will wear a splint for six days, and may experience some puffiness and minimal pain. Patients can return to work in a week.
When it comes to sinus surgery, there are a few different aspects, depending on the patient’s needs.
The first is endoscopic sinus surgery and is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to remove sinus blockages in patients with recurring or non-responsive sinus infections.
We’ve all heard the phrase deviated septum, and no doubt a few of us have assumed someone having surgery to repair one was actually just having a nose job. A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair the septum, or the separation between the nostrils.
The function of the septum is to support the nose, regulate airflow and support the nose’s mucous membranes. When the septum is deviated, it has shifted away from the midline. The most common symptom is difficulty breathing through the nose, and is typically worse on one side. The crooked septum can interfere with the drainage of sinuses, and can lead to repeat sinus infections.
A deviated septum, tumors, chronic nosebleeds and polyps are among the reasons patients may seek out a septoplasty.
A polypectomy removes nasal polyps. Polyps can cause swelling or opening of the sinuses that can lead to chronic nasal and sinus inflammation. They can cause obstruction, difficulty breathing and chronic sinus infections.
Some surgeons may advise patients that sinus surgery and rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time. If you are looking for both procedures, a consultation with your surgeon will determine if you are a proper candidate for both, or if a rhinoplasty will be able to correct your breathing problem.
A functional rhinoplasty procedure can not only improve the shape and look of the nose, but also repair obstructed breathing, repair birth defects or damage caused by injury, or repair narrowing the nasal valves.
“While the goal of many patients seeking out nose jobs is simply to have a prettier nose, they often realize they have a better functioning one post-surgery, as well,” says Dr. Miller. “But a rhinoplasty can also be performed in conjunction with sinus surgery or a septoplasty. I specialize in surgery of both the inside and outside of the nose, and can provide both better form and better function.”
So for some patients, the decision to have a rhinoplasty could be two-fold. The patient could desire both better form and better function. But no matter the reason why a patient may seek out rhinoplasty, it is important that they carefully research their physician.
“Nose jobs are common, so people may assume all plastic surgeons are more than capable of performing them,” says Dr. Miller. “Rhinoplasty, while common, takes a skilled surgeon to perform correctly. The age, sex and ethnicity of the patient all need to be taken into account, as do the other features of the face. I regularly perform revision procedures on patients who previously had surgery performed by someone else. These procedures are much more complex.”
For some patients, the answer isn’t cut and dry as to whether they opted for a rhinoplasty or a sinus procedure, because in some cases, it could be both. But for patients who suffer from deviated septums and chronic sinus infections, while a newly shaped nose may be a bonus, they’ll probably tell you that relief from their symptoms was their main goal…and leave the speculating to the rest of us.