Septoplasty

Septoplasty: What Is It?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils. When it is crooked (deviated septum), it can cause nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, and contribute to issues like snoring, sleep apnea, or chronic sinus infections.

Why is Septoplasty Done?

A deviated septum can lead to:

• Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.
• Frequent sinus infections due to poor drainage.
• Snoring or sleep disturbances.
• Nosebleeds from dry or irritated nasal passages.
• Headaches or facial pain due to uneven airflow.

If medications like nasal sprays don’t help, septoplasty may be recommended.

The Septoplasty Procedure

• Performed under local or general anesthesia (depending on complexity).
• Takes about 30-60 minutes.
• Surgeon makes an incision inside the nose (no external scars).
• Cartilage and bone are repositioned or removed to straighten the septum.
• Dissolvable stitches or splints may be placed to support healing.
• Most patients go home the same day (outpatient surgery).

Recovery After Septoplasty

• Mild swelling, congestion, and discomfort for a few days.
• Nasal packing or splints may be used for support (removed in a few days).
• Avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks.
• Full healing takes about 3-6 months, though breathing improves within a few weeks.

Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty

• Septoplasty focuses on function (breathing issues).
• Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure to reshape the nose.
• Septorhinoplasty combines both for functional and cosmetic improvements.