When Does a Deviated Septum Require Surgery?

We do much more than just smell with our nose; we need it to breathe, filter the air we breathe, and keep it moist as it travels through our respiratory system. Our nasal cavity makes these functions possible, and the septum separates it into twin halves with a combination of bone and cartilage that people see as the long part of the nose with the nostrils on either side.

Normal breathing relies on this basic structure, but millions of people have a deviated septum, a condition that results in an imbalance in that part of the nose. Often, a minor deviation with little impact on breathing or appearance, this condition can become severe enough to necessitate treatment, including surgery. 

If you need treatment for your deviated septum, including surgery, Drs. Wade Han, Elvira Livigni De Armas, and the experienced medical team at Florida Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Center in Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida, can help.

Knowing if you have a deviated septum

As many as 80% of the population have some form of nasal septum deviation, and since many are minor cases and have no symptoms, they go unnoticed. To determine if you have one, take a picture of the underside of your nose or tilt your head back while looking in the mirror. Uneven or differently sized nostrils are a sign of a deviated septum, and you can also test yourself by holding one of your nostrils closed with your finger and testing if you have breathing problems in one or both of your nostrils.

Complications of having one

This nasal condition is often congenital (something you were born with) or due to injury, a common issue in contact sports, accidents, or fights. Deviations also obstruct one or both nostrils in more severe cases, which leads to complications like nosebleeds, facial pain, nasal pressure, dry mouth, chronic sinus problems, difficulty sleeping on one side, and loud breathing while trying to rest.

Reason for surgical treatment

The procedure for surgically fixing a deviated septum (called a septoplasty) works to manage cosmetic and medical concerns. Both issues can be present if the nose appears visibly crooked or has uneven nostrils, as breathing can be compromised if the nose is bent enough. Mild septum deviation frequently leads to a cosmetic septoplasty. Breathing problems often determine whether or not you need a septoplasty, but it can also treat noncancerous nasal polyps, repeated nosebleeds, or chronic sinus infections.

Whether your deviated septum is a minor annoyance or a significant breathing hazard, we can help you manage the complications and determine whether you need surgery. Make an appointment with Drs. Han, Livigni De Armas, and the Florida Ear, Nose, Throat, & Plastic Surgery Center team today to find out what you need for your nose and how we can help.