Surgery of Deviated Septum (Septoplasty)

The septoplasty procedure corrects a deviated septum, which occurs when the bone and cartilage that divides the two nostrils becomes displaced. During septoplasty surgery, the nasal septum is straightened and relocated to the middle of the nose. Often the septum is cut and removed prior to repositioning.

Minor deviations in the septum location are not unusual. However, in severe cases, the deviated septum may cause breathing difficulties through one or both nostrils. While generally a safe and effective procedure, complications from septoplasty include pre-existing symptoms that persist after surgery, changes to the shape of the nose, decreased sense of smell, and temporary numbing in the upper gum.