What is septal correction?

Overview. Septoplasty (SEP-toe-plas-tee) is a surgical procedure to straighten the bone and cartilage dividing the space between your two nostrils (septum). When the septum is crooked, it’s known as a deviated septum.

Is correcting a deviated septum worth it?

Answer: Generally, a deviated septum that causes minor symptoms doesn’t require treatment. But whether it’s worth getting fixed is your decision. If your symptoms aren’t bothersome and don’t interfere with your quality of life, then the risk of treatment may be more than the benefit.

How is deviated septum corrected?

During a typical septoplasty, the nasal septum is straightened and repositioned in the center of the nose. This may require the surgeon to cut and remove parts of the septum before reinserting them in the proper position. The level of improvement you can expect with surgery depends on the severity of your deviation.

How do you fix a deviated septum without surgery?

Nasal strips These are small adhesive-backed strips that you stick over your nose. They contain spring-like bands that help lift the sides of your nose away from the septum, opening your nasal passages. People often use nasal strips at night, especially if a blocked nose is causing snoring.

At what age can you fix a deviated septum?

Typically, septoplasty is reserved for children age 14 and above. Having the procedure earlier than this may affect midface growth. The surgeon will provide guidelines for resuming normal activities. Many children are up and around within a few days and able to return to school in a week or so.

Is septum surgery painful?

Most people find that recovery from surgery to correct a deviated septum is relatively painless and that nasal breathing is permanently restored. NYU Langone surgeons monitor your recovery during follow-up visits to ensure that the nose heals fully.

What happens if you don’t fix deviated septum?

An untreated deviated septum can cause obstructive sleep apnea. When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, worsening of ADHD and headaches.

Do you get black eyes after a septoplasty?

What can I expect after septoplasty? Since the operation is done through the nostrils, patients do not have to worry about facial scars or black eyes. However, they can experience pain or tenderness on the front of the nose, stuffiness due to swelling and nasal drainage of blood and-or mucous.

Do they have to break your nose to fix a deviated septum?

And since no nasal bones need to be broken during surgery, there’s no need for the surgeon to use packing in your nose. Most patients are able to return to work and their normal activities within five to seven days.

Is septoplasty a major surgery?

Minor pain and swelling may last a day or two and may be helped with approved over-the-counter medication. To minimize the minor side effects, patients can sleep with their head elevated. Septoplasty is a minor nose surgery that can achieve major results.