Septoplasty in Houston | Deviated Septum Surgery for Better Breathing
A deviated septum can make everyday breathing a challenge and increase your risk of chronic sinus infections. Septoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that corrects nasal obstruction by straightening the septum. Dr. Arjuna Kuperan, a fellowship-trained and board-certified ENT specialist, offers advanced endoscopic septoplasty in Houston and The Woodlands, providing patients expert care with no visible incisions and faster recovery.
What Is a Deviated Septum?
The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the right and left nasal passages. When the septum is crooked or displaced—a condition known as a deviated septum—it can block airflow, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This condition can be congenital or caused by trauma and may lead to additional issues such as:
- Frequent sinus infections
- Headaches and facial pain
- Nosebleeds
- Snoring
- Sleep disruptions
Deviated septum is a common condition that may affect up to 80% of people, although not everyone with a deviated septum experiences symptoms.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated septum permanently. At Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus, Dr. Kuperan performs endoscopic septoplasty using minimally invasive techniques that avoid visible scarring and promote a quicker recovery. The procedure focuses solely on improving nasal airflow—it does not change the nose’s appearance unless combined with rhinoplasty.
The goal of septoplasty is to improve breathing and nasal function, so it is important to understand that nasal obstruction can be a multifactorial problem that arises from a deviated septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve collapse, nasal polyps, or some combination of these problems. Dr. Kuperan thoroughly examines each patient to determine the root cause of a deviated septum because he understands that fixing only one problem when there are many will not significantly improve nasal breathing. You can count on Dr. Kuperan for comprehensive, personalized care.
Assess Your Sinus Problems
How Does Septoplasty Work?
Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery
Although symptoms can be treated with temporary measures, septoplasty is the only way to truly correct a deviated septum. Dr. Kuperan uses cutting-edge endoscopic tools to perform septoplasty through the nostrils, meaning there are no external cuts or scars. The procedure will straighten your septum and reshape your nasal passages to alleviate your symptoms. His advanced techniques offer precise correction with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
While septoplasty does not change the nose’s appearance, Dr. Kuperan also offers functional rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum while reshaping the nose to meet a patient’s cosmetic goals.
Procedure Overview
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is typically used for comfort and safety.
- Procedure Duration: The surgery generally takes 30 to 90 minutes.
- Outpatient Surgery: Patients return home the same day.
Dr. Kuperan will begin by carefully lifting the membrane that covers the septum. All incisions are made inside the nostrils, so you will have no visible cuts or scars. He will then adjust the nasal structures in order to straighten your septum before replacing and suturing the membrane.
Benefits of Septoplasty
- Significantly improves airflow and ease of breathing
- Reduces chronic nasal congestion and sinus infections
- Minimizes snoring and may enhance sleep quality
- Offers a long-term solution to nasal obstruction without visible changes to the nose
Preparing for Septoplasty
Getting ready for septoplasty starts with a thorough consultation to ensure the procedure is right for you.
During your visit with Dr. Kuperan, you can expect:
- A comprehensive nasal examination to assess the degree of septal deviation
- Imaging, such as a CT scan, if additional sinus issues are suspected
- A review of your medical history and symptoms, including any past nasal trauma, breathing issues, or sinus infections
If septoplasty is recommended, Dr. Kuperan will walk through your personalized treatment plan and provide detailed instructions to follow before surgery, including:
- Stop smoking
- Pause certain medications
- Arrange transportation ahead of time
- Follow fasting guidelines the night before surgery
- Prepare your home with soft foods, saline spray, and any prescriptions provided in advance
What to Expect During Septoplasty Recovery
- Same-Day Discharge: Most patients go home within a few hours of surgery.
- Recovery Timeline: Mild swelling and discomfort are normal for a few days. Most return to work or school within a week.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities for 2–3 weeks.
- Follow-Up Care: Dr. Kuperan will schedule post-op visits to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.
Patients are often surprised by how quickly they begin to notice an improvement in their breathing after surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Septoplasty?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have a confirmed deviated septum
- Experience chronic nasal blockage, congestion, or difficulty breathing
- Suffer from frequent sinus infections or nosebleeds
- Snore or have sleep disturbances linked to nasal obstruction
Septoplasty FAQs
How long does septoplasty take?
The surgery typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.
Is septoplasty painful?
Mild discomfort and nasal pressure are common after surgery but are well managed with medication.
Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?
No, septoplasty does not alter the outward appearance of the nose unless combined with rhinoplasty.
How soon can I breathe better after surgery?
Many patients notice improvement within the first week, and full benefits become apparent as swelling subsides over a few months.
Is septoplasty covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for septoplasty may vary with different insurance policies. It’s advisable to consult directly with your insurance carrier to understand if you are covered for this procedure. We partner with a range of prominent insurance carriers and also provide access to medical financing options that are both flexible and convenient.
Precision in Every Procedure
As one of the select few Fellowship-Trained Rhinologists in Houston, Dr. Kuperan brings an exceptional level of precision and expertise to each procedure. His specialized training in the intricate areas of sinus, nasal, and skull-based disorders translates to unmatched care for his patients.
CONTACT HOUSTON ADVANCED NOSE AND SINUS
Dr. Arjuna Kuperan and the team at Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus are highly experienced in deviated septum repair and they offer personalized treatment plans to address all sinus symptoms. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your consultation.
Am I Suffering from a Deviated Septum?References
1 Mayo Clinic. Septoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/about/pac-20384670 Accessed April 8, 2020.
2 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Deviated Septum. Available: https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/deviated-septum/ Accessed April 8, 2020.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Septoplasty. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17779-septoplasty Accessed April 8, 2020.
4 Cleveland Clinic. Septoplasty. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17779-septoplasty. Accessed March 7, 2023.
5 Mayo Clinic. Septoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/about/pac-20384670#. Accessed March 7, 2023.
6 Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol. Effect of Septorhinoplasty on Olfactory Function: Assessment Using the Brief Smell Identification Test. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5791808/. Accessed March 7, 2023.
Dr. Arjuna Kuerpan has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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