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Septoplasty

Septal deviation is a condition within the nasal passage where the dividing wall of bone and cartilage is crooked. A deviated septum can cause side effects, including making it hard to breathe through your nose, and may reduce your quality of life.

A surgical procedure commonly called “septoplasty” can correct the deviation and improve nasal airflow. Medical specialists perform the surgery by making a small incision inside your nasal cavity, exposing the deviated septum. The surgical specialist then removes the parts of the septum that are deviated (not straight) or repositions the septum in the midline, if needed. Then, they will place sutures to close the incision and hold your tissue together. The sutures will dissolve and do not have to be removed after surgery.

There are no visible incisions on the face and no facial bruises. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery setting. Your risks are low, and complications don’t happen often. Your medical specialist will also prescribe pain medications for postoperative discomfort, although any pain is usually mild.

A view inside the right nose as seen through a nasal endoscope. The structure labeled (s) is the nasal septum, which is shifted or deviated from the midline into the nasal cavity. As a result, the nasal cavity (arrow) is narrow, with limited space for nasal breathing.
A view inside the right nose as seen through a nasal endoscope. The structure labeled (s) is the nasal septum, which is shifted or deviated from the midline into the nasal cavity. As a result, the nasal cavity (arrow) is narrow, with limited space for nasal breathing.
Following septoplasty, the right nasal airway is larger (arrow), allowing more airflow. The nasal septum (S) has been repositioned in the middle. A surgeon removed parts of it to make it easier for the patient to breathe.
Following septoplasty, the right nasal airway is larger (arrow), allowing more airflow. The nasal septum (S) has been repositioned in the middle. A surgeon removed parts of it to make it easier for the patient to breathe.
Four months after septoplasty surgery, the patient is breathing normally, and the nasal cavity has healed with a greatly improved nasal airway (arrow) and septum in the midline (S).
Four months after septoplasty surgery, the patient is breathing normally, and the nasal cavity has healed with a greatly improved nasal airway (arrow) and septum in the midline (S).