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Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty: Explaining the Difference

Facial plastic surgery includes a variety of treatments and techniques to modify and/or correct something about the shape or skin around your chin, eyes, ears, nose and other facial areas. Plastic surgery for the nose is designated into two primary types, Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty.

Rhinoplasty Surgery

Some people are unhappy with the appearance of their nose, and opt to undergo Cosmetic Rhinoplasty to correct it. This type of facial plastic surgery for the nose usually is either Functional Rhinoplasty or Compound Rhinoplasty (also called Mixed Rhinoplasty). The first, Functional kind, is needed when something within your nasal passages is blocking or hampering breathing through your nose. Something like a broken nose may cause this. The Compound type is when the plastic surgery is performed for mixed reasons – you may have a nasal obstruction and/or you simply want to correct or modify the appearance of your nose. The nose is the centerpiece of your face, and an unattractive or unshapely nose can be a discouraging thing for you to see in the mirror every morning. Rhinoplasty is an excellent way to transform your nose into a natural, attractive one that you can be proud of.

Septoplasty Surgery

To understand Septoplasty, you must first understand a little more about the anatomy of your nose. Your nose’s left and right nasal passages are separated by a piece of cartilage known as the septum, which provides support from your forehead to the tip of your nose. By way of injury and even normal development, the septum can become crooked and cause a nasal obstruction. This is when Septoplasty Surgery is useful, to correct the problem. Unlike Rhinoplasty, which is used to correct appearance and other obstructions to the nasal passages, Septoplasty is specifically surgery to adjust the septum. Click here to learn more about the procedure of Septoplasty Surgery from Dr. Michel Siegel, MD.

Contact us to learn more about facial plastic surgery in Houston, or to schedule your consultation appointment.


People travel from across the US and the world for an improved look by Dr. Siegel, but many are right here in the Houston area. We often see patients from Cypress, Spring, Bellaire, Sugar Land, Fulshear, Humble, Katy, and other nearby communities. We also see many patients from other areas in Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Midland, Odessa, to name a few. Wherever you are, we look forward to helping you achieve your best look.

July 1, 2021 Update:

Our office is open and we are following the recommended guidelines for maximum safety.

  • To make this transition as safe as possible, and to comply with physical distancing, we will be limiting the number of people in the waiting room to only one person.
  • To prevent having multiple people in the waiting room, we will space out appointments.
  • To minimize personal contact please be punctual for your appointment.
  • Please be on time for your appointment. If you are early, please wait in your car. If you are running late please call the office at 832-900-4818, so we can make proper arrangements.
  • For new patients, please fill out all your new intake forms at home. We will send you a link for registration when you make an appointment.
  • Patients must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth when in the waiting room or walking back to the exam room.
  • If you are wearing gloves, please remove them when you arrive, we will provide you with hand sanitizer.

Please contact our office with any questions you have!

-Dr. Siegel & Staff

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