Septoplasty in San Francisco, CA

Dr. Mehta performs septoplasty for San Francisco patients who need to straighten a crooked (deviated) septum. If you’re having trouble breathing due to the underlying structure of your nose, this surgery can improve airflow.

What is a Deviated Septum?

Your septum is the structure that separates your nose into two halves. Ideally, it’s straight, so your nostrils are the same size. When it’s crooked, it’s called a “deviated septum.” This can block one or both of your nostrils, limiting 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

Septoplasty is a very common outpatient procedure. It takes just 30 to 90 minutes to complete, and you’ll be free to return home the same day. Dr. Mehta will perform the surgery under general anesthesia at a San Francisco Bay area surgical center.

If you’re only having septoplasty and you’re not combining it with a cosmetic nose job, the entire procedure can take place without external incisions. Dr. Mehta will create an incision inside your nose and gently lift the mucosa so he can reshape the septum’s bone and cartilage. Then, he’ll 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

It’s important to note that septoplasty does not change the external shape of your nose; only rhinoplasty can accomplish that goal. If you’d like to change the appearance of your nose and you want to combine your septoplasty in San Francisco with cosmetic nose surgery, Dr. Mehta can perform the two surgeries 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 San Francisco Bay area 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?

You can expect to experience a marked improvement in your breathing about seven weeks after surgery. Your breathing should continue to improve for up to one year as your results stabilize.

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 San Francisco, 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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