What is a Deviated Septum

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

• Nasal obstruction: With a deviated septum, breathing through the nose may be difficult due to the obstruction of one or both nostrils. If you have a cold or an allergy, the obstruction will become even more evident because of the swollen nasal passages.
• Headaches and facial pains: If you often experience headaches or migraines, this can also be a sign of septal deviation. The pain comes from the built-up pressure, which happens when the air is not able to flow freely through the nasal passages. Facial pains may also occur due to the extra pressure in the sinuses.
• Chronic sinus infections: A sinus infection or sinusitis, which is characterized by inflamed nasal tissues, is typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. However, it can also be caused by an abnormal nasal structure that creates chronic blockage. People who experience recurring sinus infections often have nasal congestion caused by a deviated septum, which can sometimes interfere with drainage and make it difficult for the sinus to flush out fluids.
• Chronic nosebleeds: A deviated septum makes it hard for air to flow properly through the nasal passages, which can cause the membranes to dry out. This makes you more prone to nosebleeds, particularly if the humidity levels in the surrounding environment are particularly low.
• Snoring or sleeping problems: Noisy snoring or loud breathing while sleeping can be indicative of a deviated septum. Some people who suffer from this condition often have trouble sleeping as the crookedness of the septum can make it difficult to breathe through the nose. In severe cases, people can experience sleep apnea, which is a serious sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep.

How to Fix a Deviated Septum

Septoplasty

1. Anesthesia is administered.
2. Incisions are made to access the septum, either within the nasal cavity when using the closed approach, or on one side of the columella during an open approach procedure.
3. The membrane covering the surface of the septum, which is called the nasal mucosal lining, is carefully lifted away.
4. The septum is removed and reinserted in the correct position; in some cases, the bone and/or cartilage may be trimmed before being restored.
5. The mucosal lining is repositioned over the septum and sutured into place.
6. Nasal packing or splints are installed to stabilize the newly fixed septum.

Functional Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty with Septum Piercing: What You Need to Know

Thinking about a rhinoplasty but have a septum piercing? The answer is YES! It's more common than you think to have holes or perforations in the septum.

During a nosejob, a skilled plastic surgery expert, especially a rhinoplasty specialist, can actually close those perforations at the same time. Septum piercing perforations are generally small and easier to repair, but it’s important that the repair happens during the rhinoplasty procedure.

Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery

When under our care, Dr. Sedgh always ensures you feel comfortable, cared for, well-informed about every aspect of your upcoming treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. With an approach which focuses on achieving refreshed, natural-looking results, Dr. Sedgh prides himself on always acting with transparency, honesty, and the highest level of ethical treatment, from start to finish.