“What is the treatment for a deviated septum?”

The septum may need reshaping or at times removal. At times, structures that control intranasal breathing may need cauterization or partial removal.

The best treatment for deviated septum is a procedure called septoplasty. If the only issue is the deviation this can be done without changing the shape of your nose. However, often times, patients will combine a septoplasty with a rhinoplasty to get improvement of both the shape and the function of the nose. Septoplasty by itself is usually done through the inside of the nose with no visible incision and little to no bruising. The main reason to have a septoplasty is to improve nasal breathing or decrease the amount of nose bleeds.

To straighten the area of deviation. Not only does it look better, but you breathe better. It is usually under general anesthesia, but can be local. There could be a cast and also there will be packing, so the airway is obstructed until the packing is removed.

Thank you for the question.

First, I would recommend a visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Your nose will be thoroughly checked to find out exactly if the deviated septum may be the only cause of the breathing problem. After that evaluation, the proper treatment should be recommended. You may also have a hypertrophied turbinate that may require treatment also.

Luis

Treatment of a Nasal Septal deviation is one that requires outpatient surgery, after medical management has failed. These procedures are performed as an outpatient either in a Surgicenter or Hospital. The septum can be repositioned [Septoplasty] or can have some of the cartilage or bone removed [SMR - Submucous Resection] . These procedures are performed through the nostril without any external incisions. Sometimes there are also other stuctures that can restrict ones breathing that can also be treated to ensure maximal benefit, namely Enlarged Turbinates [Turbinoplasty]. They are often treated simultaneously. These procedure can be performed within 30 - 45 minutes. Risk factors are minimal and infrequently noted. Your surgeon will discuss the details of the procedure, recovery, and risk factors during your pre-op interview. I hope this information will be helpful.
Joseph Ardito MD

If you are happy with the cosmetic appearance and it is only a breathing problem and is proven to be caused by the septum, this can be treated usually surgically after examination. If you think of the septum as the tentpole and is crocked causing breathing obstruction, correction can be done very effectively