Plastic Surgery

Septorhinoplasty in Albania: nose shape and breathing in Tirana

Medically reviewed by Dr. Raniero Orsini, plastic and maxillofacial surgeon · November 2026

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Do you have a deviated septum and would also like to change the shape of your nose? Septorhinoplasty treats both in a single operation. At Dermolife in Tirana, the surgery is performed by Italian plastic surgeons, with dedicated support from the first consultation to the post-operative check-ups.

The goal is twofold: improving the airflow when it is obstructed by the deviated septum and achieving a nose in better harmony with your facial features. Every operation is planned after an individual aesthetic and functional assessment.

What is septorhinoplasty?

Septorhinoplasty combines two procedures: rhinoplasty, which changes the external shape of the nose, and septoplasty, which corrects the deviation of the nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils.

Performing them together means one operation, one anaesthesia and one recovery period, instead of two separate surgeries.

ProcedureWhat it treatsMain goal
RhinoplastyBridge, tip, nostrils and external proportionsAesthetic
SeptoplastyInternal nasal septumFunctional: breathing
SeptorhinoplastyNasal septum and external shape, in the same operationAesthetic and functional

→ Discover rhinoplasty in Albania

When is septorhinoplasty recommended?

Septorhinoplasty is considered when the aesthetic request comes with a breathing problem caused by the septum. The most common situations include:

  • difficulty breathing through the nose, from one or both nostrils
  • breathing through the mouth, especially at night
  • a crooked or deviated nose, often after an injury or a fracture
  • a hump on the bridge or an unbalanced tip, together with nasal obstruction
  • snoring linked to a blocked nose
  • breathing problems that persist after a previous rhinoplasty

During the examination the surgeon checks the real cause of the obstruction. Breathing difficulties do not always depend on the septum alone: the turbinates or conditions such as rhinitis can also play a role and need a specific assessment.

How the procedure works

Consultation and pre-operative visits

The first assessment can be done remotely, using photos. At the clinic the surgeon examines the external shape of the nose and how it works inside, and may request specialist tests when needed. Pre-operative tests follow the clinical protocol and are reviewed with the anaesthetist.

The operation

The surgeon first corrects the deviated septum, reshaping or removing the parts of cartilage and bone that block the airflow. Then they work on the external structures of the nose according to the agreed aesthetic plan.

The open or closed technique is chosen according to the case. The duration depends on the corrections needed and is explained by the surgeon during the consultation.

After the operation

At the end of the surgery an external splint is applied and, when necessary, soft internal packing or splints that hold the septum in its new position. You can return to your accommodation on the same day or, when indicated, after one night at the clinic.

Recovery after septorhinoplasty

Recovery is gradual and varies from person to person. Compared with a purely cosmetic rhinoplasty, a blocked-nose feeling is more common in the first days, because of the internal swelling.

PeriodWhat to expect
First 48 hoursRest, splint in place, breathing mainly through the mouth, possible swelling and bruising
First daysRemoval of any internal packing or splints, as instructed by the surgeon
Around day 7Removal of the external splint; the nose is still swollen, especially inside
First weeksBreathing improves progressively; avoid blowing your nose hard, sports and glasses resting on the nose
After a few monthsSwelling subsides and the aesthetic and functional result settles

Nasal rinses and specific instructions are given by the surgeon before discharge. Post-operative check-ups are included and can continue remotely after you return home.

How much does septorhinoplasty cost in Albania?

The price of septorhinoplasty depends on how complex the septum correction is, on the aesthetic changes requested, on the technique and on the type of anaesthesia. As with rhinoplasty, costs in Albania are generally lower than in Italy and Western Europe, thanks to lower local operating costs.

At Dermolife the first consultation is free, including online with photos. The personalised quote is defined after assessing your case and includes the operation, the planned stay at the clinic and post-operative care.

→ Request your free quote

How long should you stay in Tirana?

We recommend planning a stay of about 7-8 days, to complete the pre-operative tests, the operation and the check-up with splint removal before flying home.

The journey is organised before you leave: free online consultation, quote, planning of your stay, surgery in Tirana and free follow-up after you return home.

→ Discover Dermolife and plan your journey → Discover revision rhinoplasty

Our Italian plastic surgeons in Tirana

The Dermolife team includes Italian and European plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons, including Dr. Matteo Cimmino and Dr. Raniero Orsini, who is also specialised in maxillofacial surgery. Each case is assessed by the professional best suited to the procedure.

Throughout the whole journey, from the first consultation to the post-operative check-ups, patients have a dedicated point of contact and a medical reference person.

→ Meet our plastic surgeons

Where is the Dermolife clinic in Tirana?

Dermolife is located in central Tirana and is organised to look after patients travelling from abroad, with medical assistance throughout their stay.

The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, from 08:00 to 20:00, and is closed on Sundays.

Frequently asked questions about septorhinoplasty in Albania

Rhinoplasty changes the external shape of the nose, while septoplasty corrects a deviated nasal septum that can obstruct breathing. Septorhinoplasty combines the two in a single operation, with one hospital stay and one recovery period.

When breathing difficulties are caused by a deviated septum, correcting it can improve the airflow. During the examination the surgeon checks the cause of the obstruction, because other factors such as enlarged turbinates or rhinitis may also be involved and need a specific assessment.

Snoring can have different causes. If it is linked to a nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum, the operation can help reduce it, but this cannot be guaranteed in every case. That is why an individual assessment before surgery is important.

The operation is performed under anaesthesia and post-operative pain is generally well controlled with the prescribed medication. The most common discomfort in the first days is a blocked-nose feeling, caused by internal swelling and any packing or splints.

A stay of about 7-8 days is usually recommended, to complete the pre-operative tests, the operation and the first check-up with splint removal. Follow-up can then continue remotely after you return home.

For office work, people often return after about 7-10 days, depending on recovery and the surgeon's advice. Sports and physically demanding jobs usually require a few more weeks.

Yes, breathing problems after a previous operation can be assessed and, when appropriate, corrected with a secondary procedure. In this case the surgeon plans the operation as a revision rhinoplasty, taking into account the structures that have already been modified.