Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct deviations of the nasal septum, the anatomical structure located inside the nose that divides the nasal cavity into two passages.

The septum is composed partly of bone and largely of cartilage. Under normal conditions, it divides the nose into two balanced passages, helping air flow comfortably and evenly through both nostrils.

What Is the Nasal Septum?

The septum is the anatomical structure that separates the right and left nasal airways. It consists of bone and cartilage and plays an important role in maintaining balanced airflow through the nose.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

When the septum shifts away from the midline due to congenital structural characteristics or trauma that occurs over time, the condition is known as a deviated septum or septal deviation.

What Is Septoplasty Surgery?

A deviated septum may narrow the nasal airway and make breathing through the nose more difficult. The surgical procedure performed to correct the deviation and address the functional problems it causes is called septoplasty.

Not every deviated septum requires surgery. When considering septoplasty, the degree of deviation alone is not the only factor. The presence of breathing difficulties and other symptoms that affect the patient's quality of life is particularly important.

Symptoms Associated with a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum may not cause noticeable symptoms in every patient. However, septoplasty may be considered when the deviation is accompanied by complaints such as the following.

Nasal Congestion

Persistent blockage may occur on one or both sides of the nose.

Difficulty Breathing Through the Nose

Restricted airflow through the nasal passages can make nasal breathing more difficult.

Snoring

Narrowing of the nasal airway may contribute to snoring during sleep.

Recurrent Nosebleeds

Irregularities of the septum may be associated with recurrent nosebleeds in some patients.

Recurrent Sinus Infections

Disrupted airflow within the nose may be associated with recurrent sinusitis symptoms in some patients.

Postnasal Drip and Headaches

Persistent postnasal drip or chronic headaches may accompany septal deviation in some patients.

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

01

Congenital Structural Characteristics

Septal deviation may be present from birth in some individuals. Differences in the development of the bone and cartilage structures of the nose may cause the septum to shift away from the midline.

02

Trauma and Nasal Injuries

Previous impacts, accidents or nasal fractures can affect the structure of the septum and may lead to a noticeable deviation over time.

Turbinate Enlargement and Nasal Obstruction

In addition to the septum, the nose contains anatomical structures called turbinates, which play an important role in regulating and humidifying the air we breathe.

The turbinates may become enlarged or swollen due to structural characteristics or allergic conditions. This can further narrow the nasal airway and increase difficulty breathing through the nose.

Improved Nasal Airflow

Turbinate Treatment During Septoplasty

In patients where turbinate enlargement accompanies septal deviation, correcting the deviated septum alone may not always be sufficient.

Therefore, when necessary, additional procedures to reduce the volume of enlarged turbinates may be performed during septoplasty. The aim is to create a more comfortable and balanced airflow through the nasal passages.

Correction of the Septum

Deviated bone and cartilage structures that restrict the nasal airway are corrected as required.

Improvement of the Airway

The procedure aims to provide more comfortable and balanced airflow through the nasal passages.

Turbinate Evaluation

When necessary, enlarged turbinates can also be evaluated and treated during the same surgical procedure.

The Main Goal of Septoplasty

The primary goal of septoplasty is to correct the septal deviation that restricts the nasal airway and help the patient breathe more comfortably through the nose.

The patient's symptoms, septal anatomy and the presence of turbinate enlargement are evaluated together to create an individualized surgical plan.