The Nasal Septum in Rhinoplasty: Basic Septoplasty Techniques

Otten, FWA

The Nasal Septum in Rhinoplasty: Basic Septoplasty Techniques

Open Education Resource

2025-03-22

Abstract

Septal corrections form an important step in rhinoplastic surgery. Not only for functional, but also for aesthetic surgery the septum deserves attention. In the past the septum was submitted to resection of bone and cartilage with sometimes even negateve functional and cosmetic consequences. Nowadays, because of its supporting function, one tries in a septoplasty to operate as conservative as possible by preserving and reconstructing the septum. The nasal septum consists of a posterior bony and an anterior cartilaginous part. Figure 1 shows a cadaver dissection specimen of the septum. The bony septum has two components: the vomer and the perpendicular plate. The anterior cartilaginous part, consisting of a quadrangular cartilage and two upper lateral cartilages, is a very important supporting structure of the nose (Figures 2a,b). A straight, firm cartilaginous septum contributes to the contours of the external cartilaginous nose and an efficient airway (Figures 3a,b). This means that anatomic malformations of the cartilaginous septum can cause functional and aesthetic complaints.

Keywords

Rhinoplasty

Septoplasty

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