Purpose Septal deviation and nose deformities are widely prevalent. As a consequence, patients may complain about difficulties in nasal breathing leading to a perception of diminished disease-specific quality of life. In a prospective randomized trial, we aimed to analyse the outcome of septoplasty (SPL) and septorhinoplasty (SRP) on patient satisfaction. Methods Patients with functional indication for SPL (n = 19) or SRP (n = 54) were included and randomized for additional turbinoplasty. Preoperative clinical symptoms were collected with SNOT-20 GAV (Sinu-nasal outcome test-20—German adapted version) and NOSE© (nasal obstruction symptom evaluation) questionnaires. The final evaluation of treatment success was performed 9 months after surgery with SNOT-20 GAV, NOSE© and a self-established feedback questionnaire. Nasal breathing and obstruction were objectively measured with rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry [minimum cross-sectional area 2 (MCA2)]. Results Minimum cross-sectional area 2 was statistically improved compared to the pre-treatment value in SPL (p = 0.0004) and SRP (p = 0.0001). Regarding MCA2 values of matched patient groups, similar findings were detected (SPL: p = 0.0013, SRP: p < 0.0001). Sinu-nasal outcome test-20 GAV and NOSE© scores were significantly reduced after both surgical procedures (NOSE©: SPL: p < 0.0001, SRP: p < 0.0001; SNOT-20 GAV: SPL: p = 0.0068, SRP: p < 0.0001). Evaluation of patient satisfaction in a self-established feedback questionnaire revealed a motivation of 81% of patients to redo the surgery (SPL 13/16, SRP 34/42) and a notably general satisfaction of 86% for SPL and 80% for SRP. Conclusion Rhinosurgery leads to quantitative better nasal breathing and increased disease-specific satisfaction. However, this study implies the importance of the right selection of patients and the correct indication of the surgical technique.