Repairing a Deviated Septum
The only way to repair a deviated septum is through a surgical procedure known as septoplasty, which can be performed as part of rhinoplasty in cases where a patient also wants to enhance the appearance of their nose. A deviated septum is a very common nasal defect in which the septum—the partition of bone and cartilage between the nostrils—is crooked. When the extent of displacement is severe, there may be little to no airflow through one side of the nose. While a patient can survive with a deviated septum, the obstructive positioning of the septum can cause a significant negative impact on one’s quality of life, including:
- Difficulty breathing or restricted airflow
- Nosebleeds or dryness in the nasal passages
- Noisy breathing while asleep
- Difficulty getting air during exercise or exertion
Medications can often help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, but plastic surgery is typically necessary to permanently realign the septum and improve breathing function. During the procedure, facial plastic surgeon Scott Shadfar, MD straightens the septum as much as possible while removing any blockages, such as extra bone or cartilage. At this time, he can also perform aesthetic alterations to the nose in order to improve its appearance and increase facial balance. This surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.
Dr. Scott Shadfar can restore your ability to breathe easily by correcting a deviated septum—with or without cosmetically enhancing your nose in the process. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact our Oklahoma City practice to schedule a consultation or to speak to a member of our team.
