Did you know an estimated 80% off people in the United States struggle with breathing properly due to a deviated septum, or crooked nasal septum?
Before and After 5 Months: Revision Septorhinoplasty (Photo Credit: Kian Karimi MD, FACS)
The nasal septum is a wall of cartilage and connective tissue that separates the nasal passages. When the nasal septum is off-center, or crooked, it causes a nasal obstruction to one or both nasal passages.
Nasal obstruction can occur from a variety of causes, including a condition present at birth, trauma or an accident, prior surgery or nostril collapse [also known as “valve collapse”].
Before and After 3 Months: Functional Septorhinoplasty (Photo Credit: Kian Karimi MD, FACS)
When a deviated septum is severe, it can block one side of a patient’s nose and reduce airflow, causing difficulty breathing – particularly during acute illness, such as an upper respiratory infection (URI) and sinusitis.
Before and After 3 Months: Cosmetic and Functional Septorhinoplasty (Photo Credit: Kian Karimi MD, FACS)
Most septal deformities do not show any symptoms and many patients are not aware they have a deviated septum. However, some septal deformities may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Obstruction of One or Both Nostrils:
This obstruction can make it difficult to breathe through the nostril or nostrils. This may be more noticeable when a patient has a cold (upper respiratory tract infection) or allergies that can cause the patient’s nasal passages to swell and narrow.
- Nasal Congestion and Sinus Infections:
A deviated septum can lead to frequent sinus infections and post-nasal drip (PND).
- Nosebleeds:
The surface of a patient’s nasal septum may become dry and increase his or her risk of nosebleeds.
- Disturbed Sleep:
A deviated septum and swelling of the intranasal tissues can negatively affect a patients’ quality of sleep and can lead to dry mouth due to chronic mouth breathing.
Before and After 6 Weeks: Functional Septorhinoplasty (Photo Credit: Kian Karimi MD, FACS)
If you experience mild symptoms, over-the-counter and prescription treatment options are available at your local drugstore.
If you suffer from severe nostril obstruction, frequent nosebleeds or recurring sinus infections, or if you believe you have a deviated septum, schedule an appointment for a consultation with an otolaryngologist, or a double-board certified head and neck surgeon, and facial plastic surgeon. Depending on particular factors pertaining to a patient, a surgeon may suggest a septoplasty procedure.
The septoplasty procedure is a surgical procedure performed to realign the septum and restore a patient’s ability to breathe properly. Although septoplasty procedures do not cause changes to the external appearance of the nose, septorhinoplasty procedures are available for patients who wish to correct the internal alignment of the septum, while altering the external, aesthetic appearance of the nose for facial harmony.
In some cases, depending on a patients’ insurance coverage, procedural costs to correct a deviated septum may be partially or significantly covered by insurance.
For more information about cosmetic and functional septorhinoplasty procedures, please contact Rejuva Medical Aesthetics at 424.644.2400 or email info@rejuvamedical.org.