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SEPTOPLASTY + TURBINATE REDUCTION | DEVIATED SEPTUM TREATMENT
A deviated septum may obscure your nasal airway, causing difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of a deviated septum include facial tenderness, nosebleeds, chronic sinusitis, sleep apnea, and snoring. Nasal surgery, known as a septoplasty, can straighten the septum, eliminate symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Read on to learn more about a deviated septum, including its symptoms, causes, and available treatments. Or speak with a professional by scheduling an appointment with the specialist at the Ear, Nose, & Throat Center in Stamford, CT. Reach out online by completing the form below or call 203-353-0000 to schedule your appointment
A DEVIATED SEPTUM
The septum is a thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates the nostrils. A deviated septum occurs when the wall moves off-center. Deviated septums can occur naturally, forming that way at birth or gradually growing towards one nostril during childhood. Facial trauma, such as a broken nose, may also deviate a septum.
When a septum deviates from the midline of the nose, it may obstruct one or both nostrils. This may compromise the nasal passageway, making it difficult to breathe. A deviated septum may also prevent proper drainage of the sinuses, leading to chronic sinus infections.
Symptoms of a deviated septum include:
- Obstructed breathing
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal pressure
- Sinus infections
- Dryness
- Snoring
- Worsening sleep apnea
- Nosebleeds
- Facial pain
- A crooked looking nose
DEVIATED SEPTUM TREATMENTS
During your appointment with an otolaryngologist (ENT) from the Ears, Nose, & Throat Center, your ENT will assess your situation, taking a detailed medical history. The doctor may examine the inside of your nose using a nasal endoscope (a small tube equipped with a camera.) using a nasal endoscope. This can be done in the office while you are awake.
Your ENT will rule out other causes of nasal obstruction, such as nasal polyps, allergies, chronic sinusitis, or enlarged turbinate.
Turbinates are bony structures inside the nose. They form long ridges that protrude into the nostrils. When enlarged, turbinates may obstruct nasal airways. Turbinates may be reduced during surgery.
If a deviated septum causes your nasal obstruction, your surgeon will recommend a nasal surgery called a septoplasty
SEPTOPLASTY
A septoplasty, or septum surgery, is an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia. The operation typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on your case’s complexity. The procedure takes place inside the nostril, preventing visible scarring. The nose is not broken during a septoplasty. If a deviated septum makes your nose looked crooked, a septoplasty may improve the appearance of your nose by restoring symmetry.
During the procedure, your surgeon makes a small incision on the inside wall of your nose. The surgeon gently lifts the mucous membrane that covers the septum. This permits access to the septum. Your surgeon then reconstructs the septum. Bone and cartilage of the septum may be repositioned, reshaped, or trimmed away.
After reconstructing the septum, your surgeon repositions the mucous membrane back over the septum. Your surgeon sutures the incision shut with dissolvable stitches. Small splints or soft packing may be inserted to support the nasal tissue and stabilize the septum as it heals.
SEPTOPLASTY RECOVERY
After your procedure, you may return home. Your ENT will discuss post-op instructions to optimize your healing and recovery. Swelling typically subsides within a week. However, it may require six months to a year for your septum to heal fully. Most patients report dramatic improvement following surgery.
TURBINATE REDUCTION
Turbinate reduction is a nasal surgery, often performed in conjunction with a septoplasty. The procedure reduces the size of the turbinate by removing bone or trimming away the tissue surrounding the turbinate. This further opens the nasal passages, improving airflow.
SEPTOPLASTY SURGEON NEAR ME
If you suspect a deviated septum or suffer from nasal obstruction, schedule an appointment with the experienced doctors at the Ear, Nose, & Throat Center.
Contact the Ear, Nose & Throat Center in Stamford, CT, to schedule a consultation. Reach out online by completing the form below or call 203-353-0000 to schedule your appointment.
Schedule a Consultation
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.
Sources:
Van Egmond, M., Grutters, J., Hannink, G., van Heerbeek, N., & Rovers, M. M. (2020). Septoplasty versus non-surgical management for nasal obstruction in adults with a deviated septum: a randomized controlled trial. BMC medicine, 18(1), 101. LINK.
Van Egmond, M., Rovers, M. M., Hannink, G., Hendriks, C., & van Heerbeek, N. (2019). Septoplasty with or without concurrent turbinate surgery versus non-surgical management for nasal obstruction in adults with a deviated septum: a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. Lancet (London, England), 394(10195), 314–321. LINK.
Schedule a Consultation
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.