The surgery that is used to correct the deviated nasal septum is called septoplasty. In the first visit for corrective treatment of the nasal septum, the surgeon examines the septum by looking inside the nostrils.
Based on the severity of the condition, treatment options will be discussed. In some cases, inferior turbinate reduction and spreader graft placement is needed to improve the airway. In these cases, septoplasty alone may not be sufficient.
The surgery can last up to 1 ½ hour and can be done either on local or general anesthesia. It is a simple surgery and can be done at the outpatient surgery center.
In the case of septoplasty, there is no bruising of the external tissues, as the physician works through the nasal mucosa and trims of the deviated cartilage and bone to make it straight. Nasal packing is not typically used. The recovery is typically 1 week and discomfort is minimal.