The septal cartilage, or septum, separates the nostrils and creates the openings to the two nasal passages. Injury, disease and other trauma to the septum can result in the wall being diverted and pushed to one side, a condition called a deviated septum. When the septum is not centrally located, it can cause both aesthetic and functional nose issues. At Dallas Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Irving, TX, we offer deviated septum surgery to restore open nasal passages and improved function.

Causes and Symptoms of Deviated Septum

There are many factors that can contribute to a deviated septum. Some individuals may be born with uneven nasal passages, but the majority of deviated septum patients obtained this condition. When the septal cartilage is damaged, it can collapse or move, creating blockages in nasal passages and changing the nose appearance. Some of the possible causes include previous rhinoplasty surgery, trauma to the nose, nasal drug use, degenerative disease and other health conditions. Symptoms include:

• Nose bleeds
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Snoring
• Chronic sinus infections
• Headache or facial pain

Some severe deviated septum patients have a visible difference in their nose appearance. The nostrils may be uneven, or the nose may appear crooked.

Septoplasty for Deviated Septum Repair

There are many people with a deviated septum that do not have symptoms and may not need treatment. However, if a damaged septum is causing pain, breathing issues or sinus problems, repair can alleviate these symptoms. Deviated septum surgery or septoplasty focuses on repairing the damaged cartilage and restoring open and even nasal passages. Some of the cartilage may need to be removed and repositioned to create the desired function.

Septoplasty only focuses on repairing a deviated septum. However, rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time to reshape the nose. Many patients who have cosmetic concerns about their nose opt to combine nose reshaping with their deviated septum surgery to obtain better aesthetics and function for their nose.

If you have symptoms of a deviated septum and want to explore surgery options, contact us at Dallas Facial Plastic Surgery Center at our Irving, TX, location to schedule your appointment. We can schedule a consultation with Dr. Stefan Shuaib to discuss septoplasty or rhinoplasty.