Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Surgery)

Septoplasty is a surgery that corrects a deviated septum. During the procedure, your doctor will carefully straighten and re-position the nasal septum to improve airflow through the nose and deliver lasting relief from breathing problems, nosebleeds, sinus infections, and more.

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The nasal septum is the thin wall between the nasal passages. When it is displaced to one side, it’s referred to as “deviated”. In some cases, the deviation is so mild that it doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. However, when it’s severe, it can block one side of your nose and minimize airflow. This can cause breathing difficulties and increase dryness on the other side of the nose, contributing to crusting and nosebleeds.

Your Procedure

The septoplasty procedure lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the severity and complexity of the deviated septum. It may be performed under general or local anesthesia. Your doctor will begin by making a small incision hidden within the nose. Through that opening, they will trim, re-position, or replace the problematic cartilage and bone. In some cases, cuts may be required between the nostrils or the nasal bones if they are crooked and are contributing to your condition.

Once the septum is properly aligned, your doctor will close the incisions with absorbable sutures and insert soft splints inside each nostril to support the area as it heals. Bandages may also be placed to control post-operative bleeding. You will then be moved to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored.

Conditions Treated by Septoplasty

The primary condition treated by septoplasty is a deviated septum, although a deviated septum can cause other side effects such as difficulty breathing through the nose and chronic sinus infections — which can be treated by septoplasty. Surgery can also help soothe sleep apnea and snoring.

Benefits of Septoplasty

When performed by a skilled ENT surgeon, the septoplasty procedure significantly improves symptoms and quality of life. Our patients report high satisfaction levels after their operation along with substantial relief from breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and sinus infections.

Individual results will vary depending on the severity of your deviation. In addition, the septum may continue to shift over time. When this occurs, some patients find that they require a revision septoplasty to realign the septum and relieve their symptoms once again.

About SFENTA

With over 50 board-certified providers and more than 30 locations, SFENTA is always ready to help.

Our office provides each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

We provide genuine one-on-one care between you and your providers, ensuring you feel seen and that your concerns are heard.

Continuity of Care

Our goal is to help you find long-lasting relief from the symptoms that are impacting your life.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

Our provider network is designed to foster internal collaboration between doctors, which leads to unique perspectives and ultimately better patient outcomes.

The Security of a Community Staple

With over 30 locations across the area, we’ve made finding quality care more straightforward and more accessible.

Who is a Candidate?

It’s very common to have some deviation of the septum. As such, simply having an abnormality does not necessarily mean you require surgery. In general, SFENTA physicians will recommend a septoplasty if your deviated septum is causing symptoms that are negatively impacting your quality of life. If you suffer from any of the following, you may want to consider the procedure:

Breathing difficulties
Disturbed sleep due to discomfort
A feeling of pressure in the nasal passages
Frequent nosebleeds
Recurring sinus infections

Your Septoplasty Experience

If you decide to correct your deviated septum with surgery, you will need to schedule an initial consultation at SFENTA. During that appointment, your physician will collect your medical history, order tests, and perform a complete physical examination. They will also take detailed photographs of your nose from different angles and discuss the specifics and possible outcomes of the procedure. Because the septoplasty procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you will be free to return home the very same day to begin the healing process. As you recover, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity, blowing your nose, and irritating the area. In addition, your head will need to be elevated at all times, even when sleeping. After surgery, most patients experience substantial relief from their breathing challenges, congestion, nosebleeds, sinus infections, and more.

FAQ

Are septoplasty results permanent?

Most SFENTA patients experience no ongoing symptoms after their septoplasty. However, even if the procedure was performed perfectly, the septum may still shift over time. When this occurs, a revision septoplasty may be necessary to move the septum back into place and relieve symptoms once again.

How do I prepare for surgery?

Before your surgery, you will need to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners for at least two weeks to minimize your risk of bleeding. Because general anesthesia will be used, you won’t be able to eat or drink right before your operation, and you will need to arrange for a ride to and from the surgery location.