Deviated Septum

Deviated Septum Treatments in Charleston, SC

What is A deviated septum?

The nasal septum is structure that divides our nasal passages into two halves. It is composed of cartilage in the front, then become bony towards the back of the nasal passages. If you put your thumb and index finger gently into your nostrils, pinch towards the middle, and gently wiggle your thumb and finger, you can feel a firm but mobile structure under the skin. This is the front of the nasal septum. When the nasal septum is shifted to one side, it is said to be deviated. Many people are born with a deviated septum; others develop a deviated septum from trauma to the nose, such as from a fall, sports injury, or car accident.

What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?

The most common symptom of a deviated septum is having trouble breathing through the nose. While one side of the nose might have more difficulty with airflow, most people with a deviated septum have trouble breathing through both sides. Additional symptoms include mouth breathing, difficulty sleeping at night, snoring, and difficulty breathing through the nose during exercise. Some patients will develop chronic sinusitis in part due to a deviated septum.

How is a deviated septum treated?

Since a deviated septum is a structural problem, the only way to correct it is with surgery. However, that does not mean that everyone with a deviated septum needs surgery. In some cases, if a patient starts a regimen of nasal sprays, nasal rinses, or allergy shots, these measures can open up the nasal passages just enough, so that breathing improves. So before deciding on surgery, it is best to try some of these medical therapies first, to see if relief can be had without surgery.

Why Choose Us?

Board-certified ENT & sinus specialists
State-of-the-art endoscopic technology
In-office minimally invasive options like Balloon Sinuplasty
Comprehensive care plans: diagnosis, surgery, and long-term management
Proven results: 85% success rate with sinus surgery

Deviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty)

When medical therapies have failed to improve nasal airflow, a deviated septum can be fixed with a short outpatient surgery. In this surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia in the operating room. A small incision is made inside the left nostril, out of sight. Through this incision, all of the cartilage and bone of the septum on both sides can be accessed. The cartilage is straightened, and any bony spurs are removed. The incision is then closed up with absorbable sutures. Soft silicone splints are placed along both sides of the septum to aid healing and prevent blood from collecting in the area that was just repaired. The patient is then take out of anesthesia, given time to wake up, and then goes home the same day.

Regarding pain, most of our patients are pleasantly surprised that the surgery is much less painful than they expected, although every once in a while, someone will have short-lived pain. The most common discomforts during the first week of recovery are bleeding from the nose for 2-4 days, and congestion from swelling and from the splints.

The splints are removed from the nose 1 week after the surgery, and at this point, the patient typically feels the ability to breathe better through their nose than they ever have in the past.

Most patients take 1 week off of work for the surgery, then return to work on light duty restrictions for 1 week. Normal activities, exercise, and travel can be resumed at 2 weeks after surgery. Typically, the only restriction after 2 weeks is not to submerge the nose in water until 6 weeks after surgery (no swimming or diving until 6 weeks after surgery).

Patient Testimonials

"I hate to leave a "Dr Russell and his staff was Great!" or "He was awesome!" review, except both of those things are true. I felt Dr Russell really listened to my complaint and concerns. "

"Great Dr! He always takes time to explain whatever is going on. I've been a patient of his for about 8 years. Treated for sinusitis, nose polyps, and ear problems. Would never consider going to another ENT. Thanks Dr Russell"

"This is the first time in my life I haven't been to the doctor for a sore throat in over a year. I appreciate Dr. Russel for helping me. I am so glad he is my doctor. What a difference you've made in my life!"