Septoplasty

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and The Woodlands, TX

Septoplasty is a procedure that restores nasal function by correcting a deviated septum. Septoplasty reshapes the cartilaginous and bony structures of the nose to improve your natural airflow and ability to breathe. They are exceptionally effective and have become one of the most commonly performed procedures within the field of otolaryngology (ENT) and plastic surgery. (1)

Dr. Arjuna Kuperan is an award-winning rhinologist, board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT), and the founder of Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus. Dr. Kuperan offers more than 15 years of amassed experience, and throughout this time, has been able to help countless patients from across the country restore their quality of life and sense of well-being.

If you are ready to meet with Dr. Kuperan and start discussing your treatment, please contact us online or call (713) 701-5704.

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About Septoplasties

Septoplasty straightens a deviated septum to restore the breathing functions of the nose. The septum is the structure that divides the nose into two passages, but factors such as congenital defects or injuries can cause it to become dislocated and irregularly shaped. This can lead to several nasal concerns developing that may diminish the overall quality of your life. (2)

About Deviated Septa

A deviated septum is a condition that occurs when the thin wall of cartilage that separates your nasal canals becomes bent, crooked, or miscentered. (3) This condition can either develop congenitally at birth or you may acquire it as a result of trauma or injury. (4) Without treatment, a deviated septum can lead to concerns such as frequent sinus infections, recurrent headaches, facial pain, nosebleeds, or sleep disruptions.

Benefits

Septoplasty brings several notable benefits. Under Dr. Kuperan’s expert care, patients see improvements through:

  • Minimally-Invasive Nature: Dr. Kuperan uses endoscopic tools to perform septoplasty, which reduces intrusion and keeps incisions minimal.
  • Improved Comfort: Septoplasty can reduce uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms, such as chronic congestion, frequent nosebleeds, sinus infections, and more.
  • Reduced Blockages: This procedure can clear any obstructions or blockages in the nasal canal and restore your natural airflow.
  • Permanent Results: Septoplasty offers permanent results, which means that you will not need to return for any maintenance procedures or follow-up treatments.
  • Tailored Treatment Plans: Dr. Kuperan designs each treatment plan around your specific concerns and pre-existing nasal structure.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for septoplasty if you have a confirmed deviated septum and wish to correct it to improve your nasal function and reduce any discomfort it causes. These include recurrent nasal blockages, chronic congestion, reduced airflow, difficulties breathing, and more. Septoplasty can also address chronic sinus infections and frequent nosebleeds.

To qualify for your procedure, you should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding your results. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Kuperan will finalize your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to restoring the natural function of your nose is attending a personal consultation at either one of our locations. During this consultation, Dr. Kuperan will meet with you individually to discuss what a septoplasty is, how he performs them, and their benefits and limitations. Dr. Kuperan will ask you about your medical history and symptoms, including any past nasal traumas, breathing issues, or sinus infections. He will also perform a comprehensive nasal examination to assess the degree of your deviation.

Dr. Kuperan will use this information to finalize your candidacy and help you create your treatment plan. He will determine the best surgical corrections to make, and he may suggest pairing your procedure with another, depending on your specific circumstances. Dr. Kuperan dedicates time to answering each of your questions, as he wants you to feel well-informed and confident ahead of your procedure.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan, please submit our online contact form or call (713) 701-5704.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your septoplasty, you will need to make certain preparations. Dr. Kuperan will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions, which may instruct you to:

  • Avoid Certain Medications: Under the proper guidance, refrain from taking any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Prepare Transportation: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home after your procedure.
  • Take Time to Heal: Prepare to take a step away from your responsibilities and commitments.
  • Fill Your Prescriptions: Pick up any medications you may need throughout your recovery.
  • Complete Any Required Testing: Undergo any required imaging or lab tests that Dr. Kuperan orders if he suspects you may have additional sinus issues.
  • Prepare Your Home: Create a comfortable recovery space at home, and purchase a saline spray, stock up on soft foods, and set out comfortable blankets and cushions.
  • Refrain from Substances: Avoid consuming alcohol or nicotine in the weeks leading up to your appointment.

Procedure

Dr. Kuperan performs each procedure at his surgical center in either Houston or The Woodlands. He performs each one on an outpatient basis, which means that you will return home on the same day as your procedure. (5) When you arrive, you will meet with Dr. Kuperan once more to reconfirm each detail of your treatment plan. A member of his team will then cleanse your nose and place you under general anesthesia.

Dr. Kuperan uses cutting-edge endoscopic tools to perform septoplasty through the nostrils, meaning there are no external cuts or scars. Carefully guiding the endoscopic instruments into your nose, he performs each correction. He will carefully lift the membrane that covers your septum and begin to reshape, reposition, and remove pieces of cartilage or bone. Once he has straightened your septum and reshaped your nasal passages, he will carefully close each internal incision using sutures. Our team will then transport you to our recovery suite to rest until Dr. Kuperan is ready to release you.

Recovery

After a septoplasty, it is common to experience some swelling and discomfort around the treated areas, and your breathing may also feel congested. These effects will gradually subside on their own within 2-3 days, but you can reduce them with prescription medications and plenty of rest. Dr. Kuperan will place an internal splint during your procedure, which will help preserve the new structure of your nose as your tissues continue to heal.

After approximately one week, you will be able to return to light activities, work, or school. However, you will need to continue avoiding more strenuous tasks for another two to three weeks, or until Dr. Kuperan has approved of your return. He will also schedule a follow-up visit to remove your splint, monitor your recovery, and ensure your results are developing as expected.

Results

As your swelling dissipates in the weeks following your procedure, you will be able to notice improvements in your airflow and ability to breathe. You may also experience a reduction in certain recurrent symptoms, such as nosebleeds or sinus infections. This is because septoplasties address the root cause of your concerns.

Corresponding Procedures

It is important to understand that nasal obstructions can be multifactorial and derive from deviated septa, inferior turbinate hypertrophies, nasal valve collapses, nasal polyps, or a combination of these concerns. If several nasal concerns are seen, Dr. Kuperan may include other procedures in your septoplasty plan. Two effective procedure pairings are sinus and nasal implants and frequent nosebleed treatments. During your personal consultation, Dr. Kuperan can perform a comprehensive assessment of your nasal anatomy to determine the best approach for your needs.

Sinus & Nasal Implants

Sinus and nasal implants are FDA-approved medical devices that Dr. Kuperan can place within the nose to improve breathing and nasal function in patients with conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) or nasal polyps. During this procedure, Dr. Kuperan can place a Propel sinus implant to reduce inflammation and decrease certain nasal symptoms. This implant will then naturally dissolve and deliver a corticosteroid medication to the local tissues.

Dr. Kuperan places each implant during an endoscopic sinus procedure, such as a septoplasty, to improve each patient’s recovery process and results.

Frequent Nose Bleeds

If you have noticed that you experience recurrent nosebleeds, you may be a suitable candidate for our frequent nosebleed treatments. Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, result from concerns ranging from mild irritation to significant injury. When they become common, they can create frustration in your daily life. To address this, Dr. Kuperan may use cauterization, nasal packing, or endoscopic sinus surgery, depending on your specific circumstances.

Dr. Kuperan can combine your septoplasty with one of our nosebleed treatments to address each of your concerns in one surgery, allowing you to restore the full health and well-being of your nose.

We invite you to read Dr. Kuperan’s blog to learn more about the other procedures he offers.

Cost of Septoplasty in Houston, Texas

The cost of your septoplasty will vary depending on the specific details of your treatment plan, such as the type of corrections Dr. Kuperan performs and the complexity of your procedure overall. Once he has met with you to plan your procedure, he will provide you with a comprehensive pricing estimate.

In certain cases, your insurance provider may cover part of the cost of your septoplasty. We work with several different insurance companies and recommend that you check with your provider to learn more about your specific benefits. We also offer financing for those who qualify.

To learn more about our pricing, please request a consultation online or call (713) 701-5704.

FAQ

How long will it take Dr. Kuperan to perform my septoplasty?

Dr. Kuperan typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete each septoplasty procedure.

Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?

No, septoplasty will not change the external appearance of your nose.

Will a septoplasty affect my sense of smell?

All types of nasal surgery carry the potential risk of affecting your sense of smell.(6) However, this is a rare occurrence, and most of Dr. Kuperan’s patients do not experience olfactory irregularities.

When will I be able to notice improvements in my breathing after my septoplasty?

You will be able to enjoy improvements in your breathing functions within the first week of your recovery.

Are septoplasty procedures painful?

Dr. Kuperan performs each septoplasty with general anesthesia, which means that you will be unconscious throughout the entire procedure. You may experience some discomfort as you recover, but you may easily manage it using prescribed medications.

How long will the results of my septoplasty last?

The results of a septoplasty are permanent, which means that you will be able to enjoy your enhanced functionality without needing to return for any maintenance treatments.

References

  1. Watters C, Brar S, Sharinie Yapa. Septoplasty. Nih.gov. Published November 8, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567718/#article-128413.s4
  2. Alghamdi FS, Albogami D, Alsurayhi AS, et al. Nasal Septal Deviation: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Cureus. 2022;14(11). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31317
  3. Mayo Clinic. Septoplasty – Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org. Published December 15, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/about/pac-20384670
  4. Deviated Septum. ENT Health. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/deviated-septum/
  5. Cleveland Clinic. Septoplasty: Procedure & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Published September 19, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17779-septoplasty
  6. Checking your browser – reCAPTCHA. Nih.gov. Published 2024. Accessed April 30, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5791808/#sec9