Septoplasty: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Septoplasty?
An ENT specialist, also called an otolaryngologist (a doctor for ear, nose, and throat problems), looks at a crooked nasal septum and may suggest septoplasty. Your primary care provider can also examine your nose first. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is surgery to fix problems in the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of bone and cartilage inside the nose that divides it into two sides. Another name for septoplasty is nasal septum repair.
A septum that is crooked is called a deviated septum. It can partly block the passage through the nose. It is estimated that as many as 80 percent of people have a septum that is off-center, and it may or may not cause symptoms.
Symptoms
A badly crooked septum most often causes trouble breathing through the nose, usually worse on one side. You may notice one or more of these signs:
- Trouble breathing through one or both nostrils (the nose openings).
- Nosebleeds.
- Sinus infections, which are infections of the air spaces around the nose.
- Noisy breathing during sleep in babies and young children.
- Mouth-breathing during sleep in adults.
A crooked septum can block sinus drainage and lead to repeated sinus infections. If the blockage is severe, it may force mouth-breathing at night, which can worsen sleep disorders.
Causes and who gets it
An injury to the nose can make the septum crooked. But people with normal growth and no history of injury can have a deviated septum too.
Septoplasty is not usually done on young children unless the problem is severe, because the face is still growing.
How doctors diagnose it
You can talk about your symptoms and any past nose injuries or surgeries with your primary care provider or an ENT specialist. They will examine your nose inside and out. They might also recommend more tests based on your needs.
Treatment
Surgery may be suggested when the septum is clearly crooked, the symptoms are bad enough, and medical treatment has not worked. Septoplasty is the preferred surgical treatment for a deviated septum. It is done for these main reasons:
- To repair a crooked, bent, or deformed septum that blocks the airway in the nose.
- To treat nosebleeds that cannot be controlled.
- To help ease snoring caused by a nasal blockage.
Most people have general anesthesia. This means they are asleep and feel no pain. Some have local anesthesia. This numbs the area while they stay awake. Surgery takes about one to one-and-a-half hours. Most people go home the same day.
The surgeon makes a cut inside the nose. Cartilage or bone that is causing the blockage is moved, repositioned, or taken out. It can be combined with rhinoplasty, which changes the outside shape of the nose.
Before surgery, you may be asked to stop blood thinners for a time. Follow your surgeon's instructions about eating, drinking, and medicines.
After surgery, soft splints or packing may be placed in the nose to support the septum. Packing is usually removed 24 to 36 hours after surgery. Your nose may drain and bleed a little for 2 to 5 days. Do not touch or rub your nose, and avoid blowing it. Avoid heavy lifting and hard activity for 1 to 2 weeks.
Most septoplasty procedures are able to straighten the septum, and breathing usually improves. Like any surgery, septoplasty has risks, such as bleeding and infection. Risks of this surgery include a return of the blockage, scarring, a hole in the septum, and loss of smell or taste.
When to see a doctor
See your primary care provider or an ENT specialist if you have trouble breathing through the nose, nosebleeds, or repeated sinus infections.
After septoplasty, call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or a heavy nosebleed that you cannot stop. Contact your health care provider for pain that gets worse or that pain medicine does not help. Other signs are a high fever with chills, headaches, disorientation (feeling confused), or neck stiffness.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can talk through your symptoms and examine your nose. They can also refer you to an ENT specialist.
Common questions
How long does septoplasty take?
Septoplasty takes about one to one-and-a-half hours. Most people go home the same day.
Does septoplasty make breathing better?
Usually, yes. Most septoplasty procedures are able to straighten the septum, and breathing usually improves.
When can I go back to work or school after septoplasty?
Most people can go back to work or school about 1 week after surgery. Avoid heavy lifting and hard physical activity for 1 to 2 weeks.
What are the risks of septoplasty?
Septoplasty has risks, like any surgery. They include bleeding, infection, a return of the nasal blockage, and a hole in the septum.
Does every crooked septum need septoplasty?
No. As many as 80 percent of people have an off-center septum, and it may not cause symptoms. Surgery is suggested only when symptoms are bad enough and medical treatment has not worked.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
