Deviated Septum
Board Certified Otolaryngologist & Rhinologist located in Century City, Los Angeles, CA
More than 80% of adults have a deviated septum, but it’s usually a minor problem that no one notices. But if your deviated septum causes congestion or sinusitis, it’s time to consult Mani H. Zadeh, MD, FACS, to learn about surgery to repair the septum. Dr. Zadeh uses cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques to reshape your septum, restore clear breathing, and improve your appearance. To schedule an appointment, call the office in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, or book an appointment online today.
Your septum is a structure made of cartilage and bone that goes down the center of your nose, dividing the two nostrils. Under ideal circumstances, the septum is perfectly straight and located in the middle, creating two nostrils (nasal cavities) of equal size.
Unfortunately, this is seldom the reality, as more than 80% of the population have some degree of deviation (an off-center or crooked septum).
Though the septum is usually straight at birth and stays that way during childhood, it tends to bend to one side as you get older. Changes in the septum typically develop naturally but, in some cases, may occur due to an injury like taking a hit to your nose.
A minor deviation seldom causes symptoms, while a more significant deviation leads to:
A deviated septum may block the openings to sinuses, causing an infection (sinusitis).
If you only have occasional symptoms, antihistamines, decongestants, or anti-inflammatory sprays may give you the relief you need. However, they don’t treat a deviated septum.
If you have severe or ongoing symptoms or develop chronic sinusitis, the only treatment option is surgery to correct the deviated septum. The procedure is called septoplasty.
When performing septoplasty, Dr. Zadeh makes an incision inside your nostril, so you won’t have a visible scar. Working through the nostril, he carefully lifts up the tissue lining the septum to see and access the cartilage and bone.
Dr. Zadeh removes or reshapes the septum to restore its shape. Then he repositions the septum, placing it in the center of your nose, puts the membrane back in place, and stitches the incision.
You go home after your general anesthesia wears off. You should set aside two days to rest and recover, and you will need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for two weeks.
After nasal surgery, you should expect to have swelling and blood-tinged drainage for about 10-14 days. During this time, you should sleep with your head elevated and avoid blowing your nose.
If you need help with a deviated septum, call the offices of Mani H. Zadeh, MD, FACS, or request an appointment online today.