Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum — the wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils. When the septum is crooked or displaced, it can obstruct airflow and cause breathing difficulties, snoring, or sinus infections. Septoplasty straightens and repositions the septum, improving nasal breathing, sinus drainage, and overall quality of life.
Common symptoms indicating the need for septoplasty include:
A deviated septum or related nasal obstruction can result from:
Septoplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to access the nasal septum, removes or reshapes the deviated portions of bone and cartilage, and repositions them correctly. No external incision is required, and stitches are placed internally. The surgery typically takes 30–60 minutes, and patients can usually return home the same day. Recovery is quick, with significant improvement in breathing within a few days.
While a deviated septum cannot always be prevented, some steps can help protect nasal health and prevent complications: