Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Repair)

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The nasal septum runs vertically down the middle of the nose and divides the two sides of the nasal cavity. Made of bone and cartilage, the septum has a thin sheet-like appearance and divides the nasal passages equally into the right and left sides. In some individuals, the septum may be crooked, bent, or the bony portions may have formed bone spurs that can block airflow into the nasal airway and cause difficulty breathing. This type of nasal obstruction is known as a deviated septum.

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What is a Deviated Septum?

In many people, the septum is slightly off center and it does not cause any problems. But for some, a deviated septum can cause chronic sinus infections or difficulty breathing through the nose. For patients who have a deviated septum and cannot breathe through one or both sides of their nose, a nasal surgery called a septoplasty may improve nasal breathing.

At My Houston Surgeons, our board-certified and board-eligible ENT Dr. Arjuna Kuperan is able to treat a variety of sinus problems. We can prescribe the right course of action and follow through with customized state of the art treatment plans. Our office has the most current CT Scanning, cutting edge technology allowing for minimally-invasive, in-office sinus surgery and other sinus procedures, as well as nationally recognized luxury recovery suites. Additionally we have highly-trained, board-certified and board-eligible sinus surgeons to care for you every step of the way.

Deviated Septum Symptoms

A deviated septum can cause many symptoms, including a decreased ability to breathe properly. Other symptoms include:

  • The inability to breathe out of one or both sides of the nose
  • Alternating sides of your nose feeling blocked
  • Chronic mouth breathing/dry mouth
  • Nosebleeds
  • Facial pain and pressure
  • Sinus symptoms don’t respond to steroid sprays or decongestants

deviated septum illustration

The Septoplasty Consultation

During a consultation for septoplasty Dr. Kuperan will begin with an evaluation of the septum, and look for signs of inflammation in the mucosa as well as the location and size of the septal deviation, before providing a detailed treatment plan.1

The Septoplasty Procedure

During a septoplasty, which can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, Dr. Kuperan, a sinus surgeon and expert in otolaryngology procedures, will remove a piece of the cartilage or bone that is causing the blockage and splints may be placed in the nostrils for additional support to the septum. Each incision is made within the nose. This ensures that scars from the surgery are not visible. The outpatient procedure does not change the shape or the outward appearance of the nose, though it can be combined with a rhinoplasty if a patient wants a cosmetic change to their nose as well.

Recovery After Septoplasty

The recovery time for this type of procedure is usually minimal, though patients may experience congestion and headaches for up to two weeks after the procedure.

Dr. Kuperan in surgery

Quality Patient Care

The healthcare providers at My Houston Surgeons include a fellowship trained sinus specialist, ready to treat sinus conditions with the skill and finesse required. Dr. Kuperan is highly trained in a wide variety of surgical treatments concerning sinus and nasal disorders, as well as facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures so you can rest assured that your sinus treatment will be the one best suited for your health and full recovery.

FAQs About Septoplasty

Are there any risks associated with septoplasty?

While complications and risks are unlikely and rare, they include excessive bleeding, infection, hematoma, temporary numbness in the tip of the nose, upper teeth or lip, decreased sense of smell, or a septal perforation.2

How long does septoplasty take?

Surgical procedures can be traditional or endoscopic and typically takes an hour to complete, and patients are able to return home the same day.

Can I combine septoplasty with cosmetic rhinoplasty?

Yes, in fact many patients choose to combine correcting their deviated septum with a plastic surgery procedure like rhinoplasty.

Schedule A Consultation For Septoplasty

Are you looking for relief from sinus symptoms associated with deviated septum? If so, we’d love to help. Contact our office today to secure your appointment for a personal consultation with our septoplasty expert.

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Sinus Blog Posts

Breathe Again with Septoplasty
Common Medical Conditions That A Rhinoplasty Can Improve
Everything You Need to Know About Functional Rhinoplasty
Four Most Common Causes for Nasal Obstruction
Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 StatPearls. Septoplasty. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567718/. Accessed November 4, 2021.

2 Cleveland Clinic. Septoplasty. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17779-septoplasty. Accessed November 4, 2021.

The Doctors at My Houston Surgeons have either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page last updated:

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Our highly-skilled staff and doctors are dedicated to understanding your concerns and providing the best personalized treatment options available. Whether you seek cosmetic, reconstructive, or sinus surgery, our goal is to provide excellence in treatment and compassion in care.

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