Septoplasty | Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center

What is septoplasty?

Commonly referred to as deviated septum surgery, septoplasty is a type of corrective plastic surgery face procedure performed to correct defects and deformities of the nasal septum — the partition located between the nostrils — and to restore nasal airflow.

The septum is located in the central part of the nose and is made from a combination of bone and cartilage. When the septum becomes deviated, the obstruction results in a blockage to one side of the nose, resulting in overall reduced nasal airflow.

During septoplasty, the nasal septum is straightened and repositioned, before which our Gainesville plastic surgeons may excise pieces of the septum and extra cartilage to restore airflow.

What causes a deviated septum?

A person may develop a deviated septum due to a congenital predisposition or an injury to the nose. If the condition is present at birth, it is likely that the septum deviated during fetal development. During a nasal injury, trauma to the nasal septum causes the dislocation of the septum and results in the deviation.

Trauma to the nose and the septum can occur for numerous reasons — from tripping on the sidewalk to colliding with another person. Car accidents, contact sports, and active play are among the top causes of a deviated septum from nasal trauma, for which the only effective treatment is septoplasty.

When to consider sinus surgery

A significant portion of the general population has some degree of deviation to the nasal septum. When the deviated septum is severe, however, it can block one side of the nose and reduce airflow, which results in difficulty breathing through either one or both nostrils.

Due to the exposure of a deviated septum to the drying effects of the air, it’s common for patients to experience crusting or bleeding from the nose. If you experience symptoms, or one or more of the most common signs of a deviated septum, undergoing deviated septum treatment can provide you with permanent nasal relief with minimally invasive surgery.

Signs of a deviated septum

The majority of septal deformities result in no symptoms. Certain septal deformities, such as a deviated septum, however, may cause the following symptoms:

Preference for sleeping on one side
Obstruction of the nostrils
Persistent nosebleeds
Facial pain and headaches
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Nasal congestion in one nostril
Loud snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
Recurring sinus infections

To determine whether you have a nasal septum deviation and require surgical treatment, contact our plastic surgery clinic.

How is septoplasty performed?

The septoplasty procedure typically requires an hour or more to complete, depending on the complexity of the condition and whether any other cosmetic surgery procedures will be performed, such as a facelift. Patients who elect to undergo sinus surgery are required to be put under sedation — either with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

The surgeon makes an incision on one side of the nose to gain access to the septum and lifts the mucous membrane (the protective covering located above the septum). The deviated septum is then moved into the correct position and any barriers, such as extra cartilage or bone are trimmed and removed from the nasal cavity. The surgeon then repositions the mucous membrane.

If the bone within the cavity is broken or if there is extra cartilage due to an injury, Dr. Nesmith will remove the excess growth to help promote proper healing. Patients may require stitches or surgical cotton to keep the septum in place until fully healed.

Septoplasty candidates

Septoplasty is a highly individualized procedure that can improve the lives of patients with a deviated septum and those who suffer from one or more of the symptoms associated with this septal deformity. In general, patients may be good candidates for this procedure if they:

Are in good general health
Do not have a history of excessive bleeding
Do not take blood thinners
Do not use any form of tobacco product
Plan to undergo other facial plastic surgery procedures

To determine whether you are a candidate for this procedure, schedule a consultation with our cosmetic surgeons today.

Septoplasty recovery

Patients will likely be able to return home immediately following nose plastic surgery. After the surgery, the nose will likely be swollen, painful, and packed with cotton to control any bleeding.
To further decrease the likelihood of heavy bleeding and long-term swelling, we recommend that patients:

Avoid strenuous activity
Elevate their head while sleeping
Avoid wearing clothing that might touch or harm the central portion of their face, such as sweatshirts and t-shirts
Avoid blowing their nose throughout the septoplasty recovery process

The majority of symptoms should dissipate within two weeks of the procedure date.

Risks of septoplasty

The risks associated with septoplasty are fairly minimal. During the initial consultation, our plastic surgeon discusses with each patient the possible risks associated with their plastic surgery procedure. Possible septoplasty complications include the following:

Return of nasal blockages
Nose asymmetry
Bleeding
Infection
Facial pain
Septal perforation
Changes to skin sensation
Continuing symptoms
Swelling
Facial scarring
Nasal discoloration

For more information about the possible risks of this procedure, contact our plastic surgery center.

Septoplasty results and benefits

Following septoplasty, cartilage and tissue may gradually move or reshape over time — the nasal tissues become relatively stable within six months after surgery, but some changes may occur for up to one year or more after the procedure.

The majority of patients who undergo reconstructive nasal septum deviation experience improvements of their symptoms immediately following the procedure. If the nasal septum deviates following the initial procedure, a surgical revision may be required to repair the septum.