What is the difference between septoplasty and submucous resection (SMR) of the septum?

 There are many issues inside the nose that can cause nasal obstruction such as turbinate hypertrophy, valve collapse, allergies, chronic sinusitis, and a deviated septum. Each one of these are treated differently with either medications or surgery. It's important to try medical management first before surgical intervention. A submucous resection of the septum involves removing cartilage and bone that is twisted and  blocking airflow. This is considered a septoplasty.

Dear mrRhinoplastyWhen the nasal septum is blocking breathing through the nose, it can be partially removed or repositioned. Any of these procedures is a septoplasty. If the obstructive portion of the septum is removed, its a submucous resection. Other maneuver are different types of septoplasty.

Hello mrhinoplasty,Thanks for your question.In simple terms, septoplasty is any manipulation of the septal structures designed to improve nasal airflow. An SMR is a particular type of septoplasty procedure designed to remove deviated septal cartilage that is blocking airflow in one or both nostrils.  It is designed to straighten the septum up and decrease any sign of external deviation of the bridge.SMR of the turbinates is a soft tissue debulking operation designed to open up the inner walls of each turbinate and open up the airways.I hope this was helpful.Dr. Shah