Septoplasty
Septal cartilage and bone divides the nose into right and left halves. It can become crooked from birth, trauma, other abnormalities, or just simply as “part of life”. A deviated septum causes obstruction, increased susceptibility to nosebleeds, and makes access for sinus surgery more difficult.
Obstruction is generally worse when supine due to venous pooling of blood and swelling. Patients often try topical decongestants for relief but this leads to dependency and rebound congestion.
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, done through the nostrils, with no external incisions or bruising. Recovery is about a week; tolerance and satisfaction are high. Complications are rare but include: need for revision, septal perforation, infection, bleeding, and numbness or sensory abnormalities of the face or teeth.