Septoplasty for Deviated Septum: How It Can Improve
The nose is not only a structure located at the center of facial aesthetics; it is also an important organ with a critical role in healthy respiration. However, the curvature of the septum (septum deviation), which is located inside the nose and separates the two nasal cavities, can prevent the balanced progression of airflow and lead to many problems such as chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring, and frequently recurring sinusitis. Over time, this condition can negatively affect both respiratory comfort and quality of life. At this point, the septoplasty procedure comes into play. If you are wondering about the importance of the septoplasty procedure for a deviated septum, you can take a look at our content.
The Importance of Septoplasty in Nasal Septum Deviation
Septoplasty in nasal septum deviation is a surgical intervention that provides significant contributions to the healthy operation of respiratory functions by enabling the reorganization of the airway within the nose. For this reason, septoplasty is of great importance in terms of both increasing respiratory comfort and rebalancing nasal functions, especially in patients experiencing chronic nasal congestion due to septum deviation. In this context, during septoplasty surgery, the curved cartilage and bone structures are corrected, the nasal passage is widened, and the airflow is made more balanced. Thus, patients can breathe more easily; a decrease in complaints such as sleep problems and snoring related to nasal congestion can be observed. Additionally, the regulation of air circulation within the nose helps the sinuses work more healthily and enables the nose to perform its natural tasks such as filtering, humidifying, and heating the air more effectively. In this respect, septoplasty is an important treatment method that aims not only to relieve nasal congestion but also to improve overall respiratory health and quality of life.
How is the Septoplasty Procedure Performed for Nasal Septum Deviation?
The application of the septoplasty procedure for nasal septum deviation is, contrary to popular belief, quite a straightforward process. In this procedure, local anesthesia is first administered to the patient, and it is mostly performed through incisions made inside the nose; therefore, no visible scar is formed on the outside. During the operation, the surgeon carefully lifts the nasal mucosa to reach the cartilage and bone structures causing the curvature. Then, the sections of the septum obstructing the airflow are corrected, reshaped, or, when necessary, a small part is removed to position the septum more smoothly in the midline. Once the surgical correction is complete, the mucosal tissues are placed back into position, and in some cases, silicone splints or supportive tampons may be used to keep the internal structure of the nose stable. As a result, septoplasty is an operation that generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and with the healing of the internal nasal tissues after the surgery, a significant improvement in the patients’ breathing comfort is observed.
Advantages of Septoplasty Surgery in Nasal Septum Deviation
Septoplasty surgery performed on individuals with nasal septum deviation offers many functional and structural advantages that directly increase quality of life. To examine these advantages:
Significant Increase in Breath Quality: By bringing the curved bone and cartilage structure to the midline, both nasal passages are opened equally; this enables more comfortable and deeper breathing.
Improvement in Sleep Quality: Problems such as snoring and sleep apnea (cessation of breathing during sleep) developing due to nasal congestion are reduced. The individual wakes up more refreshed in the mornings without experiencing dry mouth.
Reduction in Sinusitis Risk: When the septum is corrected, the drainage of the sinus canals becomes easier. This significantly lowers the frequency of chronic sinus infections and the resulting facial pain.
Increased Physical Performance: Being able to take in sufficient air through the nose during sports and exercise prevents quick fatigue by increasing the body’s oxygen capacity.
Relief of Chronic Headaches: The mechanical pressure (contact point) exerted by the curved cartilage on the nerves of the nasal sidewall is eliminated, which soothes pains known in medical literature as “rhinogenic headaches.”
Prevention of Nosebleeds: Air turbulence caused by the curvature triggers the drying of the mucosal layer. With septoplasty, airflow is regulated, and bleeding caused by drying and associated vascular cracking is reduced.
Improvement in the Sense of Smell: The capacity to smell can be increased by ensuring that airflow reaches the scent receptors in the upper region of the nose more easily.
Freedom from Medication Dependency: The need for decongestant sprays or cortisone medications, which are used for long periods to relieve nasal congestion and can be addictive, is eliminated.
Fast Recovery and Invisible Incisions: Since it is generally performed from inside the nose, no scars remain on the outside. Thanks to new-generation techniques and silicone splints, patients can return to their normal lives within a few days.
Correction of Voice Tone: “Speaking through the nose” (nasal voice) that develops due to nasal congestion is eliminated, and the natural resonance of the voice is regained.
Things to Consider Before Septoplasty Surgery for Nasal Septum Deviation
Septoplasty surgery planned for nasal septum deviation requires meticulous preparation to increase surgical success and ensure a comfortable recovery process. Therefore, the points you should consider are as follows:
Blood Thinners and Painkillers: At least 7–10 days before surgery, blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and Coumadin, as well as painkillers containing ibuprofen, must be discontinued. These medications increase the risk of bleeding during and after the operation.
Herbal Supplements: The use of support products with blood-thinning properties, such as Vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, garlic pills, and omega-3, should be stopped.
Smoking: Smoking disrupts the mucosal structure inside the nose and significantly delays tissue healing. Quitting smoking at least 2–3 weeks before surgery reduces the risk of infection and ensures faster recovery.
Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can interact with anesthetic substances and increase edema. It is recommended not to consume alcohol for the last week before the surgery.
Infections and Fever: If you have an infection such as a cold, flu, or pharyngitis on the day of surgery or a few days prior, or if you have a fever, strictly inform your doctor. These conditions may require the postponement of the surgery.
Fasting: If the surgery is to be performed under general anesthesia, nothing—including water—should be eaten or drunk starting from 12:00 AM the night before the operation. A completely empty stomach is vital for anesthesia safety.
Pre-operative Checks: Complete all requested checks, such as blood tests, chest X-rays, and the anesthesia examination, without exception.
Personal Care and Jewelry: On the day of surgery, no makeup should be applied to the face, no nail polish should be worn, and no jewelry should be used. The status of beards and mustaches should be arranged according to the surgeon’s preference (some surgeons may request them to be shaved).
Clothing Choice: Choose comfortable clothes with front buttons or zippers that you do not have to pull over your head when going to the hospital. This allows you to protect your nose while getting dressed after the surgery.
Chronic Conditions: If you have conditions that require regular monitoring, such as blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, inform both your surgeon and the anesthesiologist about the medications you use.
Things to Consider After Septoplasty Surgery for Nasal Septum Deviation
The recovery process after septoplasty surgery is as critical as the surgical intervention itself to maintain the success of the operation and minimize the risk of complications. At this point, the things you should consider after the operation are as follows:
Head Position: For the first few days, sleep with double pillows to keep your head higher than your chest level. This position helps reduce edema (swelling) and the sensation of throbbing in the nose.
Nasal Cleaning: Soften the crusting inside the nose by regularly using the ocean water/saline sprays recommended by your doctor. Avoid picking at the inside of the nose or trying to clean it with your fingers.
Blowing the Nose and Sneezing: Do not blow your nose under any circumstances for the first 2 weeks following the surgery. The pressure created during nose-blowing can cause the stitches to open or lead to bleeding. If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to release the pressure.
Physical Activity: Do not lift heavy objects, lean forward, or strain for the first 10 days. You should wait at least 4 weeks before returning to heavy sports (fitness, swimming, football, etc.) other than brisk walking.
Use of Glasses: If only the internal structure was intervened with during septoplasty, using glasses is generally not a problem; however, if the procedure was combined with septorhinoplasty, glasses should not be worn for 2–3 months as their weight will put pressure on the nasal bridge.
Heat and Sunlight: Avoid very hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, or intense sunlight for the first few weeks. Heat causes the vessels to dilate and increases the risk of nosebleeds.
Nutrition: In the first few days, prefer softer and warm foods instead of hard foods that are difficult to chew. Excessively spicy meals can irritate the nasal mucosa and trigger the urge to sneeze.
Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking should be avoided for at least 2–3 weeks post-surgery as it disrupts the oxygenation of the healing tissue. Alcohol increases the risk of bleeding by thinning the blood and delays the subsiding of edema.
Tampon Care: New-generation perforated silicone splints usually allow you to breathe; however, they may become blocked due to clots. Until the splints are removed (usually 2–5 days), do not neglect the creams or drops prescribed by your doctor.
Unexpected Bleeding: A slight bloody fluid leaking from the tip of the nose is normal. However, in case of unstoppable, fresh red blood, consult your doctor without losing time.
Recovery Process of Septoplasty in Nasal Septum Deviation
The recovery process after septoplasty surgery performed for nasal septum deviation is generally a period that progresses gradually and is completed comfortably for the vast majority of patients. During the first few days of this period, it is normal to experience edema, a slight feeling of congestion, and sensitivity inside the nose. This is because such symptoms are a natural healing response of the internal nasal tissues to the surgical intervention. If silicone splints or tampons were used inside the nose, these are usually removed within a few days, and after this stage, patients can begin to feel a significant relief in their breathing comfort.
In this context, it is important to avoid heavy physical activities during the first week to support the healing of internal nasal tissues, to be careful not to receive any impact to the nose, and to regularly apply the nasal care recommended by the doctor. Over time, the edema inside the nose decreases, the mucosal tissues regenerate, and the airway becomes clearer. While a significant improvement in respiratory function is observed in most patients within a few weeks, it may take several months for the tissues inside the nose to heal completely. Once this process is complete, patients generally experience easier breathing, better sleep quality, and a significant reduction in complaints related to nasal congestion.
If you are wondering about the importance of the septoplasty procedure for a deviated septum, you can contact Dr. Hasan Duygu, an expert in nose jobs in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does septoplasty really improve breathing?
Yes. When the narrowing of the airway caused by septum deviation is corrected with septoplasty, the nasal passage widens and airflow becomes more balanced. This helps patients breathe much more easily.
Can septoplasty reduce sinusitis problems?
Septum deviation can lead to frequent sinusitis attacks by making it difficult for the sinuses to ventilate. When nasal airflow is regulated with septoplasty, the drainage of the sinuses can also improve, and the frequency of sinusitis may decrease.
Does septoplasty reduce snoring?
Nasal congestion can cause snoring in some people. Since the nasal airway is opened after septoplasty, a decrease in snoring complaints—especially those related to nasal congestion—can be observed.
Does septoplasty surgery change the shape of the nose?
No. Septoplasty is generally performed only to correct the structures inside the nose and does not cause a significant change in the external appearance of the nose. If aesthetic changes are desired, a rhinoplasty surgery can be planned.
Does a deviated septum always require surgery?
No. Septum deviation can be present in many people but does not always cause symptoms. If the deviation does not lead to problems such as difficulty breathing, chronic nasal congestion, or frequent sinusitis, surgical intervention may not be necessary.
Can the nose become deviated again after septoplasty?
In septoplasty surgeries performed with the correct surgical technique, the risk of deviation recurring is quite low. However, trauma, an impact to the nose, or some rare anatomical conditions can lead to re-curvature.
