Septoplasty (deviated nasal septum) | Prices in Turkey

Deviated Nasal Septum: Causes and Symptoms

A deviated nasal septum can cause functional problems and sometimes cosmetic concerns.

The main causes are:

• Congenital: the deformity is present from birth.
• Traumatic: following an accident, a fall, or a facial impact.

Warning signs include:

• Difficulty breathing: a sensation of congestion, often on just one side of the nose.
• Snoring: nasal obstruction can disrupt sleep.
• Facial pain or headaches: related to pressure or sinus infection.
• Frequent nosebleeds or nasal dryness.
• Recurrent sinusitis.
• Noisy breathing.

A mild deviation is very common and does not always need treatment. You can send your file: a partner ENT surgeon will assess your situation.

What is a septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated nasal septum, the internal wall that separates the two nostrils. When it is deviated, it can block airflow.

The goal of septoplasty is to straighten the septum to:

• Open the airways and improve nasal breathing.
• Reduce associated problems such as snoring and chronic nasal congestion.

Unlike rhinoplasty, which alters the appearance of the nose, septoplasty focuses on its internal and functional structure.

The procedure is generally performed through the inside of the nose, leaving no visible scar, sometimes with the help of an endoscope.

If you think your breathing difficulty may be due to a deviated septum, you can send your file: a partner ENT surgeon will review it.

Why have a septoplasty? Symptoms and medical indications

A deviated nasal septum may seem harmless, but its consequences on daily life are often underestimated. When air does not flow properly, the body compensates by breathing more through the mouth, which can lead to a range of discomforts.

Here are the situations that most often lead to considering a septoplasty:

1. Persistent nasal obstruction: it may affect a single nostril or alternate from one side to the other.
2. Recurrent sinusitis: insufficient airflow can disrupt sinus drainage.
3. Snoring and sleep disturbance.
4. Facial pain or pressure.
5. Difficulty during physical exertion.
6. Associated cosmetic issues: a severe deviation may come with an external deformity, leading to consider a septorhinoplasty, which combines function and aesthetics.

A complete ENT evaluation confirms whether the deviation is truly responsible for the symptoms and whether septoplasty is the most appropriate solution.

Expected results after septoplasty

Septoplasty aims to improve nasal breathing. Early effects appear in the weeks following the procedure, and internal healing takes a few months.

Possible benefits:

• Easier nasal breathing
• Better sleep and easier physical exertion in some patients
• Less snoring in some patients

Septoplasty alone does not treat sleep apnea or allergic rhinitis, and the result cannot be guaranteed. If the deviation comes with an external deformity, a septorhinoplasty may be considered.

You can send your file: a partner ENT surgeon will review it and you will receive a detailed quote.

Septoplasty process in Turkey

Here is how septoplasty typically takes place in the partner clinics of Turquie Santé:

In rare cases, an open approach may be necessary, with a small incision at the base of the nose.

Most patients notice improved nasal breathing. The effect on headaches or facial pressure is less predictable.

Postoperative course and recovery after septoplasty

After septoplasty, it is normal to feel temporary nasal discomfort: a blocked nose, slight facial pressure and some discharge. Splints, if placed, are typically removed 3 to 7 days after surgery.

Breathing improves gradually as swelling decreases.

To promote recovery:

• Perform regular nasal rinses.
• Avoid blowing your nose forcefully.
• Sleep with the head slightly elevated.
• Limit intense physical exertion for 4 to 6 weeks.

Return to activities is gradual: light work from 3 to 5 days, moderate exercise after 10 to 15 days, and more strenuous effort after about 4 to 6 weeks. Internal healing generally takes 2 to 3 months or more.

Risks and precautions

As with any surgical procedure, septoplasty carries some risks. The main possible risks include:

• Bleeding in the days following the operation, and more rarely a septal hematoma that must be drained quickly.
• Post-operative infection.
• Septal perforation, which can cause crusting, bleeding or whistling.
• Persistence or recurrence of the obstruction, which may require a revision procedure.
• Numbness of the nose, palate or front teeth, most often temporary, and a temporary reduction of the sense of smell.

To reduce these risks, follow the post-operative instructions, perform the prescribed nasal rinses and attend the follow-up appointments with the surgeon. Seek prompt advice in case of heavy bleeding, fever or increasing pain.