Septoplasty

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What is septoplasty?

Restore comfortable breathing with septoplasty by correcting a deviated nasal septum that may contribute to nasal obstruction, congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections. Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki performs personalized septoplasty to improve nasal function while preserving your nose’s natural appearance whenever possible.

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that separates your nasal passages. When the septum is significantly displaced, it can restrict airflow and contribute to breathing difficulties, chronic congestion, snoring, recurrent sinus infections, or nosebleeds. During septoplasty, the septum is carefully reshaped and repositioned to improve nasal airflow while preserving the structural support of your nose.

Septoplasty can correct the following:

  • Chronic nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum
  • Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
  • Persistent nasal congestion that does not improve with medication
  • Recurrent sinus infections related to impaired sinus drainage
  • Frequent nosebleeds caused by septal irritation
  • Snoring associated with reduced nasal airflow
  • Sleep disturbances resulting from nasal obstruction
  • Facial pressure or discomfort related to chronic nasal blockage
  • Structural septal deviation following nasal injury

The benefits of septoplasty:

  • Improves airflow through the nasal passages
  • Relieves chronic nasal obstruction and congestion
  • Enhances comfort during breathing, exercise, and sleep
  • May reduce the frequency of sinus infections
  • Can decrease snoring caused by nasal blockage
  • Corrects structural problems caused by a deviated septum
  • May reduce recurrent nosebleeds related to septal irritation
  • Can be combined with functional or cosmetic nasal procedures

Dr. Lisiecki’s personalized septoplasty technique

Your septoplasty begins with anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Dr. Lisiecki performs the procedure through small incisions in your nostrils, so no external scars are left. He carefully lifts the lining covering the septum before reshaping, repositioning, or removing small portions of cartilage and bone causing the deviation. Every step is performed with precision to restore a straighter septum while preserving your nose’s structural support.

Once the septum has been corrected, Dr. Lisiecki repositions the nasal lining and secures it with dissolvable sutures. Depending on your anatomy, soft internal splints may be placed temporarily to support healing and stabilize the septum. Because the procedure is performed entirely within the nose, there are no visible incisions, and you can typically return home the same day.

Recovery after a septoplasty surgery

After septoplasty, you can expect mild swelling, congestion, and a sensation of nasal fullness as your tissues heal. Minor drainage or light bleeding during the first few days is also common. You will also receive detailed instructions on caring for your nose, including using saline sprays, avoiding strenuous activity, refraining from blowing your nose, and sleeping with your head elevated to help minimize swelling.

Most people return to work and other non-strenuous activities within about one week, although your recovery timeline will depend on the extent of your procedure and your healing response. As swelling resolves over the following weeks, breathing typically becomes easier. Attending your follow-up appointments allows your surgeon to ensure your nose is healing as expected.

Septoplasty FAQs

How long does a septoplasty take?

Most septoplasty procedures take 60 to 90 minutes, although the exact surgical time depends on the severity of the septal deviation and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. Dr. Lisiecki will discuss your surgical plan during your consultation.

Will I have nasal packing after surgery?

Routine nasal packing is often unnecessary with modern surgical techniques. In some cases, soft internal splints may be placed temporarily to support the septum as it heals. If splints are used, they are typically removed during a follow-up visit.

When will I notice better breathing?

Your nose may feel congested for the first week or two because of postoperative swelling. As swelling subsides and your nasal passages heal, most patients begin to notice progressively improved airflow. Final functional improvement continues over the following weeks.

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Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisiecki

Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki is a board-certified plastic surgeon who takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to nasal surgery. He evaluates the cause of your breathing concerns, develops a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and goals, and performs every procedure with precision to optimize both function and nasal support. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisiecki to explore your septoplasty options today.

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