How Do I Know If I Need a Septorhinoplasty or a Rhinoplasty?
- Dec 13, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 3
For many patients considering nose surgery, one of the first questions is:
“Do I need a rhinoplasty, a septorhinoplasty, or a functional procedure?”
It can feel confusing at first, especially if you are not sure whether your concerns are primarily cosmetic, functional, or a combination of the two. To make this simpler, I’ve created a clear, easy-to-follow decision chart that shows exactly how we determine which operation is most appropriate and why.
At Adnova Clinic in Fareham, patients from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and across Hampshire often arrive unsure which procedure fits their needs. This guide explains how we decide together.
Step 1: Do You Have Any Issues Breathing Through Your Nose?
This is the most important starting point.
If the to this is NO
If your breathing is completely normal and you have no symptoms of nasal blockage, snoring, valve collapse or septal deviation, then you are likely seeking cosmetic changes only.
In this case, the appropriate procedure is:
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty = indicative price £10,500
This focuses solely on improving the appearance of your nose — for example refining a hump, narrowing the bridge, adjusting tip projection or reducing bulbosity — without altering internal structures unless necessary.
Step 2: If You Do Have Breathing Problems
If you answered YES, the next question determines whether your operation needs to address function alone or function and appearance.
“Is there anything about the shape of your nose that you would like to improve?”
This includes concerns such as:
hump or dorsal bump
tip droop or over-projection
asymmetry
visible deviation
wide or uneven nostrils
imbalance on photos
If You Have Breathing Issues But No Cosmetic Concerns
If you breathe poorly but are happy with the appearance of your nose, the appropriate surgery is:
Functional Septorhinoplasty – indicative price £8,500
This corrects the internal structures that cause blockage, such as:
deviated septum
nasal valve collapse
structural weakness
asymmetry of the nasal framework
The goal is improved airflow, stability and long-term function, without altering your natural external appearance unless required for breathing.
If You Have Breathing Issues And Cosmetic Concerns
If you want to improve both your breathing and the external shape of your nose, the most suitable operation is:
Cosmetic Septorhinoplasty – indicative price £10,500
This is a comprehensive rhinoplasty procedure. It addresses both:
functional problems (septal deviation, valve collapse, obstruction)
cosmetic shape changes (hump removal, tip refinement, straightening, rotation, nostril balance)
This procedure is ideal for patients who want a long-term solution for both airflow and appearance.
What About Revision Surgery?
If you’ve had previous nose surgery and are considering revision, the procedure is more complex.
Revision / Secondary Rhinoplasty: indicative price £11,500 – £13,000
The exact cost depends on:
healing problems
scar tissue
structural collapse
need for cartilage grafts (including rib grafts)
Revision surgery requires advanced reconstructive techniques and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Summary: A Simple Pathway to the Right Operation
Your chart can be summed up simply:
Breathing normal + aesthetic concerns = Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Breathing impaired + no shape concerns = Functional Septorhinoplasty
Breathing impaired + aesthetic concerns = Cosmetic Septorhinoplasty
This structured approach ensures every patient receives the right surgery for their goals — whether functional, cosmetic, or both.
If you are still unsure, I am always happy to discuss your symptoms, concerns and desired outcomes during consultation at Adnova Clinic in Fareham.
To enquire or book an assessment:
📍 Adnova Clinic
More information:
Frequently Asked Questions: Do I Need Rhinoplasty, Septorhinoplasty, or a Functional Procedure?
How do I know which type of nose surgery I need?
The decision is based on two simple questions:
Do you have problems breathing through your nose?
Do you want to change the external shape of your nose?
Your answers determine whether the correct procedure is cosmetic, functional, or combined.
What if my breathing is completely normal?
If you breathe well and have no nasal blockage, valve collapse, or airflow problems, and your concerns are purely about appearance, then the appropriate operation is:
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Indicative price: £10,500
This focuses on refining appearance only (for example, hump reduction, tip refinement, or straightening), without addressing internal functional structures unless required for safety.
What if I have breathing problems but like how my nose looks?
If your breathing is impaired but you are happy with the external appearance of your nose, the appropriate operation is:
Functional Septorhinoplasty
Indicative price: £8,500
This procedure is designed to:
Correct a deviated septum
Stabilise nasal valves
Address structural weakness
The aim is long-term airflow improvement, while preserving your natural external appearance unless change is required for breathing.
What if I have breathing problems and cosmetic concerns?
If you want to improve both breathing and appearance, the most suitable operation is:
Cosmetic Septorhinoplasty
Indicative price: £10,500
This is a comprehensive procedure that addresses:
Functional issues (septal deviation, valve collapse, obstruction)
Cosmetic concerns (hump, tip shape, deviation, nostril balance)
It provides a single, long-term solution for both function and aesthetics.
What if I’ve already had nose surgery?
If you have had previous rhinoplasty or septoplasty and are considering further surgery, this falls into a different category:
Revision / Secondary Rhinoplasty
Indicative price: £11,500 – £13,000
The exact cost depends on:
Scar tissue and healing changes
Structural collapse or weakness
Need for cartilage grafts (including rib cartilage)
Revision surgery is more complex and always assessed individually.
Why isn’t septoplasty listed as an option?
In modern practice, isolated septoplasty alone is often insufficient for many patients with persistent nasal obstruction.
Breathing problems frequently involve:
Nasal valve collapse
Structural weakness
Framework asymmetry
This is why functional septorhinoplasty is often the correct operation rather than septoplasty alone.
Can cosmetic rhinoplasty affect my breathing?
Yes — which is why procedure selection matters.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty performed without proper structural support can:
Worsen airflow
Cause valve collapse
Lead to long-term breathing problems
This is why assessment by a specialist ENT rhinoplasty surgeon is essential.
Who decides which operation is right?
The decision is made together, based on:
Your symptoms
Your aesthetic concerns
Detailed internal and external nasal examination
Honest discussion of goals and limitations
Consultations are led by Mr Tim Biggs at Adnova Clinic.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. If you are self-funding, you can book directly without a GP referral.
Can prices change?
The prices listed are indicative, based on typical cases. Final costs are confirmed after consultation once the exact procedure and complexity are clear.
Simple summary: which surgery fits me?
Breathing normal + aesthetic concerns → Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Breathing impaired + no shape concerns → Functional Septorhinoplasty
Breathing impaired + aesthetic concerns → Cosmetic Septorhinoplasty
Previous surgery → Revision Rhinoplasty (case-specific)
This structured approach ensures the right operation is chosen first time.
Key takeaway
Choosing between rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and functional nasal surgery does not need to be confusing. By starting with breathing, then considering appearance, a clear pathway emerges — ensuring surgery is tailored to your needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. If you are unsure where you fit on this pathway, a specialist consultation at Adnova Clinic is the safest next step.
