Dealing With a Deviated Septum

Maybe you have heard of celebrities who get surgery for a so-called deviated septum—yet when you see them, you can tell that they have gotten a completely new nose. However, a deviated septum can be a true problem, not just an excuse for a nose job.

A deviated septum can cause difficulty in breathing, leading to snoring and sleep apnea. However, a deviated septum can be quickly and easily straightened out with a surgery called septoplasty. If you or someone you know is suffering from a deviated septum, please call Austin facial plastic surgery expert Dr. Apostolakis at 512-329-8989 today.

Understanding a Deviated Septum

Your nasal septum is the thin wall composed of bone and cartilage that divides your nose into the two nasal passages. It can be crooked, or deviated, from birth as the result of a congenital issue, or due to injury such as a broken nose. Also, the normal aging process can cause the septum to gradually curve.

Surgical Options for Deviated Septum

While most people naturally have a slightly crooked septum, severe deviations can require surgery because of breathing problems. Typically, the surgical process takes an hour to an hour and a half and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

During the septoplasty, the plastic surgeon generally inserts his tools up through the nostrils. The doctor will likely make a small incision to separate the mucosal membrane lining the nose from the septum itself. Lastly, the surgeon can either straighten the deviated septum, or shave it down until it is straight before replacing the nasal mucosa.

Contact Us

For more information on nose surgery, please contact Austin facial plastic surgeon Dr. Apostolakis at 512-329-8989 today.