Septoplasty Q&A
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How is Septoplasty Performed?

asked 2 years ago by rn1968 in NYC
Latest answer by Shepherd G. Pryor, MD
Question viewed 1,096 times
Tags: nose, deviated septum, septum

I have been diagnosed with a deviated septum. Instead of being centrally aligned, the central part of my septum is skewed into my left nostril and according there is a larger space in my right. If I were to get septoplasty performed, how exactly would this work? Would the septum be restored or adjusted to a central location so that both the blockage in my left and the space in my right would be eliminated? Or would the surgery just eliminate the blockage on the left side and leave the right essentially unchanged?

8 answers to How is Septoplasty Performed?

+1

Septoplasty surgery

You have what we would describe as a "Caudal End Deviation" meaning the very front portion of your septum is deviated into your nasal airway and nostril. This particular brand of septal deviation is a little bit more tricky than the average internal-only deviation. I would strongly recommend that you visit with a Double Board certified surgeon in both facial plastic surgery and ENT as I would expect that you will need an open approach to replace and repair this issue... more
Shepherd G. Pryor, MD

Scottsdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Septoplasty Technique Summarized

A septoplasty is usually performed thru the nostrils without any external incisions or cuts. In your case, the deviated portions of the cartilage that are impinging on your left airway should likely be trimmed down. In doing so, the left side should be made larger and will approximate the opening on the right side. The end result should be that you feel like you are getting the same amount of air through both nostrils
John M. Hilinski, MD

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

What you gain on one side, you lose on the other.

Great question. The total space inside your nose remains the same with Septoplasty. So when the center wall is shifted into the center, one nasal channel;s cross section area is increased, while the other's is reduced. Not infrequently after successful surgery the patient is aware the formerly better side feels restrictive, as the blocked side is now open. Often this is ameliorated by removing some of the fleshy swelling of the turbinate on the 'better side.
Oakley Smith, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Septoplasty surgery

The type of septoplasty performed depends on the nature of the problem.  Ideally the septum is straightened without removing large segments of cartilage - but rather reshaping the cartilage and supporting the nasal valve region.
Sam Naficy, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Septoplasty for Deviated Seputm

A septoplasty is a surgery performed to correct a deviated (or crooked) septum. A true "septoplasty" does not involve changing the shape of the nose. The septum is the piece of cartilage that separates one side of the nose from the other. Normally, the septum is straight. When it is crooked, it is termed a deviated septum. A deviated septum can block the nasal passage and contribute to symptoms of nasal obstruction. Correction of a deviated septum with a septoplasty involves... more
C. Spencer Cochran, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Technical details of correcting the nasal septum

A septoplasty is designed to improve and balance the nasal airway and remove obstructions to airflow.  The most common way is to remove the offending cartilage and bone while other techniques involve repositioning alone.  Often the turbinates need to be addressed at the same time.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Septoplasty Surgery for Deviated Nasal Septum

Septoplasty corrects a deviated nasal septum. If performed on its own, this nasal surgery is usually performed entirely through the nostrils, without external incisions. During the surgical procedure, deviated and crooked portions of bone and cartilage may be removed entirely or they may be readjusted and repositioned. The septoplasty procedure has different exact techniques and approaches, largely dependent on the anatomy of the nasal septum for each particular person, and if a rhinoplasty... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

How is a septoplasty performed?

A septoplasty is performed by making an incision on the inside of the nose, the lining of the nose is elevated and the cartilage and bone that make up your septum are realigned as best as possible into the midline. The object of a septoplasty is to restore a normal airway on both sides of the nose. From your description of your situation I would assume that the obstruction would be relieved on the left side and the septum moved to the midline so this would change the space on the right.... more
Andres Gantous, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

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