Septum Repair in Houston, TX

While a deviated septum is often thought to be just a cover for a nose job in Hollywood, it is also a real medical problem. Ideally, the septum (the wall of cartilage separating the nostrils) should run down the center of the nose, but when it angles into one of the cavities, it reduces airflow by narrowing that cavity. Often the inferior turbinate on the opposite side enlarges, which is known as compensatory hypertrophy. Not only is a deviated septum extremely uncomfortable, but it can lead to nasal obstruction. Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum for improved breathing and general nasal function. Some people are born with septum problems, but many times the septum needs to be fixed after an accident or injury that has caused a deviated septum. At Alford Facial Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eugene "Gene" Alford is skilled in functional nasal surgery like septoplasty to repair a deviated septum and improve breathing.

A septum repair surgery (septoplasty) performed by Dr. Alford can offer amazing benefits to improve overall quality of life, including:

• Opening the airways to improve breathing
• Reducing snoring and sleep apnea
• Decreasing frequency of sinus infections
• Enhancing physical and athletic performance
• Improving sleep
• Can be done with rhinoplasty

Anyone who has a deviated septum that is interfering with normal breathing is a great candidate for a septum repair surgery performed by Dr. Alford. A deviated septum can cause sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnea alongside a reduced ability to engage in physical activities, infections, and congestion. The youngest candidates should be at least 16-years-old for girls and 17 – 18-years-old for boys. During your consultation, Dr. Alford will examine you, review your medical history, and listen to your concerns to ensure that septoplasty is right for you.

During a septoplasty, double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Gene" will both remove and realign a portion of the bone and/or cartilage in the nasal cavity. With the patient under general anesthesia, and working through the nostrils, Dr. Gene will make an incision in the lining of the septum in order to reach the targeted area. After the septum is straightened, it may then be stabilized temporarily with small plastic tubes, splints, or stitches inside the nose. The entire procedure takes about 1 – 2 hours, not including recovery time.

Septum surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will be released to a responsible adult who will take you home for your recovery once you have been approved by Dr. Gene to leave. You should schedule a follow-up appointment 1 week after your surgery at Dr. Gene’s office so he can assess your condition and results. Most patients need about 1 – 2 weeks for recovery after septoplasty before resuming normal activities.

Like other nose surgeries, the results of a septoplasty will have lasting results, unless your nose is altered by an injury after your nasal surgery. You will begin to notice better airflow and a decrease in your symptoms once Dr. Gene removes the nasal splints or packing. Septum surgery may also alter the cosmetic appearance of the nose.

A septoplasty is usually performed to correct the medical problems and symptoms caused by a severely deviated septum, so the cost is generally covered by medical insurance. The office staff of Alford Facial Plastic Surgery will work with your insurance company to get your maximum benefits and determine an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.

• Blocked nasal passage
• Chronic congestion
• Chronic dry nose
• Injury or accident to nose
• Nasal discharge
• Post-nasal drip
• Septal abnormality
• Severely deviated septum
• Sleep apnea
• Snoring
• Trouble breathing

While most people have some degree of septum deviation, septoplasty is best for patients who are experiencing medical problems (like trouble breathing or sleep apnea) to correct a severely deviated septum. Usually, patients with a deviated septum will have tried nonsurgical treatments, like medications of nasal sprays, with unsuccessful or incomplete results.

The incisions made for septum surgery are made inside the nose, so they will not be visible during your recovery or after your healing is complete. It is important to keep the stitches clean and properly treated during recovery to ensure smooth, flat scars that do not obstruct the nasal passage. Dr. Gene will go over scar care management and recovery tips before and after your surgery.

Septum surgery may be combined with another nose surgery, such as sinus surgery, rhinoplasty, or revision rhinoplasty. Septoplasty may also be combined with an elective cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or eyelid lift to save money on certain fees and combine recovery times.

Septum repair surgery offers a solution to correct chronic nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, or difficulty breathing through your nose by restoring proper nasal function and improving overall quality of life. Don't let nasal obstruction hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards better breathing and schedule a consultation with our team at Alford Facial Plastic Surgery to discuss your options for septum repair. You deserve to breathe freely and comfortably every day.