Septal deviation refers to a curvature of the cartilage and bony wall that divides the inside of the nose into two passages. When the septum bends to the right or left, it can narrow the nasal airway and make breathing through the nose more difficult.

The degree of deviation and the symptoms it causes may vary from person to person. The main goal of surgery is to correct the deviated cartilage and bone while preserving the structural support of the nose and improving airflow through the nasal passages.

What Is Septal Deviation?

The nasal septum is the central partition made of cartilage and bone that separates the right and left nasal airways. A curvature of this structure to one side is known as a deviated nasal septum.

The Main Complaint: Nasal Obstruction

The most common complaint associated with septal deviation is nasal obstruction. Especially during physical activity, patients may feel that they cannot breathe adequately through the nose and may need to breathe through the mouth.

What Symptoms Can Septal Deviation Cause?

Nasal Obstruction

One-sided or bilateral nasal blockage and difficulty getting enough air through the nose, especially during physical exertion.

Mouth Breathing

When nasal breathing is inadequate, patients may develop a persistent need to breathe through the mouth.

Dry Mouth and Throat Discomfort

Breathing through the mouth during sleep may lead to dry mouth and throat discomfort, particularly in the morning.

Snoring

Narrowing of the nasal airway may contribute to snoring in some patients.

Sinus Complaints

Changes in nasal airflow and drainage may contribute to sinus-related problems in some patients.

Nosebleeds

Irregular airflow and dryness of the nasal lining may increase the tendency to develop nosebleeds in some patients.

Combined Surgery in the Same Session

Can Septal Deviation Surgery, Turbinate Reduction and Rhinoplasty Be Performed Together?

In suitable patients, septal deviation surgery, turbinate reduction and aesthetic rhinoplasty can be planned during the same surgical session. The extent of surgery is determined by evaluating both the functional problems inside the nose and the patient's aesthetic needs.

Which Methods Can Be Used for Turbinate Reduction?

Enlargement of the turbinates, commonly referred to as nasal tissues or “nasal conchae,” may increase nasal obstruction when it occurs together with septal deviation. When necessary, different techniques may be used to reduce turbinate volume.

01

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency energy is applied to the internal tissue of the turbinate to create controlled tissue shrinkage. The goal is to reduce turbinate volume while preserving the outer surface as much as possible.

02

Electrocautery

Electrocautery is one of the surgical techniques that can be used to reduce the volume of turbinate tissue by applying controlled electrical energy.

03

Surgical Reduction

In some patients, a portion of the enlarged turbinate may need to be surgically reduced or removed. The appropriate technique is selected according to the structure and size of the turbinate.

How Does Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction Work?

The basic principle of radiofrequency treatment is to reduce turbinate volume by delivering controlled energy into the tissue without completely removing the turbinate. The most appropriate method is selected according to the size and structure of the turbinates and the patient's overall nasal anatomy.

How Is Septal Deviation Surgery Performed?

The basic approach in septal deviation surgery is to correct the deviated cartilage and bone while preserving the supporting structures at the front of the nose and along the nasal bridge as much as possible.

Closed Technique

In many patients, septal deviation surgery can be performed through incisions made entirely inside the nose. This allows access to the deviated areas of the septum without a visible external skin incision.

Open Technique

In selected patients with significant deviation of the nasal bridge or when more extensive correction is required, a small incision may be made under the nasal tip using an approach similar to open rhinoplasty.

Why Is Preserving Nasal Support Important?

The septum does more than separate the nasal airways; it also contributes to the structural support of the nasal tip and bridge. For this reason, septal surgery aims to correct the deviated areas while preserving the cartilage and bone needed to maintain the structural stability of the nose.

How Is Surgical Planning Performed?

Breathing Problems

The severity of nasal obstruction and the extent to which it affects the patient's daily life are evaluated.

Nasal Anatomy

The location of the septal deviation, the size of the turbinates and other anatomical structures inside the nose are assessed together.

Individualized Approach

Whether a closed or open technique is appropriate and whether turbinate treatment is necessary are determined according to the individual needs of the patient.

The Main Goal of Septal Deviation Surgery

The primary goal of septal deviation surgery is to correct the deviated cartilage and bony structures inside the nose, improve airflow and support more comfortable nasal breathing.

The degree of septal deviation, the condition of the turbinates, the structure of the nasal bridge and any accompanying aesthetic or functional concerns are evaluated together to create an individualized surgical plan.