How bad does a deviated septum have to be to need surgery?

Hello,Thank you for your question and provided information. Based on them, limitation in the airway affects the quality of breathing and deviated septum has tendency of leaning and this for later years might get worse. You need a detailed in-person examination, analysis of your nose is completed and a succesful septoplasty procedure can improve your nose and fixes the issues. You need to seek an innovative exprienced Surgeon.Best Regards,

Deviated septums are really quite common. The only indication to surgically straighten a deviated septum is if it appears to be the cause of nasal obstruction. Strangely, some badly deviated septums only cause patients mild aggravation whereas less badly deviated septums can cause a lot of blockage. It depends a lot on where the deviation is located, how it's angulated, and what the rest of the nasal airway looks like (e.g., narrow nostrils, large turbinates, collapsed nasal valves, etc.) If the turbinates are still large, they can also be further reduced, but care needs to be taken not to reduce them too much and risk what's known as atrophic rhinitis with a permanently dry and crusty nose.Hope that helps,--DCPPearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Thanks for your question. I see deviated septums all the time, but we only choose to operate if the patient is having difficulty breathing, worse on the deviated side. If you're using a prescription nasal spray and you're still having trouble breathing, it's time to talk to an ENT again. You can also have a second procedure on your turbinates at the same time if you choose. Good luck!

  Patients have to have significant airflow restriction through the nose to undergo either a deviated septum surgery or turbinate reduction.   Best to try and failed medical management first before undergoing surgery.