Deviated Septum Surgery When a Crooked Septum Makes Breathing Difficult
Snoring, difficulty breathing, a blocked nose and a runny nose, and in some people pain in the nasal wall that comes and goes, can leave you feeling unrefreshed in the morning and sleepy during the day, which affects daily life. These may be signs that you have a deviated septum (deviated nasal septum).
Watch for these symptoms, which may be warning signs that you have a deviated septum:
- a blocked nose and difficulty breathing
- breathing out through only one side, with a runny nose
- a snuffling sound when you breathe
- a nasal voice when you speak
- loud snoring that the person next to you mentions
- headaches, dizziness and feeling unrefreshed in the morning
What Causes a Deviated Septum
- a difference present from birth
- an accident or injury
A deviated septum is not life-threatening, but it affects daily life and can be a cause of snoring
Septum correction surgery can be done at the same time as rhinoplasty, in one operation. The surgeon uses the cartilage removed from the septum to support and lift the nasal tip, to create the planned nose shape.
Who Is Deviated Septum Surgery Suitable For?
- people who snore
- people whose nose tilts to one side
- people whose nostrils are different sizes on each side
- people who want to correct a nose shape caused by a deviated septum and have rhinoplasty in the same operation
Open rhinoplasty with deviated septum correction (septoplasty) straightens the septum to ease problems such as breathing through only one side. Nasal polyps and allergies should be treated until the symptoms have cleared before rhinoplasty.
A deviated septum that makes breathing difficult can be corrected at the same time as rhinoplasty, in one operation.
How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty With Deviated Septum Surgery
- Have the inside of your nose checked with an endoscope or a CT scan.
- Tell the doctor in detail about any other medical conditions and any medicines, vitamins or supplements you take.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
Looking After Yourself After Deviated Septum Surgery
- Clean the wound to lower the chance of infection, following the doctor’s advice carefully.
- Attend all your follow-up appointments.
If you snore and are found to have a deviated septum, you can ask the surgeon to straighten the septum at the same time as rhinoplasty, reshaping the nose to a suitable design.
