Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery can correct a deviated septum and restore proper nasal function. Once the surgeon has determined the nature and extent of the septum deviation, they can create an individualized surgical plan to rectify it.
Judicious plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides advanced aesthetic procedures for the face, body and breast to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations in The Empire of the South.
What is a Deviated Septum?
The septum divides the nasal cavity into two slender air passageways that start from the upper part of the nose where it is linked to the nostrils. The septum includes multiple cartilage and bone sections.
The lower part of the septum is located on the frontal nasal spine. This bone provides support and can be felt in the area where the nose connects to the upper lip.
A septum deviation involves the development or shifting of the septum to one side of the nasal cavity, rather than bifurcate this cavity into two regular passageways.
The septum could bend to one side to result in an S-shape, or it may bow out resulting in a C-shape. These septal deviations can constrict the air flow, slowly damaging the delicate nasal tissue.
Some people have a septum deviation since birth while others may experience a deviated septum following a nasal injury. This condition can create hurdles in breathing. A deviation in the septum could also cause recurring pain around the face and even nosebleeds.
How is a Septum Deviation Corrected?
The surgeon will work on either the upper bony part of the septum that is placed atop the nose or the soft cartilage in the lower portion of the nose. The septum might also move off the frontal spine, a condition known as a caudal septum deviation.
For these patients, the cosmetic surgeon will shift the septum back to the appropriate position and move its base to the frontal nasal spine.
Septoplasty Procedure
The surgeon may reshape either the upper bony part of the septum on the top of the nose or the lower cartilaginous portion, depending on the deviation’s location.
Some patients may have condition known as a caudal septal deviation where the septum moves away from the anterior nasal spine. To address this condition, the surgeon will correct the septum’s shift and perform realignment of the base to the anterior spine.
The procedure starts with the surgeon making an incision in one nasal area to gain access to the septum. They will then delicately position the deviated septum back into its correct place. The surgeon will remove barriers such as unnecessary bone fragments or cartilage. Finally, the surgeon will also reposition the mucous membrane.
A patient may need sutures to keep the septum and the membrane in their new positions. Sometimes, the use of cotton packing in the nose is enough to maintain their position.
Septoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and the patient will return home on the same day of the surgery. Caring cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia and in towns and cities in this amazing part of the country for various surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.