Nasal septum is a narrow thin wall of tissue that equally divides the nasal cavities or the nostrils, the right nostril and the left nostril.  Ideally, the nasal septum separates from the center line, making the nostrils equal in sizes.  What has happened in a deviated septum is that, the nasal septum is off centered.  Hence, one nasal cavity is larger than the other.  When the deviation is only substantial, nothing is usually done to fix it.  The person is not even aware of it.  However, in some cases, the deviation is severe causing breathing problems. Often a surgery for deviated septum is recommended by the doctor to align the nasal cavities.

The surgery for a deviated septum is commonly known as Septoplasty.  Unlike its counterpart, Rhinoplasty, a Septolasty is performed not for cosmetic purposes, but rather for corrective reasons.  The surgery is done to provide relief from airflow obstruction.  In addition, a misaligned septum can cause other health issues such as headaches, nasal congestion, frequent sinus infection, episodes of nosebleed, and snoring.  Decongestants and other medications may be prescribed by doctors to relieve the symptoms, but it does not resolve the underlying cause.  That is why; your doctor will opt for a surgery to permanently fix the problem.

Before the surgery starts, the doctor will examine the nasal area using an endoscope for a detailed assessment.  You will then be administered a local or general anesthesia, then the surgery for deviated septum begins.

Depending on how deviated the septum is, the operation may involve cutting or removal of obstructing nasal parts, before putting it back on its appropriate position.  Sometimes, the septum may just need to re-angle correctly.

Typically, the operation will last for no ore than an hour, and is performed in an outpatient facility.  The patient may even be discharge on the same day post surgery.  It takes 2-3 weeks for complete recovery from the surgery for deviated septum.

During the recovery phase of the surgery, there are some precautions that need to be adhered with.  For instance, when you are resting or sleeping, you have to elevate your head.  Moreover, avoid nose blowing for a few days.  As much as possible, be extra careful not to catch cold after septoplasty.  In case of severe pain, prescribed narcotics and ice packs will help alleviate the pain.

Though complications related to septoplasty are extremely rare, just like any surgeries, there are risks involve.  Some of them are nasal perforation, infection, excessive nose bleeding, and numbness on the upper front teeth or at the tip of the nose, reduces sense of smell and allergic reaction to anesthesia.