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What Causes a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall separating your nasal passages is displaced to one side, which can affect airflow and lead to breathing difficulties. The most common causes include:

  • Congenital Conditions: Some individuals are born with a deviated septum, which develops naturally during fetal growth.
  • Nasal Trauma: Injuries from accidents, sports activities, or falls can cause the septum to shift, especially if the nose is fractured or impacted.
  • Aging: As you age, the structure of your nose may gradually shift, worsening an existing deviation.
  • Previous Nasal Surgery: Certain surgical procedures on the nose can unintentionally affect the alignment of the septum.

Understanding the underlying cause helps determine the most effective treatment, which Dr. Mehta will discuss during your consultation.

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What Are the Symptoms?

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

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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. 

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What Are the Benefits of Septoplasty?

Septoplasty offers significant health benefits for individuals struggling with the effects of a deviated septum. This procedure can improve both your breathing and quality of life by providing the following:

  • Improved Nasal Airflow: Restores clear, unobstructed breathing through both nostrils.
  • Reduced Nasal Congestion: Alleviates chronic stuffiness and sinus pressure caused by a blocked nasal passage.
  • Fewer Sinus Infections: Enhances sinus drainage, reducing the risk of recurring infections.
  • Better Sleep Quality: Helps minimize snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea associated with nasal obstruction.
  • Less Frequent Nosebleeds: Reduces irritation and dryness that can contribute to nosebleeds.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Relieves discomfort and allows you to engage in physical activities with ease.
  • Improved Sense of Smell: Correction of a deviated septum can help particles reach the smell receptors in the nose, improving both smell and taste.

These benefits often lead to a noticeable improvement in daily comfort, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Who Is a Candidate for Septoplasty?

Septoplasty in Palo Alto is ideal for individuals who experience persistent nasal obstruction or breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum. You may be a good candidate for septoplasty if you:

  • Have chronic nasal congestion or blocked nasal passages, especially on one side
  • Experience difficulty breathing through your nose, impacting sleep or physical activity
  • Suffer from frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, or facial pain related to nasal blockage
  • Have noisy breathing during sleep or symptoms of sleep apnea
  • Are in good overall health and do not have conditions that would complicate surgery or healing

During your consultation, Dr. Mehta will thoroughly evaluate whether septoplasty is the right solution for your specific symptoms and health status.

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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?

How long is the recovery time?

Is a septoplasty done with an open or closed approach?

How long does a septoplasty take?

Does Dr. Mehta pack the nose after a septoplasty?

Is a septoplasty painful?

What are the risks of septoplasty?

Which other procedures are combined with septoplasty?

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.

How long is the recovery time?

Most patients look socially presentable after 6 days, when the stents are removed from inside the nose. Most normal activities such as vigorous exercise, lifting, swimming, etc. can be resumed 10-12 days after surgery.

Is a septoplasty done with an open or closed approach?

Septoplasties are usually done through a closed approach, meaning that all incisions are inside the nose, on the front of the septum. Complex septoplasties may necessitate an open approach, which means a small incision on the columella, between the nostrils. This incision is closed with tiny dissolvable sutures and heals very well for the vast majority of patients. If a rhinoplasty is performed with the septoplasty, the nose may need to be opened as well.

How long does a septoplasty take?

Approximately one hour.

Does Dr. Mehta pack the nose after a septoplasty?

No, he uses rubberized silicone stents, called Breeze (or Doyle) nasal splints. These help to keep the septum flat and straight, reducing the risk of infection, bleeding, and deviation. These stents are stitched in place to avoid movement and are easily removed by Dr. Mehta a few days after surgery.

Is a septoplasty painful?

There is some pain for the first 2-3 days after a septoplasty. Some patients are comfortable with just Tylenol, whereas others may require a stronger pain medication in addition. A benzodiazepine like Valium can also help with recovery, making it easier to sleep and relax after surgery. By day 4, the vast majority of patients are taking Tylenol, if anything.

What are the risks of septoplasty?

Risks include infection, bleeding, change in the external appearance of the nose, failure to improve breathing, septal perforation, septal hematoma, and need for revision septoplasty. Fortunately, all of these risks are very uncommon.

Which other procedures are combined with septoplasty?

Common adjunct procedures include turbinate reduction, valve repair (spreader graft placement), rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

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