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Can a septum perforation be fixed a second time?

HealthyTurtleDec 8, 2025
I had a septoplasty a while ago which resulted in a 1cm by 1cm septum perforation near the front of my nose. I got a surgery to fix the septum perforation, but about a month into recovery I started to hear a slight whistle sound again. At the end of the mucosal flaps (used to cover the hole after a cartilage graft was put in) I can see a very small hole. I pointed a flash light up one nostril and can just barely make out some light coming through. I am scared that I will have to live the rest of my life with a constant whistling sound when I breathe. Can I get surgery done again to fix the new hole? (also, it may not be new, I'm not sure but it possibly might just be the edge of the old hole). I'm seeing my surgeon again this week but would love some advice. Also, out of curiosity, if there is no cartilage near the hole will the hole expand faster since there is just soft tissue around it?

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Dr. Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
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Dr. Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
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Answered on Dec 14, 2025
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Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS

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