Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve breathing by correcting the alignment of the nasal septum (the wall that separates the sides of the nose). Misalignment of the nasal septum can block the passage of air on one or both sides of the nose.  Misalignment of the septum is frequently caused by injury, but may be present at birth.  After septoplasty, internal and external splints will be in place to help stabilize the nose and to ensure good results.  It should be noted that any nasal surgery can affect both the function and the appearance of the nose. 

Other factors not necessarily related to the structure of the nose can affect breathing.  Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), for example, can lead to substantial swelling inside the nose (intra-nasal edema) – especially to the turbinates (the air filters on the outside walls of the inner nose).  Turbinectomy, to reduce the prominence of the turbinates, can be performed along with septoplasty to improve air passage through the nose.

Septoplasty can be performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty.  For more information about rhinoplasty, please click here.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss septoplasty with Dr. Stieg, please call our office at 407-647-4601.