The nasal septum is a structure composed of cartilage and bone, covered by mucosa, which separates the two nasal cavities.
A deviated nasal septum is present in a large percentage of the population, although only some individuals develop symptoms (for example, in more pronounced deviations or when associated with rhinitis or sinusitis). In such cases, when nasal obstruction and/or symptoms of rhinitis or sinusitis are present, the deviation should be treated with septoplasty (surgical correction of the nasal septum).
This procedure is performed entirely through the natural openings of the nose, leaving no visible scars.
When a deviated nasal septum also causes a deviation of the nasal pyramid (a "crooked nose"), rhinoplasty should be combined with septoplasty (septorhinoplasty), correcting both the function and the shape of the nose simultaneously.
This procedure may also be combined with a reduction of the turbinates (structures located along the walls of the nasal cavities, composed of bone and mucosa, which may be enlarged in cases of rhinitis) and/or endoscopic nasal surgery to treat symptoms of sinusitis.
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Surgery duration About 1 hour |
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Time until the final result 2-4 weeks |
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Longevity of results Forever |
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Pain Minimal |
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Back to work 1-2 weeks (before that, you can work from home) |
The post-operative period is typically painless, and recovery is fast.
Following the surgery, there is generally a significant improvement in quality of life, as the patient begins to breathe better through the nose both during the day and at night. This greatly enhances sleep quality (the patient feels less tired upon waking and often stops snoring).