Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct or straighten the partition between the nostrils, otherwise known as the nasal septum. The septum should be directly in the center of the nose and leave two nostril openings that are equal in size. In the case where it is crooked and leaves one nostril closed more than the other it can cause problems with breathing through the nose.

Nasal obstructions that are caused by severe deviated septum’s can lead to serious and chronic sinus problems. In most cases setoplasty procedures are completed in 90 minutes or less.

During the procedure flexible splints are typically used that are held in place with a stitch hole inside the nose. This stitch will generally be removed within 7-10 days after the surgery has been completed.

The procedure usually involves the excision of bone surplus, or cartilage tissues to correct the deviation. The patient will be placed under anesthesia either general or local while the surgeon goes in through the nostrils making an incision into the lining of the septum so that the targeted cartridge can be reached. In many cases an “L” strut of cartridge that is in the dorsal and casudal area will be preserved to assist in structural support.

Once the excess cartridge has been removed the surgeon will then stabilize the septum using small plastic tubes, sutures, or splints.

Once the surgery is complete the patient will experience swelling of the nose and bruising may also be expected. The nasal cavities are normally packed and you may have a piece of gauze taped underneath the nose for absorbing blood. This gauze will be changed every hour or so for the next couple days until bleeding stops. Saline irrigations are given the day following surgery and after the first week or two the patients will be able to blow their nose as they normally would.

After surgery the patient should notice a relief from breathing problems, snoring and any other sinus issue they once had. The surgery is often times covered by insurance companies as it is deemed to be a corrective surgery and not cosmetic. You will want to discuss this with your insurance provider to find out what if any costs are covered under your plan.

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