Take a deep breath. Now take another one. If you struggled with either breath because of chronic nasal congestion or blockage, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have difficulty breathing through their nose due to a deviated septum, but there’s a solution that could help you breathe easier.
Septoplasty restores proper airflow and improves nasal function. At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, Massachusetts, serving Boston, Hingham, Braintree, Quincy, Holbrook, Hull, Rockland, Randolph, and Milton, Dr. Lazor offers expert care in nasal surgery.
What Is Septoplasty?
Your nasal septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nose into two nostrils. When this wall is crooked or off-center (deviated), it can make breathing a daily challenge. You might experience:
- Persistent stuffiness or congestion
- Frequent sinus infections
- Noisy breathing or snoring
- Headaches and facial pain
- Difficulty sleeping
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects this deviation by repositioning your septum to restore proper airflow. Straightening the septum improves nasal function while maintaining or enhancing nasal structure.
What Are the Benefits of Septoplasty?
For many of our patients, septoplasty does more than improve their breathing — it transforms their quality of life. Here’s how:
- Improved Breathing: Restores clear nasal airflow, making breathing easier.
- Reduced Sinus Infections: Decreases the frequency of sinus-related issues.
- Better Sleep Quality: Alleviates nasal obstruction that can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea.
- Enhanced Sense of Smell: Restores olfactory function impaired by nasal blockage.
- Improved Exercise Tolerance: Easier breathing enhances physical activity performance.
- Potential Cosmetic Enhancements: Can be combined with cosmetic procedures (rhinoplasty) for improved facial harmony.
How Does Septoplasty Work?
Septoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anesthesia. Here is a breakdown of the process:
Initial Consultation:
Dr. Lazor evaluates your medical history, symptoms, and nasal structure, often using diagnostic tests or nasal endoscopy to assess the severity of the deviation.
Anesthesia:
Administered to ensure comfort throughout the surgery.
Incision and Access:
An incision is made inside the nostril, leaving no visible external scars.
Correction of the Septum:
Deviated cartilage and bone are repositioned or removed while preserving nasal support.
Closing the Incision:
Internal sutures are placed; nasal splints may be used to support healing.
Post-Procedure Care:
Detailed aftercare instructions are provided to promote smooth recovery.
The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, though this can vary depending on the complexity of your case.
What Is Recovery After Septoplasty Like?
Recovery from septoplasty is a gradual process that varies for each person. In the first few days after surgery, you’ll likely experience some congestion and pressure. This is completely normal. Any discomfort can usually be managed effectively with prescribed medication. Most patients find they can return to work or school within a week, though you’ll need to modify some activities during your healing period.
To ensure optimal healing, you’ll want to keep your nasal passages moist with saline spray and avoid blowing your nose for the first week. It’s important to sleep with your head elevated and avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks. Dr. Lazor will provide specific guidance based on your individual case and healing progress.
Is Septoplasty Permanent?
Septoplasty typically offers permanent improvement in nasal breathing. Once your septum is straightened and repositioned, it should maintain its new position indefinitely.
Some patients worry about their septum becoming deviated again after surgery. This is quite rare. The techniques used in modern septoplasty are designed to provide stable, lasting results. That said, traumatic injury to the nose could potentially cause new deviation, which is why it’s important to protect your nose during contact sports or activities with a high risk of facial injury.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Septoplasty?
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Experience chronic nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.
- Suffer from frequent sinus infections.
- Have a visibly crooked nose affecting function or appearance.
- Snore or have sleep disturbances linked to nasal obstruction.
- Are in good overall health and a non-smoker (or willing to quit before surgery).
During your consultation, Dr. Lazor will determine if septoplasty is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septoplasty
Can septoplasty be combined with other treatments?
Yes, septoplasty is often combined with rhinoplasty to address both functional and cosmetic concerns. Some patients also choose to add chin implants to enhance overall facial balance and harmony.
Is septoplasty painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure. Any post-operative pain is typically well-managed with prescribed medications.
Are there side effects?
Common side effects include mild swelling, nasal congestion, and temporary numbness around the nose. Serious complications are rare, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Lazor.
How soon will I see results?
Many patients notice improved breathing within a few days after surgery. However, full results, including reduced swelling and optimal nasal function, may take several months to develop.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Septoplasty performed to correct a deviated septum is often covered by insurance. Cosmetic enhancements performed alongside the surgery are typically not included in coverage.
How long do the results last?
Results from septoplasty are generally long-lasting and, in most cases, permanent. Maintaining good nasal health helps preserve these results over time.
Can septoplasty improve snoring?
Yes, septoplasty can significantly reduce snoring if nasal obstruction contributes to the issue. It may also improve symptoms of sleep apnea related to nasal blockages.
Why Choose Dr. Lazor and New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center?
Dr. Lazor is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in nasal surgery. His expertise ensures patients receive exceptional care with both functional improvement and aesthetic enhancement in mind.
As an instructor at Harvard Medical School and a contributor to numerous publications on nasal surgery, Dr. Lazor remains at the forefront of surgical advancements. He combines his academic leadership with a patient-centered approach, creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique goals and facial anatomy for balanced, natural-looking results.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Breathing
If nasal obstruction impacts your quality of life, septoplasty may offer lasting relief. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Lazor at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, Massachusetts, you can experience improved breathing and enhanced comfort. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how septoplasty can benefit you.
