Septoplasty or Breathing Surgery in Los Angeles

Many people suffer from what is called a deviated septum. This disorder can cause breathing problems, among other unpleasant symptoms. Septoplasty is the preferred surgical treatment to correct a deviated septum. Septal deviations commonly occur due to nasal trauma, the shaping of the nose during development, and other causes. For people who suffer from breathing problems, a Los Angeles septoplasty may provide benefit.

A deviated septum may cause one or more of the following:

• Blockage of one or both nostrils
• Nasal congestion, sometimes one-sided
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Frequent sinus infections
• At times, facial pain, headaches, postnasal drip
• Noisy breathing during sleep (in infants and young children)

What is a deviated septum?

The nasal septum is made of cartilage, and divides the nose into two separate chambers. A deviated septum is an abnormal configuration of the cartilage that divides the two sides of the nasal cavity, which may cause problems with proper breathing or nasal discharge. Estimates are that 80 percent of all nasal septums are off center. A deviated septum is when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline.

The most common symptom from a deviated septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms are usually worse on one side, and in some cases the drainage of the sinuses is curtailed and results in repeated sinus infections. A deviated septum may be present at birth, caused by an injury, or result from damage from previous medical treatments.

In some cases, a person with a mildly deviated septum has symptoms only when he or she also has a "cold" (an upper respiratory tract infection). In these individuals, the respiratory infection triggers nasal inflammation that temporarily amplifies any mild airflow problems related to the deviated septum. Once the "cold" resolves, and the nasal inflammation subsides, symptoms of a deviated septum often resolve, too.

The nasal septum is the wall dividing the nasal cavity into halves; it is composed of a central supporting skeleton covered on each side by mucous membrane. The front portion of this natural partition is a firm but bendable structure made mostly of cartilage and is covered by skin that has a substantial supply of blood vessels. The ideal nasal septum is exactly midline, separating the left and right sides of the nose into passageways of equal size.

Estimates are that 80 percent of all nasal septums are off-center, a condition that is generally not noticed. A "deviated septum" occurs when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline. The most common symptom from a badly deviated or crooked septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms are usually worse on one side, and sometimes actually occur on the side opposite the bend. In some cases the crooked septum can interfere with the drainage of the sinuses, resulting in repeated sinus infections.

How is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?

Patients with chronic sinusitis often have nasal congestion, and many have nasal septal deviations. However, for those with this debilitating condition, there may be additional reasons for the nasal airway obstruction. The problem may result from a septal deviation, reactive edema (swelling) from the infected areas, allergic problems, mucosal hypertrophy (increase in size), other anatomic abnormalities, or combinations thereof. A trained specialist in diagnosing and treating ear, nose, and throat disorders can determine the cause of your chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction.

After discussing your symptoms, your surgeon will inquire if you have ever incurred severe trauma to your nose and if you have had previous nasal surgery. Next, an examination of the general appearance of your nose will occur, including the position of your nasal septum. This will entail the use of a bright light and a nasal speculum (an instrument that gently spreads open your nostril) to inspect the inside surface of each nostril.

Surgery may be the recommended treatment if the deviated septum is causing troublesome nosebleeds or recurrent sinus infections. Additional testing may be required in some circumstances.

What is a Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a reconstructive plastic surgery performed to correct an improperly formed nasal septum. The procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils. During the procedure, badly deviated portions of the septum may be removed entirely or they may be readjusted and reinserted into the nose. In addition to correcting a deviated nasal septum, septoplasty may also be performed to correct other problems such as cleft defects that affect the nose and nasal cavity, and a fistula in the maxillary sinuses.

Septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils, accordingly, no bruising or external signs occur. The surgery might be combined with a rhinoplasty, in which case the external appearance of the nose is altered and swelling/bruising of the face is evident. Septoplasty may also be combined with sinus surgery. In many instances, a septoplasty is performed as part of the Rodeo Drive Breathe Easy Rhinoplasty^TM.

The time required for the operation averages about one to one and a half hours, depending on the deviation. It can be done with a local or a general anesthetic, and is usually done on an outpatient basis. After the surgery, nasal packing is inserted to prevent excessive postoperative bleeding. During the surgery, badly deviated portions of the septum may be removed entirely, or they may be readjusted and reinserted into the nose.

Short-term side effects of septoplasty surgery may include:

• splint applied to nose to help maintain new shape
• nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed in nostrils to stabilize septum
• face will feel puffy
• nose may ache
• dull headache
• swelling around the eyes
• bruising around the eyes
• small amount of bleeding in first few days
• small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface

Healing is a slow and gradual process. Some swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip of the nose. Final results of nasal surgery may not be apparent for a year or more.

Los Angeles Septoplasty is a functional, non-cosmetic surgery. As such, it is sometimes covered by insurance. Please contact us for more information.

Content courtesy of American Academy of Otolaryngology


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Rodeo Drive Rhinoplasty is located in Beverly Hills and serves the Los Angeles area and all of California. We specialize in rhinoplasty in Los Angeles and nasal surgery and "nose job" in California. We also provide revision rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills and ethnic rhinoplasty in Los Angeles. We offer sinus surgery and breathing surgery as well, such as snoring surgery and sleep apnea surgery.