Deviated Septum and Setoplasty

The nasal septum is the partition wall dividing the nasal cavities. The front portion of this partition is the firm yet bendable structure that is made up of mostly of cartridge and covered by skin. It is ideal to have the nasal septum in midline of the nose separating the nostrils in equal size.

Studies have shown that almost 80% of the population has a nasal septum that is off center. A deviated septum is when the nasal septum is severely off center or crooked. This can cause chronic sinusitis and other breathing problems.

The surgical procedure to repair a deviated septum is known as Setoplasty. In most cases a setoplasty will not performed on minors due to the fact that the cartilaginous septum continues to grow until around age 18.

A deviated septum can cause several problems, below is the most common complaints from those suffering from a deviated septum:

  • Nasal Congestion, one sided at times
  • Blockage of one or both nostrils
  • Frequent nose bleeding
  • Chronis Sinus Infections
  • Facial Pain, Headaches
  • Postnasal drip
  • Snoring

In some cases the person will only experience these symptoms while suffering from a cold, making it hard to diagnose.

Diagnosing a Deviated Septum

A trained specialist such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor will be needed to determine if you have a deviated septum or if there are other reasons for the nasal obstructions and chronic sinusitis.

You will be asked about recent traumas to the nose and if you have had any previous nasal surgeries. The exam will include a diagnosis of where your nasal septum is placed with a bright light and nasal speculum.  If the deviated septum is causing reoccurring problems such as nosebleeds and sinus infections, surgery may be suggested to repair the disorder.

Setoplasty Surgery

Setoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the nostrils to straighten a deviated septum. The patient will be under general or local anesthetics for a surgery lasting 60-90 minutes. There is normally no bruising or severe swelling to the area unless Rhinoplasty is performed alongside the setoplasty to repair the appearance of the nose, in which case there will be some facial bruising and swelling to the area.

The surgery is most frequently an outpatient procedure. Once you arrive home you will have nasal packing and gauze on the area that usually can be removed once the bleeding stops.

Find more information about Dallas Rhinoplasty at MyDallasRhinoplasty.com