How Rhinoplasty Can Help a Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is one of the most common findings in patients who come for rhinoplasty. Many do not know they have it; they simply breathe worse on one side, snore or get frequent sinus infections. Because the septum is the central support of the nose, correcting it is also the key to a straight, stable and natural-looking result. This article explains what a deviated septum is, why it happens and how septorhinoplasty treats function and appearance together.

Key takeaways

• The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two passages.

• Deviation is usually genetic or caused by an injury, often in childhood.

• Symptoms include blocked breathing, snoring, mouth breathing, headaches and recurrent sinusitis.

• Septorhinoplasty straightens the septum and reshapes the nose in a single operation, usually with no external scar.

What is a deviated septum?

The nasal septum separates the left and right nasal passages. Ideally it sits in the midline; when it is bent, twisted or off-centre, one or both airways narrow. Mild deviations are extremely common and cause no problems. Significant deviations reduce airflow and often show on the outside as a crooked or asymmetric nose.

What causes it?

There are two main causes. The first is genetic: the septum grows unevenly during adolescence. The second is trauma, including falls, sports injuries and accidents. Childhood injuries are particularly important, because the nose continues to grow around the damage and the deformity becomes established by adulthood.

Symptoms and consequences

• Difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose

• Snoring, mouth breathing and poor sleep quality

• Dry mouth, frequent throat infections and sinusitis

• Headaches and facial pressure

• Reduced exercise tolerance

A visible bend in the nose is common. Long-term mouth breathing can also affect sleep, energy and, in some patients, contribute to sleep-related breathing disorders.

How rhinoplasty helps: septorhinoplasty

Septoplasty straightens the septum from the inside. When it is combined with rhinoplasty, the operation is called septorhinoplasty: the surgeon corrects the deviated septum, repositions the nasal bones, treats enlarged turbinates or collapsed valves if present, and reshapes the bridge and tip at the same time. Correcting the septum also stabilises the nose, which is why functional and aesthetic goals are best achieved together.

The closed atraumatic approach

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas performs septorhinoplasty predominantly through the closed atraumatic technique. All incisions are inside the nose, the soft tissue and blood supply are preserved, bruising is reduced and there is no external scar. Silicone internal splints support the straightened septum for about a week and allow breathing during recovery.

Recovery and results

Breathing often feels open within days, although swelling can make the first week feel congested. Splints come out at around one week. Most patients notice a clear improvement in airflow within a month, and the nose reaches its final shape over 6 to 12 months. The straightened septum also gives the aesthetic result long-term stability.

Frequently asked questions

Can a deviated septum be fixed without changing the shape of my nose?

Yes. Septoplasty alone corrects the internal deviation. If the outside of the nose is also crooked, septorhinoplasty is needed to straighten it.

Is septorhinoplasty covered by health insurance?

The functional (breathing) part may be covered in some countries and policies; the aesthetic part is usually not. Check with your insurer.

Will my breathing be perfect after surgery?

Most patients experience a major improvement. Allergies and other conditions can still affect breathing and should be managed separately.

Does the septum bend again after surgery?

When the septum is properly repositioned and supported, recurrence is uncommon. New trauma can, of course, cause a new deviation.

How do I know if I have a deviated septum?

An examination with a rhinoplasty surgeon, sometimes with nasal endoscopy, confirms the diagnosis. Book a consultation or read more on the rhinoplasty page.

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About the author

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas is a European Board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience, author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press) and founder of the Closed Atraumatic Rhinoplasty Course. Read verified patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is for general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.