Breathing clearly through the nose plays an important role in sleep quality, daily comfort, and overall health. When the nasal septum—the structure that separates the nostrils into two nasal passages—is misaligned, it can restrict airflow and contribute to chronic symptoms.
Septoplasty is a nasal surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated septum and restore proper nasal function. Cleveland plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Totonchi offers septoplasty for patients with breathing difficulties due to septal deviation, providing personalized care tailored to nasal anatomy and symptom severity.
What Is the Nasal Septum?
The nasal septum is the internal wall that divides the nose into left and right nasal passages. It is made of cartilage at the front and thin bone at the back. Ideally, the septum sits near the center of the nose, allowing air to pass freely through both sides. In many individuals, however, the septum is deviated—meaning it is crooked or displaced to one side.
A deviated septum may be present from birth or develop due to injury or trauma. In mild cases, it may cause few or no symptoms. In more pronounced cases, it can interfere with airflow, contributing to breathing difficulties and other complications.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum can affect patients in different ways depending on the degree of misalignment. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Chronic nasal congestion that does not respond to medication
- Frequent nosebleeds due to dryness in the nasal passages
- Facial pressure or nasal discomfort
- Snoring or disrupted sleep
- Worsening symptoms during colds or sinus infections
In some cases, a deviated septum may contribute to sleep-related issues, such as snoring or sleep apnea, by restricting airflow.
How Is a Deviated Septum Treated?
When symptoms are mild, non-surgical treatments such as nasal sprays or medications may help manage congestion. However, these options do not correct the underlying structural problem. Septoplasty is the only procedure that permanently straightens the nasal septum.
Septoplasty repositions the septum toward the center of the nose, improving airflow through both nasal passages. During surgery, portions of cartilage or bone may be removed, reshaped, or repositioned to create a straighter septum while maintaining nasal support.
When planning septoplasty, Dr. Totonchi carefully considers each patient’s symptoms, breathing concerns, and nasal structure to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
Why Is Septoplasty Performed?
Septoplasty is typically recommended when a deviated septum causes ongoing symptoms that interfere with daily life. In more severe cases, septal deviation may block one side of the nose entirely, leading to persistent breathing difficulty. Over time, restricted airflow can cause drying of the nasal lining, resulting in bleeding, crusting, and irritation.
If you experience frequent congestion, chronic nasal obstruction, or sleep disruption due to septal deviation, you may benefit significantly from septoplasty. In some cases, the procedure is also performed in conjunction with other nasal surgeries to improve both function and structure.
Preparing for Septoplasty
The first step toward septoplasty is a consultation with Dr. Totonchi. During this visit, your medical history will be reviewed, and a physical examination of the nose will be performed. Dr. Totonchi will discuss your symptoms in detail, including breathing difficulties and any history of nasal trauma or headaches.
Certain medications may need to be adjusted before surgery, and patients will receive individualized preoperative instructions. It is important to mention any history of headaches, as some headaches related to nasal obstruction may improve after septoplasty. Septoplasty may also be performed concurrently with rhinoplasty when both functional and aesthetic concerns are present.
What Happens During Septoplasty Surgery?
Septoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is done entirely through incisions inside the nose, meaning there are no visible external scars. Through these internal incisions, Dr. Totonchi reshapes and repositions the septum to improve airflow while preserving nasal support.
Once the septum has been corrected, the incisions are closed using absorbable sutures. Soft silicone splints are commonly placed inside the nose to support healing and stabilize the septum. These splints are usually removed one to two weeks after surgery during a follow-up visit.
Recovery After Septoplasty
After septoplasty, you can expect temporary swelling, congestion, and mild discomfort. Dr. Totonchi provides detailed postoperative instructions to support proper healing. You are advised to:
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Refrain from strenuous activities such as jogging, aerobics, or heavy lifting
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling and bleeding
- Avoid situations where your nose could be bumped or injured
Most patients can return to normal daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Breathing improvement becomes more noticeable as swelling subsides and internal healing progresses.
Septoplasty Results
Septoplasty is designed to improve nasal airflow and reduce symptoms associated with septal deviation. You should notice easier breathing, reduced congestion, and improved sleep once healing is complete. While your nose will continue to heal internally for several months, long-term results are typically stable and lasting.
Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty
In some cases, septoplasty is performed at the same time as rhinoplasty. This combined approach allows Dr. Totonchi to address functional breathing concerns while, if desired, reshaping the external appearance of the nose. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and streamline treatment when you have both structural and cosmetic goals.
Why Choose Dr. Totonchi for Septoplasty?
Septoplasty requires a thorough understanding of nasal anatomy and airflow dynamics. Dr. Ali Totonchi has extensive experience performing nasal surgery and treating functional nasal conditions. His approach emphasizes careful evaluation, precise surgical technique, and individualized care. Patients appreciate his clear communication, thoughtful planning, and focus on long-term functional improvement.
Dr. Totonchi treats patients throughout Cleveland, Lyndhurst and Westlake, OH, offering attentive follow-up care and detailed guidance before and after surgery.
Schedule a Septoplasty Consultation
If a deviated septum is affecting your breathing or quality of life, septoplasty may offer lasting relief. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Totonchi in Cleveland, please call (440) 461-7999 or contact our office to learn more about your treatment options and determine whether septoplasty is right for you.
Post-Operative Septoplasty form
