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Septoplasty Surgery for a Deviated Septum: Breathe Clearly Again
Breathe Again with Septoplasty
Struggling to draw in a full, satisfying breath through your nose can drain your energy, disrupt sleep, and even force you into constant mouth-breathing. If you’ve been told you have a deviated septum or other nasal obstruction, septoplasty offers a proven way to open your airway and help you breathe naturally again, without changing how your nose looks on the outside.
“When patients tell me they can finally take a deep breath through their nose after septoplasty, it’s life-changing for them and incredibly rewarding for us as surgeons,” says Dr. Shawn Allen, a board-certified ENT specialist at My Houston Surgeons.
What Is Septoplasty and How Does It Work?
Your septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your two nasal passages. Ideally, it sits midline. But trauma, genetics, or even normal growth spurts can bend it off-center, narrow one side, or create bony spurs that block airflow. Septoplasty is a minimally invasive, internal procedure that straightens or trims the septum so air can flow freely through both nostrils.
How septoplasty works:
- Incisions: Entirely inside the nose, with no external scars
- Anesthesia: Usually general, though local with sedation is possible
- Procedure Time: About 60 minutes
- Home the Same Day: Most patients leave within a few hours
“Our goal isn’t cosmetic; it’s functional,” explains Dr. Arjuna Kuperan, a board-certified ENT specialist at My Houston Surgeons. “By reshaping the septum internally, we can relieve obstruction while keeping your nasal appearance intact.”
Signs You May Need Septoplasty Surgery
A slight deviation of the septum doesn’t generally lead to breathing problems; not all deviations need to be corrected. Not being able to breathe out of one or both sides of the nose can be a sign that you’re a good candidate for a septoplasty. If you’re unable to breathe properly out of the nose and you have a deviated septum, come see us.
Common signs of a deviated septum include:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Trouble breathing through one or both nostrils
- Frequent sinus infections
- Mouth breathing during sleep
- Facial pressure or pain
Will Septoplasty Change the Appearance of My Nose?
During a septoplasty, the piece of bone or cartilage that is causing your breathing problems will be removed. All incisions are made inside of the nose, so you’ll have no visible scarring. The procedure generally takes about an hour and you can return home shortly after. On the outside, your nose should look the same as it did pre-surgery.
Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Septoplasty | Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Improved breathing | Enhance nasal appearance |
| Insurance Coverage | Often covered | Typically cosmetic (OOP) |
| Incisions | Internal, no visible scarring | May involve external incision |
| Recovery Time | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks (may vary) |
Meet Our Septoplasty Experts in Houston
My Houston Surgeons is proud to be home to two top sinus specialists in Houston. Both surgeons are fellowship-trained and focus exclusively on nasal and sinus disorders, giving you specialized care few centers can match.
Board-certified in Otolaryngology and fellowship-trained in Rhinology, Dr. Allen specializes in advanced sinus and sleep-related procedures. He is known for his minimally invasive techniques, attention to detail, and compassionate approach to improving quality of life through restored nasal function.
- Dr. Arjuna Kuperan, MD
A fellowship-trained ENT specialist, Dr. Kuperan brings extensive experience in minimally invasive sinus and nasal procedures. His recognitions include:
- Houstonia Magazine Top Doctor (2020)
- Texas Super Doctors (2017 & 2018)
- H Texas Houston’s Top Doctors (2017 & 2018)
- Golden Apple Teaching Awards (2010 & 2013)
- Known for his precision and patient-focused care, Dr. Kuperan helps patients breathe clearly and comfortably again.
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Talk to a Houston Sinus Specialist About Your Breathing ConcernsCurious if septoplasty or another minimally invasive option would help alleviate your sinus issues? Request an appointment and take the first step toward restful nights and energizing breaths.
Talk to a Houston Sinus Specialist About Your Breathing Concerns
Curious if septoplasty or another minimally invasive option would help alleviate your sinus issues? Request an appointment and take the first step toward restful nights and energizing breaths.
