A deviated septum is a very common condition in which the wall that separates the two nasal passageways is crooked, blocking airflow on one or both sides. The septum is made from cartilage in the front and bone further in the back. A septoplasty is a procedure in which the cartilage and/or bone is re-shaped or removed in order to eliminate the blockage. Theoretically, any instrument that can cut or weaken cartilage can be used for this procedure including a laser. Realistically, a scalpel is a very effective instrument for re-shaping the septum. Having performed hundreds of septoplasties, I cannot see an advantage to using a laser on the cartilage except as a marketing tool. If considering a septoplasty for nasal breathing concerns, I recommend you consult with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgery who can perform a thorough examination of your nose and help you understand what needs to be done to fix your septum. Using a laser during sepotplasty sounds like unsubstantiated hype.
