Septoplasty in Seattle, Washington
The nasal septum—the structure dividing the left and right airways of the nose—is made up of both bone and cartilage. The front part consists of cartilage, while the back is composed of bone. When the septum becomes crooked or off-center, typically due to trauma or developmental factors, it’s known as a deviated septum. Although most people have a slight deviation, more severe cases can significantly block airflow, leading to symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal congestion, chronic dry mouth, poor sleep, and inadequate sinus drainage.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum is often caused by a previous nasal fracture or injury. If nasal obstruction is suspected, patients are generally advised to begin with non-surgical treatments, such as:
- Cortisone nasal sprays
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Allergy testing and immunotherapy
- Environmental control if allergies are present
When these measures fail to relieve symptoms, septoplasty may be recommended. During your evaluation, your ENT specialist will examine both the front and back of your nose and may order a CT scan of the sinuses to confirm the degree of deviation and assess for other possible causes of nasal obstruction, such as:
- Turbinate hypertrophy
- Nasal valve collapse
- Vestibular stenosis
- Chronic sinus infections
Each of these conditions may require different treatment approaches, either medical or surgical.
About Septoplasty Surgery
Once it’s determined that surgery is medically necessary, septoplasty is performed to straighten the septum and restore proper airflow. At The Seattle Facial Plastic Surgery Center, the procedure is done under general anesthesia by a certified registered nurse anesthetist in our Medicare-certified outpatient surgery center.
Here’s what the procedure involves:
- A small internal incision (about ½ inch) is made inside the nostril.
- The lining of the septum is gently lifted to access the underlying bone and cartilage.
- eviated portions of bone and cartilage are carefully removed or reshaped.
- The incision is closed with 2–3 dissolvable sutures.
We do not use nasal packing or internal splints, which significantly reduces postoperative discomfort. Most patients report minimal pain, though some congestion is expected, and breathing through the nose may be difficult for the first week. Importantly, there is no visible bruising, since the surgery is entirely internal.
Recovery and Results
- No exercise or blood thinners for two weeks post-surgery
- Full healing typically takes about one month
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Patients often report:
- Better airflow and breathing
- Reduced snoring
- Improved sleep
- Elimination of dry mouth in the morning
- Enhanced sense of smell
- Increased energy levels
For more information or to schedule a consultation for septoplasty in Seattle, contact us at 206-624-6200.