Septoplasty
Also known as deviated septum repair
A functional breathing operation rather than a cosmetic one — though it is frequently combined with rhinoplasty.
US $3,000–8,000, frequently insurance-covered when medically indicated.
How it works
The surgeon straightens or removes the deviated portion of the nasal septum, the cartilage and bone wall dividing the nasal passages, restoring symmetrical airflow. Turbinate reduction is often performed alongside it.
How it's used
Assessed by an ENT surgeon. If you also want cosmetic change, have a septorhinoplasty done in one operation by a surgeon competent in both — separating them wastes a recovery and risks compromising the cosmetic result.
Trade-offs
In favour
- Genuinely improves nasal breathing and sleep quality
- Often covered by insurance when medically indicated
- Can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty in one recovery
- Harvested septal cartilage is the preferred graft material for rhinoplasty
Against
- Purely functional — will not change external appearance on its own
- Does not resolve breathing problems caused by allergy or valve collapse
- Some deviation can recur
Risks and side effects
- Bleeding
- Septal perforation
- Persistent obstruction if the valve rather than the septum was the problem
- Rare loss of smell
Recovery
Week 1: congestion, splints possibly in place, mouth breathing. Week 2: splints removed, breathing begins to clear. Weeks 3–6: avoid heavy lifting and nose blowing. Full internal healing by 3 months.
How good is the evidence?
Standard, well-evidenced functional procedure with good outcomes for genuine septal deviation.
Sources
Sources point to guideline bodies and literature searches rather than single papers, so they stay accurate as the evidence moves.