Septoplasty in Palo Alto, CA

Septoplasty is surgery done inside your nose to straighten a crooked or deviated septum. It’s often recommended to improve airflow in patients who have trouble breathing.

What is a Deviated Septum?

Your septum is the structure that separates the inside of your nose in half. When it’s crooked instead of straight, it’s called a “deviated septum.” It can block one or both of your nostrils, impacting airflow and creating breathing challenges. You may be born with a deviated septum, or it can develop after an injury.

Symptoms

Obstruction of one or both nostrils
Difficulty breathing and noisy breathing during sleep
Frequent nosebleeds and sinus infections

Your Septoplasty Procedure

Dr. Mehta will perform your septoplasty in Palo Alto under general anesthesia at our surgical center. It’s an outpatient surgery, so you’ll be free to return home the same day. The entire procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete.

If you’re having septoplasty only, the entire surgery can take place inside your nose, without external incisions. Dr. Mehta will create an internal incision and gently lift the mucosa so he can reshape the septum’s bone and cartilage. Then, he will reposition the mucosa over your septum, close the incision, and insert splints and soft packing to hold your nose in place as it heals. He’ll remove the splints and packing one week later at a post-surgical appointment.

Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

Although they are both nose surgeries, rhinoplasty and septoplasty accomplish two very different objectives. Rhinoplasty changes the appearance of your nose, while septoplasty focuses on the underlying structures. Rhinoplasty is for cosmetic purposes, while septoplasty is for functional purposes.

If you want to reshape your nose aesthetically and correct a deviated septum, Dr. Mehta can perform your rhinoplasty and septoplasty simultaneously. Combining the procedures means you’ll have just one recovery period and potentially reduced scarring.

FAQ

How long is the recovery period for septoplasty?

Is septoplasty covered by insurance?

When will my breathing improve after septoplasty?

Will septoplasty change the external shape of my nose?

How long is the recovery period for septoplasty?

You can expect your recovery to last about one week. However, your bone and cartilage will continue healing for up to one year.

Is septoplasty covered by insurance?

Depending on your coverage, your insurance may cover a portion of your septoplasty. During your initial consultation at our Palo Alto office, our staff will review your coverage and help you determine if the procedure is covered by your plan.

When will my breathing improve after septoplasty?

Your breathing will feel somewhat better once the stents are removed one week after septoplasty, and it will continue to improve over the next 3-6 months. Dr. Mehta only uses stents after septoplasty—not packing. This ensures a comfortable recovery experience for his patients.

Will septoplasty change the external shape of my nose?

No. Septoplasty changes the underlying structure of your nose so it functions optimally. If you want to change the shape and appearance of your nose, you’ll need rhinoplasty as well.

Septoplasty in Palo Alto, CA

What is a Deviated Septum?

Symptoms

Your Septoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

FAQ

How long is the recovery period for septoplasty?

Is septoplasty covered by insurance?

When will my breathing improve after septoplasty?

Will septoplasty change the external shape of my nose?

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