Blocked Nasal Breathing
Persistent or recurrent difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose.
SEPTOPLASTY
Septoplasty in Istanbul
An individual approach to septal deviation, nasal obstruction and breathing function.
Septoplasty is a functional nasal operation performed to correct clinically relevant deviation of the nasal septum. Prof. Dr. Selçuk İnanlı plans treatment according to the patient's symptoms, septal anatomy, nasal airflow and other structural factors that may contribute to obstruction.
THE NASAL SEPTUM
What Is Septoplasty?
The nasal septum is the internal structure that divides the nose into right and left passages. When it is significantly deviated, it can narrow one or both sides of the nasal airway and contribute to difficulty breathing. Septoplasty aims to correct the clinically relevant areas of septal deviation while preserving or restoring structural support.
A Functional Operation
Septoplasty is primarily performed to improve nasal function. It does not intentionally reshape the external nose. When external nasal shape or support also needs to be addressed, a septorhinoplasty may be more appropriate.
NASAL OBSTRUCTION
What Symptoms May Be Associated With a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum does not always cause symptoms. When it contributes to clinically significant narrowing of the nasal airway, patients may describe one or more of the following concerns.
Side-to-Side Difference
One nasal passage may feel consistently more restricted than the other.
Symptoms During Exercise or Sleep
Nasal obstruction may become more noticeable when airflow demand increases or while lying down.
Mouth Breathing
Some patients compensate for limited nasal airflow by breathing through the mouth, particularly during sleep.
Variable Congestion
Symptoms may fluctuate because septal deviation can coexist with mucosal swelling or turbinate enlargement.
Previous Trauma or Nasal Injury
A history of trauma may be associated with septal deviation or other structural changes affecting airflow.
CANDIDACY
Is Septoplasty Right for You?
Septoplasty may be considered when septal deviation is clinically relevant to nasal obstruction and symptoms remain significant despite appropriate assessment and non-surgical management where indicated. The decision is individual and depends on the patient's symptoms, examination findings, nasal anatomy, general health and the contribution of other structures to the airway.
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
Understanding the Cause of Nasal Obstruction
A functional nasal assessment considers the patient's symptoms together with septal alignment, nasal valves, turbinates and other findings that may influence airflow.
A COMPLETE AIRWAY ASSESSMENT
Nasal Obstruction Is Not Always the Septum
Difficulty breathing through the nose can have more than one cause. Septal deviation may be important, but nasal valve narrowing, turbinate enlargement, mucosal swelling and other structural or inflammatory factors can also contribute. Identifying the relevant causes before surgery helps avoid treating the septum in isolation when the obstruction is more complex.
Septum
Deviation may narrow the nasal passage and alter airflow.
Nasal Valves
Weakness or narrowing in the valve region can limit airflow even when the septum is not the only problem.
Turbinates
Enlarged turbinates may contribute to obstruction and should be assessed separately.
Mucosal Factors
Allergy, inflammation or other mucosal conditions may influence congestion and may require non-surgical management.
FUNCTIONAL NASAL ASSESSMENT
What Is Assessed Before Septoplasty?
Symptoms & Breathing Pattern
The severity, duration and side of nasal obstruction, as well as factors that worsen or improve symptoms, are reviewed.
Septal Alignment
The location and extent of septal deviation are assessed in relation to the nasal airway and structural support.
Nasal Valves
The internal and external valve regions are evaluated when clinically relevant to obstruction.
Turbinates
Turbinate size and mucosal response are considered as possible contributors to restricted airflow.
Previous Trauma or Surgery
Prior injury, septal surgery or other nasal procedures may influence anatomy and planning.
External Nasal Structure
The external nose is observed for structural findings that may affect function or indicate that septoplasty alone may not address the full problem.
WHEN MORE THAN THE SEPTUM CONTRIBUTES
Septoplasty and Turbinate Treatment
Some patients with septal deviation also have enlarged turbinates that contribute to nasal obstruction. When turbinate enlargement is clinically relevant, treatment may be considered alongside septoplasty. The decision depends on examination findings, mucosal factors and the individual's pattern of obstruction.
Turbinate Treatment Is Not Automatic
Septoplasty does not require turbinate treatment in every patient. Each structure is assessed separately, and treatment is directed only to findings that are relevant to the patient's symptoms and airway.
SEPTOPLASTY OR SEPTORHINOPLASTY?
When Septoplasty Alone May Not Be Enough
Septoplasty focuses on the internal septum and does not intentionally change the external shape of the nose. If nasal obstruction is associated with external structural deformity, significant nasal valve problems, loss of support or a wish to change nasal appearance, a broader septorhinoplasty plan may need to be considered.
SURGICAL PLANNING
How I Plan a Septoplasty
Septoplasty planning begins with identifying whether septal deviation is a meaningful cause of the patient's nasal obstruction and how it relates to the rest of the airway.
- 01
Symptom Review
The pattern, severity and impact of nasal obstruction are discussed in detail.
- 02
Internal Nasal Examination
Septal deviation and other relevant airway findings are assessed clinically.
- 03
Airway Analysis
Nasal valves, turbinates and other possible contributors to obstruction are considered where appropriate.
- 04
Structural Planning
The areas of septal correction are planned with attention to maintaining adequate nasal support.
- 05
Individual Treatment Plan
Septoplasty alone or any additional clinically indicated treatment is selected according to the patient's anatomy and findings.
RECOVERY & HEALING
What to Expect After Septoplasty
Recovery after septoplasty is gradual. Nasal congestion and a blocked sensation are common during the early healing period because of swelling inside the nose. Breathing generally improves as swelling decreases and internal tissues heal. The pace of recovery varies according to the extent of septal correction, any additional treatment and individual healing response.
Early Recovery
Internal swelling and congestion are expected to improve progressively during early healing.
Return to Daily Life
Timing depends on the extent of surgery, work requirements and individual recovery.
Functional Improvement
Nasal airflow is reassessed as swelling settles and the internal nasal tissues continue to heal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Septoplasty FAQ
What is septoplasty performed for?
Septoplasty is performed to correct clinically relevant deviation of the nasal septum when it contributes to nasal obstruction or other functional problems. The indication is based on symptoms and examination findings rather than the presence of deviation alone.
Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?
Septoplasty is primarily an internal functional operation and does not intentionally reshape the external nose. If external nasal structure or appearance also needs to be changed, septorhinoplasty may be considered instead.
Can septoplasty improve breathing?
Septoplasty may improve nasal breathing when septal deviation is an important cause of obstruction. Because nasal blockage can also involve the valves, turbinates or mucosal factors, these are assessed before deciding on treatment.
Does every deviated septum need surgery?
No. Septal deviation is common and does not require surgery when it is not causing clinically significant symptoms. Treatment depends on the degree of obstruction, examination findings, other contributing factors and the patient's individual situation.
Is turbinate treatment always performed with septoplasty?
No. Turbinate treatment is considered only when turbinate enlargement is clinically relevant to nasal obstruction. It is not an automatic part of septoplasty.
What is the difference between septoplasty and septorhinoplasty?
Septoplasty focuses on correction of the internal nasal septum for functional reasons and does not intentionally reshape the external nose. Septorhinoplasty combines functional treatment with correction of the external nasal framework when both need to be addressed.
When can I return to work?
The timing varies according to the extent of surgery, work requirements and individual healing. Many patients return to routine activities as early recovery progresses, but a personalised plan is discussed around the procedure.
Can a septal perforation occur after septal surgery?
Septal perforation is a recognised potential complication of septal surgery, although it is not expected in most patients. If a perforation is present or suspected, its size, location, symptoms and tissue quality require separate assessment.
RELATED PROCEDURES
Nose Procedures
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Considering Septoplasty?
Arrange a consultation to discuss your nasal obstruction, breathing symptoms and whether septal deviation or other structural factors may be contributing to the problem.