Septorhinoplasty for Breathing and Appearance: When Function and Aesthetics Need to Be Treated Together

Many patients considering nose surgery have two concerns: they do not like the shape of the nose, and they cannot breathe properly through it. In these cases, septoplasty alone may not be enough, and cosmetic rhinoplasty alone may miss the underlying airway problem.

Septorhinoplasty is surgery that addresses the septum, nasal framework and external shape of the nose in one operation. It is one of the core areas of practice for Mr Tim Biggs, Consultant ENT and Rhinoplasty Surgeon at Adnova Clinic.

Quick answer: what is septorhinoplasty?

Septorhinoplasty is an operation that combines septal correction with reshaping and structural support of the nose. It can improve nasal breathing, correct deviation, support the nasal valves and refine the external appearance of the nose.

Septoplasty versus septorhinoplasty

Septoplasty corrects the nasal septum, the internal partition between the two sides of the nose. It can be very effective when the main problem is a deviated septum inside the nose.

Septorhinoplasty is needed when the problem involves the external nasal framework as well. This may include a crooked nose, twisted bridge, nasal valve collapse, traumatic deformity, saddle nose, drooping tip or combined cosmetic and functional concerns.

When septoplasty alone may not work

A patient may have a deviated septum, but the blockage may also be caused by valve collapse, turbinate enlargement, weak sidewalls or external deviation. If only the septum is treated, symptoms may persist.

This is particularly common in patients with a visibly crooked nose, previous nasal trauma, narrow middle third, pinched nose or obstruction that worsens during exercise or deep breathing.

What is nasal valve collapse?

The nasal valves are the narrowest parts of the nasal airway. If the cartilage support is weak or the angle is too narrow, the sidewall can collapse inward during breathing. Patients may feel blocked despite using nasal sprays or despite having a relatively straight septum.

Valve collapse may require structural support using spreader grafts, batten grafts, lateral crural strut grafts, septal extension grafts or other rhinoplasty techniques.

Cosmetic and functional goals should not compete

A common concern is whether improving appearance will make breathing worse. Poorly planned rhinoplasty can narrow the airway, but well-planned septorhinoplasty should consider airway support from the beginning.

For example, reducing a dorsal hump may destabilise the middle third if support is not restored. Narrowing the nasal bones may worsen breathing if the valves are not protected. Tip refinement must preserve or improve external valve support.

Why ENT rhinoplasty expertise matters

Mr Tim Biggs is an ENT surgeon with advanced fellowship training and a specialist practice in rhinoplasty and facial plastics. This background is particularly relevant for septorhinoplasty because the operation requires both aesthetic judgement and detailed airway understanding.

Patients are assessed with internal nasal examination, external analysis and discussion of goals. Treatment may include septoplasty, turbinate reduction, nasal valve reconstruction, dorsal preservation, Piezo bone work and structural grafting.

The role of Piezo and dorsal preservation

Piezo ultrasonic technology can help reshape nasal bones precisely, particularly in crooked or humped noses. Dorsal preservation may be suitable for selected patients where the natural bridge can be preserved while improving profile and support.

These techniques are not used for every patient, but they form part of Mr Biggs’ modern septorhinoplasty approach at Adnova Clinic.

Why Adnova Clinic?

Adnova Clinic in Fareham provides a specialist day-case environment for private rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty. For patients from Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, London and further afield, it offers access to consultant-led care focused on nasal surgery.

Mr Biggs’ practice at Adnova Clinic is built around advanced planning, careful consent, modern surgical technique and structured aftercare.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between septoplasty and septorhinoplasty?

Septoplasty corrects the internal septum. Septorhinoplasty corrects the septum and the external nasal framework, addressing breathing and shape together.

Can septorhinoplasty improve breathing?

Yes. It can improve breathing when obstruction is due to septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, external deviation or structural weakness.

Can septorhinoplasty change how my nose looks?

Yes. Septorhinoplasty can reshape the bridge, tip, nostrils or overall alignment while also treating airway problems.

When is septoplasty alone not enough?

Septoplasty may not be enough if there is nasal valve collapse, a crooked external nose, traumatic deformity or weak sidewall support.

What is functional rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty is rhinoplasty performed primarily to improve nasal breathing by correcting structural airway problems.

Can cosmetic rhinoplasty make breathing worse?

It can if the airway is not protected. This is why functional assessment and structural support are important.

Does Mr Tim Biggs perform septorhinoplasty?

Yes. Septorhinoplasty is a major part of Mr Biggs’ specialist practice at Adnova Clinic.

Can Piezo be used in septorhinoplasty?

Yes. Piezo can help with precise nasal bone work in suitable septorhinoplasty cases.

Can dorsal preservation be used in functional surgery?

Yes, in selected patients. It may be combined with septal and valve surgery when appropriate.

How do I book a consultation?

Patients can contact Hampshire ENT Clinics or Adnova Clinic to arrange a septorhinoplasty consultation with Mr Tim Biggs.