When the bone and cartilage dividing your nasal cavity is off center or crooked, the condition is referred to as a deviated septum. If the deviation is serious enough, it can cause breathing difficulties and chronic sinus conditions that require treatment.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
Most often, a deviated septum is a condition that occurs during birth or fetal development. In other cases, trauma or injury to the nose causes the displacement. This is frequently the result of a sports injury or automobile accident. Occasionally, cartilage in the nasal tip deteriorates as we age, producing a deviated septum.
What Are the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?
The perfect nasal septum divides the left and right nostrils evenly, but this is pretty rare; it’s estimated that about 80 percent of the population has a septum that is off center to some extent. Usually the deviation is slight and goes unnoticed; only the worst cases produce symptoms that affect breathing.
Symptoms include nasal congestion (often limited to one side of the nose), frequent nosebleeds and sinus infections, facial pain and pressure, headaches, postnasal drip, and noisy breathing or snoring during sleep.
How Is a Deviated Septum Treated?
If the deviated septum isn’t too severe, symptoms may respond to treatment with medications. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays can reduce congestion and inflammation in some patients.
When medicines are ineffective, a surgical procedure known as a septoplasty may be necessary to reposition a crooked septum and improve breathing. This involves removing excess bone or cartilage in order to create a larger breathing space, and is typically performed in an outpatient setting using local or general anesthesia.
A rhinoplasty – surgery to reshape the nose – is often performed at the same time.
In order to prevent a deviated septum, protect your nose from injury whenever possible. Wear a helmet or facial protection when playing sports and never ride in a motor vehicle without wearing a seatbelt.
Septoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
These answers are intended to provide general guidance. For personalized advice, please consult with one of our ENT specialists.
Is septoplasty a major surgery?
Septoplasty is typically considered a minor, outpatient surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated nasal septum. It is performed under local or general anesthesia, and most patients can return home the same day. While the surgery is minor, it requires some recovery time and post-operative care to ensure proper healing. Complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, or a septal hematoma.
What is the recovery time for a septoplasty?
Initial recovery from septoplasty usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, during which patients may experience mild discomfort and nasal congestion. Most individuals can return to work or school within a few days, depending on the nature of their activities. Full internal healing may take up to 3 months. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative care instructions tailored to your situation.
Are septoplasties covered by insurance?
Septoplasty is often covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary to address issues like chronic nasal obstruction or recurrent sinus infections. However, coverage varies by provider and plan, and procedures performed at out-of-network facilities may have limited or denied coverage. It’s essential to review your insurance policy and consult directly with your insurance company to understand the specifics of your coverage. Keep in mind that cosmetic procedures combined with septoplasty, such as rhinoplasty, may not be covered.
Does septoplasty help you breathe better?
Yes, for most patients, septoplasty significantly improves nasal airflow by straightening a deviated septum. Many experience easier breathing, reduced congestion, and better sleep quality after the procedure. While individual results may vary, septoplasty has a high success rate in enhancing breathing and overall nasal function.
How long does it take for breathing to improve after a septoplasty?
Breathing improvement after septoplasty often begins within 1 to 2 weeks as initial swelling subsides. However, full benefits may take up to 3 months as complete healing occurs. Some temporary nasal congestion is normal during the early recovery phase. Your surgeon will provide guidance on what to expect and how to manage the healing process effectively.
Is deviated septum surgery minimally invasive?
Septoplasty is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, involving internal incisions made through the nostrils without external scars. This approach reduces visible scarring and may lead to a shorter recovery period. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure contributes to its safety and effectiveness in correcting a deviated septum. Discuss with your surgeon the specific techniques they plan to use in your case.
What is the recovery time for a minimally invasive septoplasty?
Minimally invasive septoplasty typically offers a quicker recovery compared to traditional methods. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, although individual recovery times may vary. Full healing and optimal breathing improvements may still take several weeks to a few months. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Is fixing a deviated septum worth it?
Correcting a deviated septum through septoplasty can be beneficial for individuals experiencing significant nasal obstruction, breathing difficulties, or recurrent sinus infections. Many patients report improved breathing, better sleep quality, and a reduction in sinus-related issues post-surgery. The procedure has a high success rate with relatively low risk of complications. Consulting with an ENT specialist can help determine if septoplasty is appropriate for your specific condition.
Can a deviated septum be fixed without surgery?
Non-surgical treatments, such as nasal sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines, may alleviate mild symptoms associated with a deviated septum. However, these approaches do not correct the structural deviation itself. For persistent or severe symptoms, surgical intervention like septoplasty is often necessary to achieve lasting relief. An ENT specialist can assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment options.
Can a deviated septum be corrected?
Yes, a deviated septum can be surgically corrected through a procedure called septoplasty. This surgery straightens the nasal septum, improving airflow and alleviating symptoms such as nasal obstruction and recurrent sinus infections. Septoplasty is a common and effective treatment with a high success rate. Most patients experience significant improvement in breathing and overall nasal function after recovery.
At what point does a deviated septum need surgery?
Surgical intervention is typically considered when a deviated septum leads to chronic nasal obstruction, significant breathing difficulties, recurrent sinus infections, or sleep disturbances that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. If medications and other conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief, septoplasty may be recommended. An evaluation by an ENT specialist is essential to determine the severity of the deviation and its impact on your health. Persistent symptoms affecting your quality of life are key indicators that surgery might be necessary.