Septoplasty is performed when blockage in breathing through the nose is related to septal deviation or septal spurs. In septal deviation, the septum is positioned toward one side of the nose. A septal spur is a thickening or bowing of the area where septum cartilage meets the bone, or where trauma or a fracture has occurred. In the septoplasty procedure, the septum is straightened, and the cartilage and bone that block breathing can be removed or repositioned. In severe cases of sinusitis with presence of septal deviation, septoplasty is performed alongside sinus surgery.

A wide range of patients have nasal airway issues, such as nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing. The nasal airway is a structure composed of skin and cartilage that allows only a few millimeters for air to pass through. Thus it is sensitive to changes in anatomy. The septum is a piece of cartilage in the middle of the nose that separates the right from the left side. In some cases, the septum may be deviated to one side. If the septum causes an obstruction of one side of the nose, this can cause significant breathing problems. Abnormalities of the nose may be congenital, inherited, caused by trauma or caused by prior surgery. Problems may be exacerbated by the presence of other nasal and sinus problems, such as weak cartilage, enlarged turbinates or nasal allergies. Patients often seek consultation with us to improve their nasal breathing through septoplasty or functional rhinoplasty. Those who undergo surgery to improve nasal breathing may often desire to improve the appearance of the nose at the same time which is something done quite commonly.

Healthy men and women seeking relief from nasal obstruction caused by a deformity of the bone and cartilage framework of the nose may be excellent candidates for functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty. During a consultation, one of our experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons will perform a facial analysis and work with you to help determine the best course of action that will deliver the most appealing results.

Septoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, with most patients returning to the comfort of their own home a few hours after surgery. Septoplasty may be performed with moderate sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference. Small incisions, hidden under the nasal tip and within the nose, allow access to the cartilage and bone responsible for the shape and function of the nose. These structures are carefully adjusted to achieve the desired function and, in some cases, appearance of the nose. As each nose is unique in both appearance and function, the septoplasty and functional rhinoplasty procedures and techniques are planned to meet each patient’s individual needs. Sutures are used to close the incisions and a small external splint is placed. Internal splinting and packing usually are not necessary.

Length of recovery time depends on the complexity of the procedure and varies from patient to patient. Prescription pain medication usually is required only for the first few days. Mild discomfort, bruising and swelling lasts seven to 10 days. Most patients are able to return to work, school or other daily activities within about one week. Avoidance of contact sports is recommended for about one month after surgery. State-of-the-art techniques and the use of homeopathic or herbal options can reduce bruising and recovery time. Detailed postoperative and aftercare instructions are provided to each patient.