Septoplasty

Improve your breathing and enhance your quality of life with Septoplasty, Deviated Septum Surgery.

About 70 to 80 percent of us have a septal deviation within our noses that would be noticeable to a physician. In many of us, the condition doesn’t cause any symptoms, or symptoms are so minor that no treatment is required. But for some patients, a deviated septum is moderate to severe can result in nasal obstruction. Septoplasty, or deviated septum surgery, can be diagnosed at our Woodbury and Eagan clinics. Surgery to correct this condition and restore efficient and clear breathing to patients is performed at our Midwest Surgery Clinic.

Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum, the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the center of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and impedes airflow. Often, the inferior turbinate on the opposite side enlarges, which is termed compensatory hypertrophy. Deviations of the septum can lead to nasal obstruction and, in turn, cause difficulty in breathing for patients and an alteration to voice.

After a thorough consultation with one of our physicians, a septoplasty surgery to correct a severely deviated septum may be recommended. The purpose of septoplasty surgery is to open the nasal airway and improve breathing. During the surgery, deformed septal cartilage and bone are removed or realigned. The surgery is performed within the nose and there are typically no external incisions.

Septoplasty usually involves excision and realignment of a portion of the bone and/or cartilage in the nasal cavity. Under general anesthesia, your surgeon works through the nostrils, making an incision in the lining of the septum to reach the cartilage targeted in the operation. Sufficient cartilage is preserved for structural support. After the septum is straightened, it may then be stabilized temporarily with small plastic tubes, splints, or sutures internally. In some cases, you surgeon may recommend a rhinoplasty performed in tandem with your septoplasty for cosmetic correction of any deformities of the external nasal framework.

Typical time to complete a Septoplasty procedure is 60-90 minutes. YOur recovery time could be up to several weeks. This downtime may be extended if your procedure is done with a rhinoplasty. You and your surgeon will discuss at length which treatment options and combinations are best for your optimal outcome both functionally and cosmetically.

INDICATIONS:

• Deviated Septum
• Obstructed air flow due to a Deviated Septum
• Deviated Septum as a result of a broken nose
• Deviated Septum as a result of deformity

BENEFITS:

• Improved airflow and breathing
• Straightening of nose
• Improved voice quality