Improve Your Breathing With a Septoplasty

You may have already heard of rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure for changing the shape of the nose, but fewer people have learned about septoplasty. Septoplasty is a procedure that is used to correct a deviated septum, which can cause breathing issues. This procedure benefits patients who have injured their noses or were born with a slightly crooked septum.

Septoplasty is unlike a typical nose surgery, where there are changes to the shape or size of the nose; in fact, it is low risk and requires less downtime than a rhinoplasty. If you have a deviated septum, learn more about how a septoplasty can improve your breathing.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall that separates your nasal passages—the nasal septum—is moved to one side. This can make one nasal passage smaller than the other, impacting breathing.

If you have not been diagnosed formally with a deviated septum, you may be able to notice it by looking at the septum and seeing if it is displaced to one side of your nose rather than resting in the middle. You may also experience facial pain, noisy breathing when you sleep, nosebleeds, and obstruction of one or both nostrils.

What Is the Procedure for a Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis; most people can go home the same day.

You will be placed under general anesthesia. An incision will be made in one nasal passage, and then your surgeon will lift the thin membrane covering the septum. The surgeon will then reshape the bone and cartilage and replace the membrane. The total time of the procedure is approximately 30 to 90 minutes.

They may then place splints in your nose to hold the tissue in place and prevent nose bleeds.

What Is the Recovery Process?

Once you’re awake and everything looks good, you can go home. During the following week, you must follow your aftercare instructions and may be given medicine to manage any discomfort and swelling.

You must also avoid exercise and strenuous activities for approximately two to three weeks. However, you should be able to return to work a few days after the procedure. Continue to visit your doctor, and they will be able to let you know when it’s safe to return to your usual routine fully.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to improve your breathing, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Altamira is happy to help. Schedule a consultation for septoplasty in Sugar Land, TX, at (713) 271-9000.

Posted in: Rhinoplasty