Breathe Again with Septoplasty

May 20th, 2016 | Sinus

Breathe Again with Septoplasty

Breathing trouble can be agonizing. If you have trouble with it, ask us about septoplasty. This surgical procedure is a breath of fresh air for many patients with a deviated septum or other nasal obstructions. Learn more about the procedure below and then call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Samer Fakhri, M.D. or Dr. Arjuna Kuperan. Their expertise as a sinus surgeons has secured them spots on local and national Top Doc lists, such as America’s Best Doctors and the widely acclaimed Castle Connolly Top Doctors (achieved by only 2% of physicians).

What Is Septoplasty?

The septum is the strip of tissue separating the two nostrils. It is located down the center of the nose. Made of cartilage and bone, it runs from the front of the nose to the back, forming a sheet from top to bottom. The septum is ideally located in the middle of the nose, dividing the two nostrils equally. Small deviations generally don’t cause breathing problems, but extreme deviations, spurs (little growths on the septum), and other problems can develop which may interfere with your ability to breathe. A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct problems with the septum. It can improve breathing in many patients.

Do I Need a Septoplasty?

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:

  • Being unable to breathe out of one or both sides of the nose.
  • Breathing out of the mouth.
  • Trouble breathing out of alternating sides of the mouth.
  • Facial pain.

I Like the Way My Nose Looks, But Want to Breathe Better. 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.

If you’re struggling to breathe, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kuperan or Dr. Fakhri to learn more about septoplasty.