Septoplasty Long Island

A septoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to repair a deviated septum and realign the septum in the nose. While sharing some aspects of rhinoplasty surgery, septoplasty is focused solely on the septum and is intended to improve breathing.

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Surgery for a deviated septum

When determining the best approach for your condition, your plastic surgeon will thoroughly assess the structure of your nose and nasal passage and discuss your symptoms, including the severity of any breathing impairment.

What are the effects of a deviated septum?

When the nasal septum—that little stretch of bone and cartilage between the nostrils—is displaced, several irritating long-term problems can occur.

A deviated septum can contribute to:

Chronic congestion
Dry mouth
Irritation or discomfort within the nose
Nosebleeds
Sinus infections
Snoring

When the displacement is severe, it can hinder optimal breathing. A septoplasty can treat and reduce these symptoms by repositioning the septum and restoring balance to the airflow between the nostrils.

Causes of a deviated septum

A deviated septum is a common condition, although some cases are so minor that they don’t affect the patient’s quality of life and are hardly noticeable.

A deviated septum often occurs as babies develop during pregnancy and are present at birth.
Injuries to the nose can also cause a deviated septum.
The natural effects of aging can also impact the nasal structure over time.
A slightly deviated septum that otherwise would not require treatment may worsen.
Conditions such as hay fever and sinus infections inflame nasal tissues and stress the narrowed nasal passage associated with a deviated septum.

What is the procedure for a septoplasty?

A septoplasty generally entails surgically detaching portions of bone and cartilage from the nasal septum and restructuring them in an optimal position. The goal is to reposition the septum in the middle of the nose’s base and to straighten between the nostrils for improved respiration.

Combining Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

The extent of surgery necessary, and the level of improvement that comes with it, depend largely on the severity of the displacement. A septoplasty may be performed as a complement to a rhinoplasty, or nose job, to correct a deviated septum while reshaping the appearance of the nose.

In many cases, symptoms caused by a deviated septum will vanish completely as you recover. It’s important to note that while septoplasty can restore form and function, it can’t correct underlying allergies or sinus ailments that can cause the nasal tissues to swell.

Enjoying Your Septoplasty Outcome

Recovery times and results vary based on several individual factors. Many patients report feeling an immediate difference after septoplasty surgery. Relief from nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing is often immediate. However, it can take up to two weeks for the full effects of the surgery to be felt as swelling and bruising subside. Additionally, many patients report a significant improvement in their overall quality of life after septoplasty surgery. Your surgeon will discuss your recovery guidelines and expectations with you during your consultation.

What guidelines should I follow after my septoplasty?

In most cases, patients will be advised to limit strenuous physical activity, avoid nose-blowing, and keep their heads elevated while sleeping for a few weeks following surgery. In the ensuing months, the cartilage and bone will stabilize, and breathing will improve.

How long do the results of a septoplasty last?

With a healthy lifestyle and without trauma to the nose, your septoplasty results may last indefinitely. Over time, natural physical changes may affect the results; in some cases, patients opt for a revision septoplasty later in life to refine the septum and prevent the return of any adverse symptoms.

Will insurance cover my septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve breathing by correcting a deviated septum, which is a common condition that can cause difficulty breathing. The surgery involves straightening the septum, which is the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. Because of this, septoplasty is typically covered by insurance, although some policies may require prior authorization. If you are considering septoplasty, be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage.