Septoplasty for the Surgical Correction of Deviated Septum and Other Conditions

Our plastic surgery team specializes in septoplasty, or reconstructive surgery to correct an improperly formed or deviated nasal septum.

Septoplasty may also be performed to surgically correct problems such cleft defects that affect the nose and nasal cavity, or a fistula in the maxillary sinuses.

Ideal Candidates for Deviated Septum Surgery

The best candidates for septoplasty are men and women with a deviated septum who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and would prefer a surgical procedure to improve nasal symptoms, rather than using medications to manage the obstruction.

Generally, septoplasty is not performed on young children because growth and development of the septum continues until the child reaches a certain age - 13 years old for a female and 14 years old for a male.

Before Your Septoplasty

Before scheduling your septoplasty, a UH facial plastic surgeon will meet with you to conduct a thorough exam and evaluation. Our specialist will examine the nose and feel it for skin thickness and support. The inside of the nose will be examined with a bright light and an instrument called a speculum, which gently opens the nostrils so the doctor can see inside. Sometimes, a flexible telescope is used to look deeper into the nasal cavity.

At this same consultation, the doctor will ask the patient important questions related to:

• Allergies
• Drainage
• Nasal congestion/obstruction
• Previous nasal surgery
• Sinus problems
• Trauma

Your surgeon may also ask the following questions to assess your readiness and expectations for the surgery:

• Why are you considering this surgery right now?
• Is septoplasty something you have been considering for a long time?
• Are you having the surgery for yourself or to please someone else?
• Have you had this surgery previously? If so, what was the outcome?
• Are you having any headaches, and if yes, where do you feel the pain?

Performing Deviated Septum Surgery

This surgical procedure is done entirely through the nostrils. Many patients who undergo septoplasty are up and around the same or the next day and able to return to school or sedentary work within a week or so, and can resume strenuous activities in three weeks.