What is Nasal Septum Deviation?

Nasal septum deviation refers to curvatures occurring in the midline of the nose. This partition, which is normally straight and divides the nasal cavity into right and left regions, can be curved at the time of birth or as a result of subsequent traumas. Genetic factors or congenital causes may also contribute to these curvatures. In the society, this condition is also known as "flesh in the nose" or "nasal bone and cartilage curvature".

How Does Septum Deviation Occur?

It is thought that deviated septum usually develops as a result of the mother passing through the birth canal during birth or as a result of blows received in later life.

Who may be suspected of having a deviated septum?

People with complaints such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, mouth breathing, frequent sinusitis attacks, headaches, olfactory problems, and sleep disorders should consider the possibility of septum deviation. Therefore, a detailed Ear Nose Throat (ENT) examination may be required.

Does Nose Structure Change Again After Septoplasty?

When septoplasty surgery is performed properly, the corrected nasal bones and cartilages will not curve again. The success rate of septoplasty surgery is usually around 85%.

What are the Postoperative Expectations?

After septoplasty surgery, patients will not have to deal with tampons because such tampons are not used. Since self-absorbing sutures are used in the surgery, no stitches need to be removed, which facilitates the postoperative care of the patients. Mild nosebleeds for the first few days and nasal congestion for a week are normal. After this surgery, which does not require hospitalisation, patients can usually return to their normal activities within a few days.

What Happens If Septum Deviation Is Not Treated?

Deviated septum can cause problems such as nasal congestion, snoring, mouth breathing, frequent sinusitis attacks. Therefore, septoplasty surgery is recommended for patients with such problems. If left untreated, problems such as lack of quality sleep, low oxygen levels, snoring, breathlessness during sleep, sleep disorders, dry throat, chronic sinusitis attacks and frequent nosebleeds may occur.

Unfortunately, this condition is not sufficiently understood in our society and is often confused with only aesthetic surgeries. In addition, even some people who do not require rhinoplasty may have septum curvature. As a result, both functional and aesthetic problems can be solved with a single surgery that both corrects septum curvature and improves the shape of the nose.