Septorhinoplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wondering if it’s possible to get a cheek augmentation at the same time as a rhinoplasty or would swelling from either interfere with the other. I also have a deviated septum. Do/can you fix that as part of a more general cosmetic rhinoplasty? Thanks.

A: Having a rhinoplasty and cheek augmentation at the same time is both common and not problematic. Even though they are anatomically close the tissue disruption of one does not affect the other. The swelling from these procedures does not start until after surgery so one procedure does affect obscure the visualization of the other.

In a rhinoplasty it it very common to perform and achieve dual benefits, changing the shape of the nose as well as improving one’s breathing. Known as a septorhinoplasty, it is both an internal and external nasal procedure. Besides being able to straighten a deviated septum, the cartilage from the septum can also serve as a support material for the cosmetic nose reshaping part of the operation. A septorhinoplasty is truly a synergistic procedure that for some patients absolutely has to be done together. In some cases the functional airway part of the operation may be covered by one’s health insurance.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana