Deviated Septum Surgery

What Is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum refers to the displacement of the nasal septum—the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils—from the midline. When this structure leans to one side, it can cause significant nasal obstruction, breathing difficulties, chronic sinus infections, snoring, and sleep apnea. While mild deviations are common in the general population, more severe cases often require surgical correction.

What Causes Septal Deviation?

There are three primary causes of nasal septum deviation:

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

Patients with a deviated nasal septum may experience:

• One-sided or bilateral nasal obstruction
• Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Postnasal drip and recurrent sinusitis
• Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Headaches or facial pressure
• Reduced sense of smell

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a detailed ENT (ear, nose, and throat) examination. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Anterior Rhinoscopy: Visual inspection using a nasal speculum
• Nasal Endoscopy: Fiber-optic camera to evaluate deeper nasal structures
• CT Scan: To detect coexisting sinus disease or turbinate hypertrophy
• Rhinomanometry (if necessary): To measure airflow resistance in the nasal cavity

Treatment Options for Deviated Septum

For patients with mild symptoms, temporary symptom control may be achieved using:

• Topical nasal decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays

However, surgical correction through septoplasty remains the only permanent solution.

What Is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a functional surgical procedure performed to straighten the deviated septum and improve nasal airflow. The surgery is typically carried out under local or general anesthesia and takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes or reshapes the deviated portions of cartilage and bone to restore the septum to the midline. When needed, internal nasal structures are repositioned and stabilized.

If the patient also has aesthetic concerns, septoplasty may be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty, forming a procedure known as septorhinoplasty.

Postoperative Recovery

After the operation:

• Silicone splints may be placed inside the nose to maintain structure and allow airflow
• Mild bleeding and crusting are expected during the first few days
• Most patients return to work and social activities within a week
• Avoid strenuous exercise or nose trauma for 3–4 weeks

Septoplasty Cost in Turkey

The cost of septoplasty in Turkey can vary based on:

• Severity of deviation
• Surgeon’s experience and credentials
• Whether grafts or splints are needed
• Hospital facilities and location
• Type of anesthesia used

In general, patients should expect an affordable price range in Turkey with high-quality care. However, an in-person examination is necessary to determine the exact cost and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is septoplasty a cosmetic surgery?

No. Septoplasty is a functional procedure aimed at improving breathing. However, if cosmetic changes are desired, it can be combined with rhinoplasty.

Will I have nasal packing after surgery?

Modern septoplasty techniques use silicone splints with airflow channels, which are typically removed within 2–3 days.

Is the surgery painful?

Most patients report mild discomfort, rather than significant pain, after surgery.

Can the deviation come back?

Recurrence is rare but possible—especially due to trauma or abnormal healing.