Restore comfortable nasal breathing with septoplasty, a procedure that straightens a deviated septum to open blocked airflow. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our experienced ENTs help relieve chronic congestion, mouth breathing, and sinus pressure so you can breathe easier, sleep better, and rely less on sprays.
Breathe Easier Through a Straighter Nasal Passage
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated septum, the wall of bone and cartilage that separates the left and right sides of your nose. When this structure is crooked or off-center, it can block airflow and make nasal breathing difficult. During septoplasty, your ENT carefully straightens the septum from inside the nose, improving airflow without changing the outer appearance of your nose and helping you breathe more comfortably every day.
What Does Septoplasty Treat?
A deviated septum occurs when the wall of cartilage and bone inside your nose is shifted to one side, narrowing one or both nasal passages. This can restrict your airflow, disrupt normal sinus drainage, and make it harder to breathe through your nose. Over time, this structural issue can contribute to ongoing nasal and sinus problems.
You may be a good candidate for a septoplasty if you experience these symptoms:
- Chronic nasal congestion or blockage
- Difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose
- Frequent or recurrent sinus infections
- Facial pressure or sinus headaches
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Snoring related to nasal obstruction
Benefits of Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Surgery)
By correcting the underlying structural blockage inside your nose, septoplasty can improve how your nasal passages function and how you feel day to day.
When airflow is restored and drainage improves, many patients notice meaningful changes such as:
- Easier breathing through the nose
- Reduced chronic nasal congestion
- Fewer sinus infections related to poor drainage
- Improved sleep quality and less mouth breathing
- Decreased facial pressure or sinus discomfort
- Better tolerance of nasal sprays or CPAP therapy
Your Deviated Septum Surgery Experience
Your deviated septum surgery experience begins with a thorough consultation. Your ENT carefully listens to your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and examines the inside of your nose, often using a nasal endoscope to provide a clear view of the septum. Together, you and your provider will discuss whether septoplasty is the right option, what results to expect, and how the procedure can improve your breathing and sinus function.
On the day of surgery, septoplasty is performed through small incisions inside the nose, leaving no visible scars. While you’re under anesthesia, your surgeon lifts the nasal lining, reshapes or repositions the crooked cartilage and bone, and restores airflow. The lining is then placed back into position to support healing, and you return home the same day to begin recovery.
Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Surgery) FAQs
How Do You Know if You Need Septoplasty?
You may be a candidate if you have ongoing nasal blockage, trouble breathing through your nose, frequent sinus infections, or symptoms that do not improve with medications. An in-office exam allows your ENT to determine if a deviated septum is causing your symptoms.
Does Septoplasty Change the Appearance of Your Nose?
Septoplasty is performed entirely inside the nose and focuses on improving function, not appearance. In most cases, the outer shape of your nose remains unchanged.
What Is Recovery Like After Septoplasty?
You can expect mild swelling, congestion, and mild drainage during the first week. Most patients return to light activities within a few days, but strenuous workouts should be avoided for a few weeks. Your ENT will guide you based on your healing progress.
Will You Need Nasal Packing or Splints?
Some patients require temporary internal splints to support healing. If used, they are usually removed during a follow-up visit.
How Soon Will Breathing Improve After Surgery?
While congestion is common early on, many people notice gradual improvement within a few weeks. Full benefits are typically felt after a few weeks once swelling has completely resolved.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has been caring for patients across the South Sound for 40+ years. Our doctors take time to truly listen, explain your options clearly, and tailor treatment to your needs rather than rushing decisions. You’ll feel supported from your first visit through recovery, with a team that treats you like family. If nasal breathing issues are affecting your life, schedule a consultation for septoplasty in Auburn or Federal Way, WA.
