What Is a Septoplasty? (And Will It Change My Nose?)

Septoplasty is surgery to straighten a deviated septum and restore clear breathing. On its own it works inside the nose and does not change your appearance — though it can be combined with rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty) if you also want to change how your nose looks. Watch Dr. Hootan Zandifar explain.

What Is a Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is the surgical procedure to straighten a deviated septum — the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into a right and left side. When that wall is crooked, it narrows the airway and obstructs breathing. During septoplasty, Dr. Zandifar reshapes or removes the deviated portions of cartilage and bone to open the airway and restore comfortable breathing.

Why Septoplasty Is Done

It treats the breathing problems caused by a deviated septum: persistent nasal blockage (often worse on one side), mouth breathing, snoring, recurring sinus pressure, and congestion that doesn’t respond to medication. It is a functional procedure — performed to improve breathing, not appearance.

Does Septoplasty Change the Shape of Your Nose?

On its own, septoplasty works inside the nose and does not change your external appearance. If you also want to change the look of your nose, septoplasty can be combined with a rhinoplasty in a single procedure called septorhinoplasty — improving both breathing and appearance at once. Because Dr. Zandifar is double board-certified in ENT and facial plastic surgery, he can do either, tailored to your goals.

Often Combined With Turbinate Reduction

A deviated septum frequently causes the turbinate on the more open side to enlarge over time. For lasting relief, septoplasty is often paired with turbinate reduction so both causes of obstruction are addressed together.

What to Expect

Septoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure. Mild congestion and crusting during the first one to two weeks are normal as the nose heals, with breathing steadily improving as swelling settles. Specific recovery details are reviewed at your consultation. As a functional procedure, septoplasty may be covered by insurance when medically necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a septoplasty change the shape of my nose?

On its own, no — septoplasty works inside the nose and doesn’t alter your external appearance. If you also want to change the look, it can be combined with rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty).

Is septoplasty covered by insurance?

Because it treats a functional breathing problem, septoplasty may be covered when medically necessary. Our team can help verify your benefits.

What is recovery from septoplasty like?

Typically outpatient, with mild congestion and crusting for one to two weeks as the nose heals and breathing improves. Your exact recovery is reviewed at consultation.

Septoplasty vs. rhinoplasty — what’s the difference?

Septoplasty straightens the internal septum to improve breathing; rhinoplasty changes the external appearance. They can be combined as septorhinoplasty.

Talk to Dr. Zandifar

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon & ENT — Beverly Hills & Santa Monica.

📞 Call 424-349-6008 Request a Consultation

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