Septoplasty: Your Complete Guide to Deviated Septum Surgery

What is a deviated septum?

A deviated septum refers to a condition in which the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the nostrils, known as the septum, is misaligned or crooked. This misalignment can obstruct one or both nasal passages, leading to various symptoms and difficulties in breathing. Some common symptoms of a deviated septum include:

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• Nasal congestion, particularly on one side
• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially when lying down
• Recurrent or chronic sinus infections
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Facial pain or pressure
• Loud or persistent snoring
• Sore throat
• Headaches, particularly concentrated around the forehead or temples

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These symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen over time if left untreated. While some individuals with a deviated septum may not experience noticeable symptoms, others may find their daily activities and quality of life significantly impacted by the condition. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, such as septoplasty surgery, can help alleviate symptoms and improve nasal function.

What is a septoplasty?

A septoplasty surgery is a minor, low-risk medical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum. During the surgery, the surgeon carefully adjusts or removes parts of the septum to straighten and realign it, thus improving airflow through the nose. Aspire Allergy & Sinus performs this procedure in-office with intravenous sedation. Our septoplasty is performed internally, resulting in no external incisions. 

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What happens during a septoplasty? 

During a septoplasty procedure, several steps are typically involved to correct a deviated septum and improve nasal airflow. First, the patient is placed under intravenous sedation to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. The surgeon then makes an incision inside the nostril to access the septum. Once the necessary corrections have been made, the incisions are carefully closed.

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How long does a septoplasty take?

The duration of a septoplasty procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the deviated septum and whether additional procedures are required. Septoplasty surgery typically takes around 20 - 30 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully accesses the septum through incisions inside the nostrils, adjusts or removes the deviated portions, and then closes the incisions. Despite variations in surgical duration, patients can expect to undergo septoplasty as an outpatient procedure, meaning they can go home the same day following a brief period of postoperative monitoring.

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What are the advantages of a septoplasty?

Septoplasty offers several advantages for individuals with a deviated septum. One significant benefit is improved nasal airflow, which can lead to better breathing, particularly during sleep. By correcting the structural issues of the septum, septoplasty can alleviate nasal obstruction, reducing or eliminating snoring and improving overall sleep quality. Additionally, deviated septum surgery can help reduce the frequency and severity of chronic sinusitis episodes by facilitating better drainage of the sinuses. A straighter septum allows mucus to flow more freely, preventing blockages that contribute to sinus infections and inflammation. Overall, septoplasty not only enhances nasal function and reduces symptoms associated with a deviated septum but also contributes to better sleep and improved sinus health, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for patients.

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When do I need a septoplasty?

It might be important to first treat the underlying cause of the deviated septum. Some of the causes could be due to nasal obstruction from nasal polyps or inflammation due to chronic sinusitis. These can be treated by a polypectomy, balloon sinuplasty, or even allergy immunotherapy. If symptoms persist after these treatments, you may want to consider deviated septum surgery.

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Septoplasty recovery: what to expect after deviated septum surgery

Septoplasty recovery typically involves several stages as the body heals from the surgical procedure. In the immediate recovery period, patients may experience swelling, congestion, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain medications and nasal decongestants prescribed by the surgeon. Our patients typically return to their normal routine after one to two days keeping activity light for 5 days. 

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However, it’s important to remember that during the first week of recovery, patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities that could increase nasal pressure. It's important to avoid blowing the nose forcefully to prevent bleeding and complications. Swelling gradually subsides over approximately 1-2 weeks, and breathing improves as the nasal passages heal. Following post-op instructions, including proper wound care and activity restrictions, plays a vital role in ensuring a successful septoplasty recovery and optimal long-term outcomes.

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How to fix a deviated septum

Septoplasty is the most common surgical procedure performed for fixing a deviated septum. During septoplasty, the surgeon carefully adjusts or removes parts of the septum to straighten and realign it, improving airflow through the nose. Another option is rhinoplasty, which can be performed alongside septoplasty to address both functional and aesthetic concerns. In cases where the deviation is mild and symptoms are manageable, non-surgical treatments such as nasal decongestants, saline nasal sprays, or corticosteroid sprays may relieve congestion and breathing difficulties. However, these treatments do not correct the underlying structural issue.

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How much does a septoplasty cost

It’s important to check with your health plan to ensure that any sinus procedure or testing will be covered. 

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Deviated septum and allergies 

A deviated septum and allergies can be closely related due to their combined impact on nasal function and respiratory health. A deviated septum can disrupt airflow through the nasal passages, making it difficult for air to pass freely. This obstruction can create an environment conducive to the accumulation of allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, within the nasal cavity. Additionally, the narrowed passages resulting from a deviated septum can prevent proper drainage of mucus, leading to congestion and further exacerbating allergy symptoms. Allergies can also cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissues, worsening nasal obstruction. Consequently, individuals with both a deviated septum and allergies may experience more pronounced nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and heightened susceptibility to sinus infections. Addressing the underlying septal deviation and allergy triggers through appropriate treatments and management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall nasal function and quality of life.

Frequently asked questions about septoplasty

Is deviated septum surgery worth it?

If your deviated septum significantly impacts your quality of life, such as causing chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, recurrent sinus infections, or disrupted sleep due to snoring, then septoplasty may be worth considering. Thousands of our patients report that the breathing improvement is “life-changing”.  By correcting the structural issue of the deviated septum, surgery can improve nasal airflow, alleviate symptoms, and potentially reduce your reliance on medications for symptom management. However, it's essential to have a thorough discussion with your otolaryngologist about your specific symptoms, expectations, and the risks and benefits of surgery before making a decision. 

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How long does swelling last after septoplasty?

Swelling after septoplasty is a common occurrence and typically follows a predictable pattern during the recovery process. After the procedure, patients may experience significant swelling, which gradually subsides over time. Most individuals notice a significant reduction in swelling within the first one to two weeks following surgery. However, some degree of residual swelling may persist for several weeks to months as the nasal tissues continue to heal and remodel. By around the three- to six-month mark, the majority of swelling should have resolved, and patients can expect to see the final results of their septoplasty. It's essential to follow post-op care instructions provided by the surgeon, including keeping the head elevated, avoiding strenuous activities, and using prescribed medications as directed, to help minimize swelling and facilitate the healing process. 

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Can allergies cause a deviated septum?

It's important to understand that while allergies themselves do not directly cause a deviated septum, they can contribute to symptoms that exacerbate existing nasal issues. Allergies can lead to inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissues, which may worsen nasal congestion and obstruct breathing. Prolonged or severe nasal congestion can place pressure on the nasal septum, potentially leading to changes in its structure over time. Additionally, repeated episodes of allergic rhinitis, characterized by sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion, can contribute to chronic inflammation within the nasal passages, further aggravating any existing septal deviation. While allergies may not be the primary cause of a deviated septum, managing allergic symptoms effectively through avoidance measures, medication, or allergen immunotherapy can help alleviate nasal congestion and reduce the risk of exacerbating existing structural issues within the nose. 

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Can a deviated septum make allergies worse?

Yes, a deviated septum can exacerbate allergy symptoms. A deviated septum can disrupt the normal airflow through the nasal passages, leading to increased nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. This obstruction can combine with allergic swelling to really make life difficult. Additionally, the altered nasal anatomy resulting from a deviated septum may impair the proper drainage of mucus, leading to congestion and a buildup of allergens. Consequently, individuals with a deviated septum and allergies may experience more pronounced nasal congestion, sneezing, itching and worsened allergy symptoms. Managing both the structural issues of the deviated septum and allergic triggers through appropriate treatments and management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall nasal function and quality of life.

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Turn to Aspire Allergy & Sinus for your septoplasty

Aspire Allergy & Sinus offers comprehensive care for individuals with nasal issues, including deviated septums. Our integrated approach allows us to address both allergies and sinus problems in-house, streamlining the treatment process for our patients. Our board-certified allergists specialize in diagnosing and managing allergies, utilizing advanced testing methods and personalized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms effectively. Additionally, our experienced otolaryngologists are skilled in performing septoplasty procedures to correct deviated septums and improve nasal airflow. By combining allergy management and sinus surgery under one roof, we provide patients with a convenient and coordinated approach to addressing their root problems. If you're experiencing symptoms related to a deviated septum or other nasal issues, we encourage you to book a consultation with us today to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward better nasal health.

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