When Does a Deviated Septum Require Surgery?
Almost everyone’s septum is slightly crooked in some way, but in some cases, the thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates the nostrils can be so crooked that it obstructs the airflow in one or both nostrils. This can make it difficult to breathe, thus complicating your life.
If your deviated septum is not noticeable or uncomfortable in any way, most ENT doctors in Los Angeles will recommend that you leave it alone. A crooked or deviated septum is classified as one that is off-center; people can be born with this condition, or it can be a result of an injury.
A deviated septum can lead to health complications. As stated above, it can make it hard or impossible to breathe through your nose. Breathing through your nose is important to your health, as nasal breathing gives your body 20% more oxygen and more nitric oxide, a chemical that helps blood circulation. Your nasal hairs also filter out foreign particles, preventing them from entering your lungs. If you have to breathe solely through your mouth, you may develop issues like dry mouth, sleep apnea, and asthma.
A crooked septum can also cause frequent nasal congestion, and a stuffy nose is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Your deviated septum can lead to sinusitis, which shows itself through painful inflammation and infection.
If you are stuck breathing through your mouth or suffer frequent sinus infections, then it may be time to consider undergoing a septoplasty procedure in Los Angeles. Similar to a nose job, this surgery is done to change the shape and structure of the nose, but septoplasty is purely to open up your airways and allow for better breathing. It’s possible that cosmetic changes can be worked into your procedure, sometimes referred to as septorhinoplasty, but this procedure is generally to improve the functionality of your nose.
Deviated septum surgery changes the lives of Westside Head & Neck’s patients. It comes with a few risks, such as post-operation bleeding, infection, or bad reactions to the anesthetic. However, the benefits far outweigh the risks, as the results from this procedure are life-changing.
Our ENT specialists are highly trained and experienced in septoplasty surgery, so you don’t need to worry when you come into our office. Before your surgery, our doctors can go over the risks associated as well as what to expect immediately after the procedure. We will give you a detailed list of instructions on how to provide your body the best tools to recover from the surgery and breathe normally again.