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Deviated Septum

What is a Deviated Septum?
A septum is a wall that divides two cavities. In the nose, the septum is made of cartilage, and divides the nose into two separate chambers. A deviated septum is an abnormal configuration of the cartilage that divides the two sides of the nasal cavity, which may cause problems with proper breathing or nasal discharge.

What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a short procedure performed to correct an improperly formed nasal septum that may be caused by:

       birth defect
       injury
       damage from previous medical treatments

What are the Complications Associated with Nasal Surgery?
Individuals vary greatly in their anatomy and healing ability, and the outcome is never completely predictable. Complications may occur, including:

       infection
       nosebleed
       reaction to the anesthesia

About the Procedure:
Septoplasty may be performed with the traditional open surgical technique from inside the nose. When open surgery is performed, small scars will be located on the base of the nose, but they usually are not noticeable. Scarring is not visible when internal surgery is performed. Depending on the severity of the deviation, septoplasty may be performed in:

       a surgeon's office
       an outpatient surgery center
       a hospital - outpatient
       a hospital - inpatient

The surgeon will provide guidelines for resuming normal activities. Many patients are up and around within a few days and able to return to school or sedentary work in a week or so.

Short-term side effects of surgery may include:

       splint applied to nose to help maintain new shape
       nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed in nostrils to stabilize septum
       face will feel puffy
       nose may ache
       dull headache
       small amount of bleeding in first few days