What is a Septoplasty?
A septoplasty is the repair of a deviated nasal septum. The septum, made of bone and cartilage, separates the right and left sides of your nose. It can be crooked or deviated for many reasons, including being born that way or having had some trauma to the nose. A deviated septum can be a major cause of nasal obstruction, snoring, congestion, mouth breathing and even sinus issues. The procedure to correct this, septoplasty, can take less than 30 minutes. It can be comfortably performed in our office rather than in an outpatient surgical center. During the procedure, the twisted or deviated portions are removed through a small incision inside the nose.
While Dr. Elangovan generally recommends this procedure for nasal obstruction and congestion, patients may also find a septoplasty relieves one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Sinus Infections
- Mouth Breathing
- Headaches
- Decreased sense of smell
- Nose Bleeds
Why Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a permanent solution that can significantly address if not resolve the above issues. Furthermore, a septoplasty can reduce dependency on chronic medications such as antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and decongestants.
This simple procedure is performed both in the office or outpatient surgical center either under sedation or general anesthesia. During this brief procedure (typically <30 minutes) the patient is comfortable with numbing medication. No visible scar is made, instead a small incision is made inside the nose. Through this small incision and with the aid of a thin camera, the twisted portions of the cartilage and bone that compose the septum are delicately removed. Once the deviation is removed, the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches which do not have to be removed. There is no external bruising.
Typically, patients experience mild pain for about 3-4 days after surgery. A brief course of antibiotics and nasal saline sprays after surgery is needed to promote healing. Most return to work within 2-3 days. Strenuous activity is avoided for about 3 weeks. Although the full improvement in symptoms can take up to 4 weeks after surgery, most will notice benefits by the second week.
Within 2-3 weeks after a septoplasty most patients experience significant improvement in their ability to breathe through the nose, reduction in snoring, better sleep, decreased reliance on chronic medications.
If you have a deviated septum and are suffering from chronic sinus infections, facial pain, poor sleep, or other breathing and sinus concerns, septoplasty may be right for you. The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for septoplasty is to come in for a private consultation with Dr. Elangovan. He’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, evaluate your condition, and develop a fully personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate health and wellness goals.
Almost all insurances cover septoplasties. The cost will vary depending on the individualized treatment plan recommended for you and your current health insurance coverage. To get a more accurate assessment of how much your septoplasty will cost, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with Dr. Elangovan. At Resolve ENT, we are also happy to offer financing that helps you more easily pay for your treatments at your convenience.
Led by Dr. Siva Elangovan, the medical professionals at Resolve ENT are proud to offer high-quality, comprehensive care to patients located in Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Lincoln Square and the surrounding communities such as Evanston, Oak Park, and Des Plaines of Chicago, Illinois. Contact us to schedule your private consultation with our expert medical team and start your journey with us today.