Septoplasty is surgery to straighten the nasal septum, the partition of cartilage and bone between the nostrils. A deviated septum can obstruct airflow and cause breathing difficulties. The procedure reshapes or repositions the septum to improve nasal function and may also improve appearance if the deviation is visible from outside.

Candidates typically have a deviated septum that affects breathing or appearance, and have given the structural issue time to stabilize (usually after growth plates close in late teens or early adulthood). A qualified surgeon will assess whether your deviation is significant enough to warrant surgery and whether other factors such as nasal allergies or sleep apnea should be addressed first.

Septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to access the septum, then carefully removes, reposition, or reshape the cartilage and bone blocking the airway. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the deviation.

Most people return home the same day. Expect nasal congestion, discomfort, and some bleeding for the first one to two weeks. Splints or packing may be placed inside the nose initially. Full healing and stabilization of results can take several weeks to a few months, during which strenuous activity and contact sports should be avoided.

Breathing improvement is often noticeable within a few weeks as swelling decreases, though full results develop over several months. Septoplasty is permanent, though the nose can be affected by future trauma or aging. Some people choose to combine septoplasty with rhinoplasty for aesthetic refinement.