A deviated septum can narrow one or both nasal passages and make breathing difficult. Our plastic surgeon, Dr. Derek Sheen, straightens the septum to improve airflow while preserving the support of your nose.
Septoplasty may address:
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Blocked nasal passages
A deviated or crooked septum
Frequent nosebleeds
Mouth breathing
Snoring related to nasal obstruction
Repeated sinus concerns
Nasal obstruction after an injury
The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates your nostrils. When it bends toward one side, it can reduce the space available for air to pass through the nose.
Patients considering septoplasty in Plano meet with Dr. Sheen to determine whether septal deviation is the source of their breathing concerns. Not every blocked nose comes from the septum, so an accurate evaluation guides the appropriate procedure.
Correct the Source of Blockage
The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that separates your nostrils. When it bends toward one side, it can reduce the space available for air to pass through the nose.
Patients considering septoplasty in Plano meet with Dr. Sheen to determine whether septal deviation is the source of their breathing concerns. Not every blocked nose comes from the septum, so an accurate evaluation guides the appropriate procedure.
You may benefit from septoplasty if a deviated septum is causing persistent nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, or repeated sinus problems. Some patients were born with the condition, while others develop it after an injury or previous nasal surgery.
Dr. Sheen evaluates your nasal passages, septum, turbinates, and external nasal structure. He also reviews your medical history to determine if another concern contributes to poor airflow. Once he determines that you’re a good candidate for a septoplasty in Plano, he
Dr. Sheen usually performs septoplasty through incisions made inside the nose. This approach avoids an external incision.
After reaching the septum, he lifts the thin tissue lining that covers the cartilage and bone. He then reshapes, repositions, or removes the portions causing obstruction. Dr. Sheen preserves enough structural support to maintain nasal stability before returning the lining to its proper position.
He may place dissolvable sutures, soft splints, or packing inside the nose during early healing. Most patients return home on the day of surgery and need someone to drive them.
Congestion, pressure, mild bleeding, drainage, swelling, and temporary numbness can occur after surgery. Your nose may feel more blocked before it begins to feel clearer.
Plan to rest for several days and avoid strenuous activity for about 2 weeks or until Dr. Sheen clears you. Do not blow your nose, and sneeze with your mouth open to limit pressure. Follow all instructions for rinses, medications, splints, and incision care.
Many patients return to work within about 1 week. However, cartilage and tissue continue healing for several months. The improvement in airflow becomes clearer as internal swelling decreases.
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Septoplasty focuses on the structures inside your nose and does not usually aim to change its outside appearance. However, correcting a significant deviation occasionally causes a subtle visible change.
Tell Dr. Sheen about any cosmetic concerns during your consultation. If you also want to alter the shape of your nose, he may discuss combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty straightens the internal septum to improve nasal airflow. Rhinoplasty changes the external shape or structure of the nose for aesthetic or functional reasons.
Some patients need both procedures because internal obstruction and external nasal structure affect their breathing. Dr. Sheen can determine whether one procedure or a combined plan best addresses your concerns.
Your nose will likely feel congested during early recovery because of swelling, drainage, splints, or packing. This does not mean the procedure was unsuccessful.
Breathing should improve gradually as the tissues heal. We have patients undergoing septoplasty in Plano return for follow-up appointments so Dr. Sheen can monitor internal healing and remove splints when needed.
The structural correction from septoplasty is designed to be long-lasting. However, future injury, scar tissue, or changes in surrounding nasal tissues can affect airflow later.
The procedure also cannot prevent congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus inflammation. You may still need medication or other care for conditions unrelated to the septum.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, continued obstruction, septal perforation, changes in smell, numbness, scarring, or a potential change in nasal shape. Some patients may need additional surgery if symptoms continue.
Before scheduling your septoplasty in Plano, Dr. Sheen will review the benefits, limitations, and risks based on your health and nasal anatomy. Following all preparation and recovery instructions helps support safe healing.
