Deviated septum surgery - Septoplasty
When breathing through the nose becomes difficult, sleep is restless and one nostril is constantly blocked, the cause is often not a passing cold, but a problem with the structure of the nose itself. In some patients, symptoms can last for years, and over time they may become used to breathing through the mouth, sleeping poorly or dealing with frequent sinus problems.
Difficulty breathing, a blocked nose, snoring, headaches and a feeling of pressure in the sinuses can all be signs that the nasal septum is deviated and that air is not passing properly through the nasal passages. In these cases, it is important to have an examination and determine whether a deviated nasal septum is the main cause of the problem.
What is septoplasty?
Deviated septum surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct a deviated nasal septum, meaning a crooked or displaced septum. The nasal septum separates the left and right nasal cavities, and when it is shifted to one side, it can narrow the nasal passage and make normal breathing more difficult.
Unlike cosmetic nose surgery, septoplasty is primarily a functional procedure. It is performed when the aim is to improve airflow, reduce the feeling of nasal blockage and help the patient breathe more easily through the nose.
In patients who have breathing problems but also want to correct the external shape of the nose, septoplasty can be combined with rhinoplasty. This is known as rhinoseptoplasty, a procedure that addresses both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the nose at the same time.
What is a deviated nasal septum and why does it occur?
A deviated nasal septum means that the septum is not straight, but crooked, displaced or irregularly formed. With mild deviations, the patient may not have noticeable symptoms, while more significant deviations can lead to one nostril being constantly blocked, difficulty breathing and frequent sinus infections.
A deviated septum can be congenital, but it can also develop later in life. Common causes include nasal injuries, impacts, sports injuries or previous trauma that has changed the position of the cartilage and bone inside the nose. Sometimes the patient does not even remember the injury, but during examination it is clear that the nasal septum has shifted.
The most common causes of a deviated nasal septum include
- a congenital irregularity of the septum
- a nasal injury in childhood or adulthood
- sports injuries and impacts
- improper healing after trauma
- natural asymmetry of the nose and face
- a combination of bony and cartilaginous deformity
It is important to understand that a deviated septum is not just an anatomical issue. When it affects airflow, it can influence sleep, daytime energy, the frequency of sinus problems and the overall quality of breathing.
When is septoplasty the right solution?
Septoplasty is recommended when a deviated nasal septum causes real functional problems. Not every crooked septum requires surgery, but if a patient has long-term breathing difficulties, an examination may show that surgery is the best way to open the nasal airways and improve airflow.
The most common symptoms that bring patients in for an examination include
- difficulty breathing through the nose
- one or both nostrils constantly feeling blocked
- breathing through the mouth, especially during sleep
- snoring
- frequent sinus infections
- sinus-related headaches
- a feeling of pressure in the nose or face
- a dry throat caused by mouth breathing
- frequent nosebleeds
- poor sleep quality and daytime tiredness
If the symptoms keep returning and do not improve with standard treatment, it is important to have an examination. The aim is not only to confirm that a deviated septum is present, but also to determine whether it is truly the main cause of the problem.
Septoplasty or rhinoplasty, what is the difference?
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are both procedures performed on the nose, but they do not have the same purpose. Septoplasty is surgery performed to improve breathing. It corrects a crooked nasal septum, also known as a deviated septum, which can cause nasal blockage and reduced airflow.
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the external appearance of the nose. It can be used to correct a nasal hump, the width of the nose, the nasal tip, the length of the nose or asymmetry.
If the patient only has a breathing problem, septoplasty is usually performed. If they also want to improve the appearance of the nose, a combined procedure may be planned. This is called rhinoseptoplasty, and it addresses both breathing and the shape of the nose in the same operation.
Examination and preparation for deviated septum surgery
Before septoplasty, an examination is needed to assess the nasal septum, the openness of the nasal passages and the patient’s general health. The surgeon discusses the symptoms with the patient, how long they have been present, any previous nasal injuries and the patient’s expectations from surgery.
It is important to determine whether the deviated septum is truly the main cause of breathing difficulty, or whether other problems are also present, such as allergies, enlarged turbinates, chronic rhinitis, polyps or sinus-related issues. Based on this, an individual surgical plan is created.
Preparation for deviated septum surgery usually includes
- an examination of the nose and breathing assessment
- assessment of the nasal septum and nasal passages
- laboratory tests
- internal medicine and cardiology assessment with an ECG
- consultation with an anaesthetist
- discussion about medication, smoking and habits before surgery
Before the procedure, the patient receives clear instructions about preparation, food and drink, medication and everything that needs to be done before surgery.
How is septoplasty performed?
Septoplasty is usually performed through the inside of the nose, without visible external incisions. The surgeon accesses the nasal septum through the nostrils, carefully lifts the mucous membrane, corrects the deformed parts of cartilage and bone, and repositions the septum into a straighter, more functional position.
The aim of the operation is not to remove the nasal septum, but to preserve the stability of the nose while improving breathing function. The deformed parts are straightened, repositioned or removed only as much as necessary to allow better airflow through the nasal passages.
The procedure is most often performed under general anaesthesia. The duration depends on the complexity of the deviation, but septoplasty is usually a shorter surgical procedure compared with cosmetic nose surgery. After the operation, nasal packs or internal splints may be placed to stabilise the septum and reduce the risk of bleeding.
Septoplasty recovery, what to expect after surgery
Recovery after septoplasty is gradual. In the first few days, a blocked nose, mild pressure, swelling and a small amount of blood-stained discharge are expected. This is a normal part of healing, as the internal tissues of the nose settle after surgery.
Nasal packs or internal protection are removed according to the surgeon’s recommendation. After this, breathing usually becomes easier, although the final sense of improvement develops gradually as the swelling goes down and the nasal lining recovers.
During recovery, it is important not to blow the nose, to sleep with the head slightly elevated, to avoid physical exertion, saunas, steam and high temperatures, and to attend regular follow-up appointments. Most patients return to everyday activities relatively quickly, while training and more strenuous activity should be postponed until the surgeon confirms that recovery is stable.
When does breathing improve after septoplasty?
Breathing usually improves gradually after septoplasty. Some patients feel relief soon after the nasal packs are removed, while others need to wait for the swelling to go down and for the nasal lining to recover. In the first few days, the nose may still feel blocked even though the septum has been corrected, which is a normal part of recovery. As the tissue settles, airflow improves and the patient gradually finds it easier to breathe through the nose. The final result of septoplasty is assessed only after the internal structures of the nose have fully calmed down. The aim is long-term improvement in breathing, less nasal blockage and a better quality of everyday life.
Risks and possible complications of septoplasty
As with any surgical procedure, septoplasty carries certain risks, although these are significantly reduced when the operation is properly planned, performed under sterile conditions and when the patient follows the recovery instructions.
Possible temporary reactions after surgery include
- swelling
- a blocked nose
- blood-stained discharge
- mild bleeding
- pressure in the nose
- temporary sensitivity of the nasal lining
Less common complications may include infection, prolonged bleeding, adhesions, septal perforation, changes in nasal sensation or the need for additional correction. This is why follow-up appointments are an important part of recovery, as they allow the healing process to be monitored at the right time.
Septoplasty cost and booking a consultation
The cost of septoplasty depends on the complexity of the deviation, the type of anaesthesia, the preparation required and whether the procedure involves only functional correction of the nasal septum or is combined with cosmetic nose surgery. The exact cost is determined after an examination, as only then is it possible to assess what is needed in each individual case. During the consultation, the patient receives clear information about the procedure, preparation, recovery and surgical plan.
If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, chronic nasal blockage, snoring or suspect that you may have a deviated nasal septum, book a consultation at Georgijev Clinic. Based on a specialist assessment, you will receive a clear answer on whether septoplasty is the right solution for you.
Why have septoplasty at Georgijev Clinic?
Septoplasty requires precision, experience and a detailed understanding of nasal anatomy, as the aim is not only to straighten the nasal septum, but also to improve breathing and support stable recovery. At Georgijev Clinic, each patient is approached individually, through an examination, assessment of symptoms and planning of the procedure according to the real cause of the problem.
If there is only a functional breathing problem, septoplasty may be planned. If there is also an aesthetic irregularity of the nose, a combined approach can be considered.
During the consultation, you will receive a clear assessment, realistic expectations and a recommendation for the procedure that best suits your condition.
If you have had long-term difficulty breathing through your nose, an examination is the best first step towards a clear answer and the right treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions about septoplasty
Does septoplasty change the appearance of the nose?
Septoplasty usually does not change the external appearance of the nose, as the aim of the procedure is to improve breathing. If cosmetic correction is also needed, rhinoseptoplasty may be considered.
Is septoplasty performed because of snoring?
It can help if snoring is related to a deviated nasal septum and difficulty breathing through the nose. An examination will show whether septoplasty is the right solution.
Can a deviated septum return after surgery?
In most patients, the result is long-lasting. Additional correction is rarely needed, usually in cases of complex deformities or a new nasal injury.
How long are nasal packs worn after septoplasty?
Nasal packs are usually worn for a few days, depending on the surgical technique and the surgeon’s recommendation.
When can I return to training after septoplasty?
Light activities are introduced gradually, while intense training is usually postponed for several weeks, according to the doctor’s advice.
Does septoplasty treat allergies?
No, septoplasty does not treat allergies. It can improve breathing if a deviated septum is additionally restricting airflow through the nose.