Deviated Septum Surgery in Southern California

Although a deviated septum is a condition affecting millions of people across the US, it can be treated to provide permanent relief to those who suffer from it. A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten a deviated septum, ridding the patient of symptoms such as nosebleeds, nasal congestion, facial pain, and more. Our ENT specialists are board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and have performed hundreds of septoplasty surgeries. We are reported to deliver the best deviated septum surgery the Southern California area has to offer. Call the Southern California ENT office nearest you, or request an appointment through our secure online form. We have offices in Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

The septum is the piece of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils in the nose. When the septum is straight, it allows air to pass through the nostrils smoothly. However, when the septum becomes deviated (or crooked) it results in difficulty breathing through the nose as well as a number of other issues that may include:

• Nosebleeds
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Postnasal drip
• Sinus pressure
• Difficult breathing

Depending on the degree of deviation in the septum, each of these symptoms can be mild or severe. A septoplasty can restructure the septum, creating unrestricted balanced airflow in the nose.

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

The septum can easily be injured through physical contact, sports activities, falls, or minor accidents. Unless the injury is severe, a deviated septum can remain un-diagnosed until breathing difficulties become pronounced. In some cases, this condition is present at birth either from the stress of childbirth or prenatal injury.

Deviated Septum Surgery

A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to reposition the bone and cartilage in the septum. Due to the use of small incisions placed inside the nose, there is no visible scarring after the procedure.

The procedure may be done with local or general anesthesia depending on many factors, one of which is your personal preference. After a thorough consultation and examination, your doctor will listen to your needs and incorporate them into your specific treatment to achieve the best result possible.

During your deviated septum surgery, the bone and cartilage in the nose is carefully repositioned, which can require removing some bone to make room for rearrangement. The surgeon will take all the time necessary to ensure your septum is completely straight so air can flow equally through both nostrils. Once the septum is corrected, the surgeon will use nasal splints to keep the septum in place while it heals.

A septoplasty is usually performed in a few hours. Since it is an outpatient procedure, most patients can go home the same day. However, due to the use of anesthesia, you must arrange for a ride home as you will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after the procedure.

Septoplasty Procedure Recovery

It is important to follow any written instructions provided by Southern California Ear, Nose, & Throat to ensure a complete and uncomplicated recovery. Following instructions carefully will ensure your unrestricted breathing results are exactly what you were hoping for. It is necessary to keep your head elevated using several pillows, to avoid lying flat, and to take only the medication that has been prescribed for you. Please call one of our offices if you have any questions concerning medication.

There will be a bandage under the nose to collect blood and fluid, which will drain for about a week. The bandages will need to be changed frequently over the first 24 hours.

Nasal congestion will be present for a few weeks as the nasal passage heal. Do not blow your nose during the first week and avoid the urge to clean the inside of the nose, as this will disturb the healing process. You can clean the outside of your nose gently.

Avoid taking pain medications such as aspirin or Motrin, and also avoid drinking alcohol as these substances may increase bleeding, which can cause complications with healing.