Septoplasty – Chicago, IL

The Best Fix for a Deviated Septum

Face of woman before and after septoplasty

If you have difficulty breathing through one of your nostrils, suffer from frequent headaches, snore regularly, or struggle with chronic nasal congestion, you might have a deviated septum. Fortunately, this issue is usually not difficult to correct with the help of a qualified facial plastic surgeon in Chicago. Dr. Wiesman may recommend that you undergo a procedure known as septoplasty, which can provide long-term relief from the issues associated with a deviated septum.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

Illustration showing a deviated nasal septum

Your nasal septum is the bone and cartilage in the middle of your nose. If this tissue is off-center, you have a deviated septum.

Sometimes, a deviated septum occurs at birth, but in other cases, it is the result of an accident during childhood or adulthood. For example, some people take a hard blow to their face during sports games. Their nose may not heal properly, resulting in a deviated septum.

Not only can a deviated septum affect the way your nose looks, but it can also interfere with breathing. It may even contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder that can have significant consequences for your overall health.

The Septoplasty Procedure

Doctor examining patient’s nose

If you have a deviated septum, we invite you to visit us to consult with Dr. Wiesman. After an examination, he can plan the details of your procedure. The specifics of the surgery can vary from case to case, so a consultation is essential if you want to gain a full understanding of the road ahead of you.

The procedure usually does not require any incisions. Dr. Wiesman has instruments that he can insert into your nose to correct the position of your septum. (If that sounds uncomfortable, don’t worry — anesthesia and sedation can make sure you feel little or nothing during the procedure.) Packing or splints may be used to stabilize your septum after your procedure. Most patients are able to go home on the same day as their procedure or the day after.

In some instances, septoplasty is performed at the same time as rhinoplasty (a nose job). If that will be true in your case, your treatment process may be more complex. Again, that is something to talk with Dr. Wiesman about during your consultation.

Deviated Septum Correction Aftercare

Woman leaning back on sofa, resting at home

Dr. Wiesman and our team will send you home with detailed instructions to care for your nose after your septoplasty. We might advise you to:

Get enough rest. Prop your head up on pillows to reduce swelling. Heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 1 – 2 weeks.
Go easy on your nose. You should avoid activities that could place stress on your nose, such as bending over or holding your breath. You should also not blow your nose.
Manage your discomfort. You may receive a prescription for pain medication, which you should use as directed. Periodically applying ice to your nose may also be helpful. (Be sure the ice is wrapped in a towel to avoid overexposure and keep your nose dry.)
Attend follow-up appointments. Our team may need to see you soon after your surgery so we can remove nasal packing or splints and check on your recovery.