The nasal septum is a disc of cartilage and bone covered with mucus. It is normally located in the midline of the facial skull, forming a partition between the right and left nasal cavities. However, the nasal septum often does not develop completely in the midline, and may develop small or large curvatures. This can be caused by a previous blow to the nose, but often it can also develop without a blow. If the deviation from the midline is significant in either direction, one side of the nose becomes narrower and the other wider. In the case of nasal septal deviation, we can also speak of “C” and “S” shaped deviations. S-shaped deviations can narrow both sides of the nose.
Nasal septal deviation can only be corrected by surgery, there are no conservative alternatives to medication. Nasal constrictive nasal drops are not indicated for scarring of the nasal septum, they do not solve the cause and their prolonged use may be harmful.
Minor deviations of the nasal septum usually do not cause any complaints, but deviations that significantly narrow the nasal cavity can obstruct nasal breathing, which, in addition to feeling unwell and snoring, may also predispose to sinusitis and respiratory infections. Nasal congestion makes it difficult to ventilate the sinuses, which is why the patient may also suffer more frequently from sinusitis and otitis media. Due to the difficulty in breathing through the nose, mouth breathing becomes more prominent, leading to many health problems. People who breathe through the mouth are more prone to respiratory infections, as the processes in the nasal and sinus cavities (air filtration, humidification) are not carried out, leading to more frequent upper and lower respiratory infections.
Nasal septum surgery is performed in adulthood, when the bony and cartilaginous nasal septum is fully developed and no further changes in shape and size are expected.
A crooked nose can be operated on using several techniques by an ENT specialist. It is always up to the surgeon to choose the right method. The operation consists of removing the deformed nasal septum and repositioning the deformed cartilaginous or bony section. Nasal septoplasty can be performed under local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s request, the opinion of the operating doctor and the anaesthetist.
By ensuring easier nasal breathing:
Improvement in nasal breathing should be expected 3-4 weeks after the operation, although many people notice a change earlier.
Our surgical prices are indicative, we always give an individual quote!
