How Septoplasty and Turbinate Surgery Work Together for Better Breathing

If you're like many people, the first thing that comes to mind when you think about nose surgery is a traditional, cosmetically focused rhinoplasty — or "nose job." However, there are a number of other nasal procedures that may be equally popular — and beneficial — including functional nose surgeries. For patients with breathing difficulties specifically, septoplasty and turbinectomy are among the most commonly performed procedures, and many men and women benefit from a combination of deviated septum repair plus turbinate surgery for optimal improvement. 

Here, the board-certified nasal surgeon-members of The Rhinoplasty Society® — practicing around the country — share helpful information on which nose surgery helps with obstructed breathing, how a combination septoplasty plus turbinoplasty works, and where to start with rhinoplasty for breathing problems to help you better understand your options. 

 

Does a deviated septum make it harder to breathe? 

A deviated septum can significantly affect airflow through the nose. The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. When the septum is crooked or shifted to one side, it can narrow one or both airways, making it harder for air to pass through freely. This is why many people with a deviated septum experience chronic congestion, mouth breathing, or the feeling that one side of the nose is always blocked. Some of the most common symptoms of a deviated septum may include:  

• Chronic nasal congestion 
• Difficulty breathing through the nose 
• Frequent sinus infections 
• Mouth breathing 
• Snoring 
• Headaches 

When these symptoms interfere with sleep, exercise, or daily comfort, septoplasty surgery may be recommended to straighten the septum and restore more balanced airflow. 

 

What are turbinates in your nose? 

Turbinates are small, curved structures located inside the nasal passages. They are covered with soft tissue and play an important role in warming, humidifying, and filtering the air you breathe. While turbinates serve an important function, they can sometimes become enlarged due to allergies, chronic inflammation, or structural issues inside the nose. When turbinates swell or remain enlarged over time, they can further narrow the nasal airway. This can make breathing even more difficult, especially for patients who already have a deviated septum. Turbinate reduction surgery (turbinoplasty) is designed to reduce the size of these structures while preserving their natural function, helping create more open and comfortable airflow through the nose. 

 

Which nose surgery helps with breathing problems? 

For many patients with obstructed breathing, the most effective solution is generally functional nose surgery that addresses the underlying structural causes. Septoplasty is performed to correct a deviated septum, while turbinate surgery reduces enlarged turbinates that may be blocking the airway. When both issues are present, combining septoplasty and turbinate reduction can provide more complete relief. This combination approach is often recommended when patients experience:  

• Persistent nasal obstruction 
• Poor response to medications 
• Chronic mouth breathing 
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Exercise intolerance 

By correcting the deviated septum and reducing enlarged turbinates at the same time, surgeons can help restore smoother, more balanced airflow through both nasal passages. 

 

Will deviated septum surgery help with snoring? 

In many cases, septoplasty combined with turbinate reduction can help reduce snoring. When the nasal passages are blocked, people are more likely to breathe through their mouths during sleep, which can contribute to snoring and poor sleep quality. By improving nasal airflow, functional nose surgery may allow for quieter, more comfortable breathing at night. It is important to note that snoring can have multiple causes, including sleep apnea, throat anatomy, or weight-related factors. While septoplasty and turbinate surgery can improve airflow through the nose, a full evaluation may be needed to determine the cause of snoring and the most appropriate treatment possible. 

 

Breathe easier with specialized rhinoplasty surgery in your area 

If chronic nasal congestion, snoring, or obstructed breathing are affecting your quality of life, functional nose surgery may provide meaningful relief. The board-certified nasal surgeons of The Rhinoplasty Society® specialize in advanced procedures, like septoplasty and turbinate reduction, to help restore comfortable, natural breathing. To learn more about your options for deviated septum repair, turbinate surgery, or rhinoplasty for breathing problems, connect with a rhinoplasty specialist in your area today.