Septoplasty

If you’re struggling with a deviated septum, septoplasty can help.

When the cartilage wall and bone that separate the nostrils are crooked, it can cause discomfort, breathing difficulties and chronic nasal congestion. You may suspect you have a deviated septum if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, you snore, suffer from sinus infections, full ears, nosebleeds or even bad breath.

Other deviated septum symptoms include:

Effective Relief Through Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery to correct a deviated septum. This procedure improves airflow and reduces nasal obstruction.
During the procedure, an ENT surgeon straightens or repositions the septum to help ease recurring infections, snoring, breathing problems and nosebleeds.
Septoplasty is highly effective and provides lasting relief. After the procedure, patients breathe easier and experience fewer sinus-related issues.

Recovery and Expert Care

Septoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Most patients return home the same day.
Full septoplasty recovery takes between two to four weeks. During the healing process, it's common to experience mild pain and discomfort.
A board-certified ENT surgeon will ensure compassionate and comprehensive care. Each patient receives the highest standard of treatment for their specific needs.

Septoplasty Surgery Day Explained

What to Expect

Septoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, and patients go home the same day. Because general anesthesia is used, you will need someone to drive you home. In rare cases, an overnight stay may be required for observation. However, this is uncommon.
The Septoplasty procedure is done entirely through the nostrils, without external incisions. Internal incisions heal naturally and are not usually noticeable. Severe deviations involving the front of septum may need an open approach with an external nasal incision that typically heals very well and is not noticeable.
Septoplasty recovery time varies, but most patients take 1-2 weeks off from work or school to heal. Swelling, congestion and mild discomfort are common the first few days after surgery. Full recovery takes between two to four weeks.

Our board-certified ENT surgeon will guide you through your personalized plan for preparation, procedure and recovery. This ensures long-lasting results and a speedy recovery.

Septoplasty Vs. Rhinoplasty

Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are often confused. Knowing the purpose of each and their functions can help you and your surgeon choose the best option for your circumstances.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. This condition causes breathing difficulties and chronic congestion. The procedure involves repositioning or removing parts of the septum to improve airflow through the nasal passages.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure primarily focused on addressing cosmetic concerns. It involves altering the size, shape or angle of the nose by reshaping the cartilage, bone and skin. While the procedure can positively affect the function of a patient’s nasal passage, it’s usually selected for aesthetic enhancements.

We prioritize efficiency and convenience.

Your surgery consultation is quick and convenient. Schedule at any one of our 18 clinics across the Greater Houston Metro area. A board-certified ENT surgeon will perform your surgery on a day that’s most convenient to you, and at a clinic or surgical center closest to you.

Preparing for Your Septoplasty

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s pre-operative guidelines ahead of your septoplasty. This may include extra rest and hydration, and adjusting certain medications ahead of time. Swelling and congestion is common afterward. It’s beneficial to set up a comfortable place to recover, with items like saline sprays and a humidifier.

Septoplasty For Children

Septoplasty is usually reserved for patients at least 16 years of age or older. An exception may be made in extreme cases of chronic nasal congestion or sinusitis. This is to ensure that the nasal cavity is fully developed before being altered in surgery.

However, in severe cases where a child’s quality of life is impacted by a deviated septum, a modified approach may be a good option. The goal is to preserve future nasal growth while improving function. An Allergy & ENT Associates surgeon can discuss options with you that best suit your child.

With 18 locations across the Greater Houston area, it’s easy to find a clinic near you.

FAQs

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separate the two nostrils is crooked or displaced. This condition can lead to breathing difficulties, chronic sinus infections and frequent nosebleeds. Septoplasty straightens the septum to improve airflow and ease these symptoms.

Most patients experience mild discomfort after septoplasty surgery. This can be well-managed with pain medication. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Discomfort after surgery is temporary and can be managed with prescribed medications.

Septoplasty is primarily focused on improving function. It corrects structural issues of the nasal septum. However, if you’re also interested in cosmetic improvements, a rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time. Rhinoplasty can enhance the appearance of your nose.

Many patients begin to feel symptom relief, such as improved breathing, almost immediately after the procedure. However, it can take a few weeks for full recovery. Improvement in airflow should be noticeable soon after the healing process starts. Swelling inside the nose may persist for several weeks.

Septoplasty is often covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. This includes a situation where a deviated septum is causing breathing problems or chronic sinus issues. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage and obtain any necessary pre-authorizations before undergoing the procedure.

Individuals with a deviated septum causing chronic nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, frequent sinus infections or nosebleeds are good candidates for septoplasty. It is also an option for those whose symptoms have not improved with medications or other non-surgical treatments. Schedule a consultation today!

Donna

Google

“I have seen Dr. Karen Bednarski for over 10 years. She absolutely wonderful. She corrected my deviated septum and it resolved most of my allergy problems.”