Septoplasty

A nasal septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. The septum is the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passages into two separate nostrils, and a deviated septum is a condition in which bone and cartilage are displaced either from birth or from an injury to the nose.

About 80% of people have some deviation to the nasal septum, but only a few have significant symptoms that the septum must be corrected. Symptoms include difficulty breathing through the nose, sinus infections, or continuous nasal congestion. A septal deviation can also cause the nose to appear crooked. The only way to permanently cure these symptoms is through septoplasty surgery, though some medications can provide temporary relief.

Septoplasty Procedure

A nasal septoplasty moves the cartilage or bone of the septum to create larger and more even internal breathing passages, along with creating more even appearing nostrils and a straighter nose. It usually involves straightening the septum by either repositioning it, or removing part of the septum that seems to be off balance.

Many patients ask that their nasal appearance be improved at the same time of the septoplasty surgery and this involves the addition of a rhinoplasty which will provide an aesthetic balance between the nose and the rest of the face.

Septoplasty Recovery

Septoplasty surgery is not painful, and recovery generally consists of having internal splints that stabilize the new midline position of the nasal septum. These internal splints are removed painlessly in our Scottsdale area office a week after surgery. If a rhinoplasty is combined with a septoplasty, the external nasal splints are also removed at a week, revealing a straight and beautiful nose.