Septoplasty for Deviated Septum: How It Can Improve Your Breathing

If you've been struggling with constant nasal congestion, trouble breathing, or difficulty sleeping due to a blocked airway, you may have a deviated septum. This common condition happens when the cartilage dividing your nostrils — known as the septum — is crooked or asymmetric. This can affect both your breathing as well as the appearance of your nose, and even your confidence and quality of life overall.

The Rhinoplasty Society connects patients with highly skilled surgeons across the country, including experts who specialize in deviated septum repair, or septoplasty. While the primary goal of this surgery is to improve breathing, it may also enhance the symmetry of your nose and more. Keep reading for a closer look at how septoplasty can provide lasting relief from the unwanted symptoms of a deviated septum.

How does a deviated septum impact breathing?

A deviated septum often leads to chronic nasal congestion and other breathing problems. When one nostril or one side of the nasal cavity is narrower than the other, air has a harder time flowing through your nasal passages, resulting in:

• Frequent nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing during physical activities
• Snoring or trouble sleeping
• Increased risk of sinus infections due to poor drainage

These deviated septum symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated, which is why many patients opt for septoplasty to correct the deviation and restore normal breathing function.

Does a deviated septum make your nose crooked?

Some patients with a deviated septum may have a visibly crooked nose. In very mild cases of septal deviation, however, the internal asymmetry may not be noticeable to others. For those who have an obviously crooked nose, septoplasty repair may help create a straighter nose.

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a corrective nose surgery that focuses on straightening the septum to improve airflow and restore nostril symmetry. A deviated septum can either be congenital or result from injury, and it can make breathing difficult by restricting one side of the nasal passage.

How do they repair a deviated septum?

During a septoplasty, your surgeon will reposition the septum by making an incision inside the nostrils. The goal is to correct the misalignment without altering the external shape of the nose. Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, septoplasty is a targeted, functional surgery designed to improve nasal airflow. However, it can still enhance the overall symmetry of the nose, especially when performed by a surgeon who specializes in both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty.

What are the benefits of septoplasty?

The benefits of septoplasty are both functional and, in some cases, aesthetic. For patients with breathing issues, the most significant improvements achieved through septoplasty include:

• Enhanced breathing
• Better sleep
• Improved sinus health
• Straighter nose
• More pleasing nose appearance overall

How long is recovery after septoplasty?

Generally speaking, septoplasty recovery is relatively straightforward, but it does require some downtime. Most patients experience mild swelling and congestion almost immediately following surgery, which will gradually subside within a few weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions to ensure optimal healing and help you resume normal activities as soon as possible. Patients typically notice an improvement in their breathing within a few weeks of the procedure. Drastic improvements, particularly in terms of sleep and exercise performance, can often be felt after the swelling goes down and the nasal passages heal. For most patients, the enhancements made through septoplasty can last a lifetime.

Find a trusted septoplasty surgeon to repair a deviated septum near you with The Rhinoplasty Society

If a deviated septum is affecting your quality of life, septoplasty may be the right solution for you. Members of The Rhinoplasty Society are top board-certified rhinoplasty surgeons nationwide who specialize in nasal surgeries like septoplasty. During a consultation, your surgeon will assess your condition and help you determine if septoplasty is the right choice for improving your breathing. Contact a member of The Rhinoplasty Society in your area today to explore your options and take the first step toward breathing freely again.