Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct a deviated nasal septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nose. When the septum is significantly crooked, it can block airflow leading to chronic nasal congestion, mouth breathing, snoring, poor sleep, and even recurrent sinus infections. Our team typically starts with medical treatments such as nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, allergy management, and saline rinses. When these treatments do not provide enough relief and symptoms continue to affect a child’s daily life, septoplasty may be considered.

One important consideration in children is nasal growth. The septum plays a role in how the nose develops over time. As such, septoplasty is often deferred in younger children if possible to avoid interfering with normal growth. However, in cases where the obstruction is severe—such as significant breathing difficulty, sleep disturbance, or complications like recurrent infections—surgery may still be recommended at a younger age. When performed in children, our surgeons use careful, growth-preserving techniques to improve airflow while protecting the structures that guide nasal development.

Septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon works through the nostrils without external incisions to straighten and reposition the septum. The goal is to open the nasal passages and improve airflow. Septoplasty is often perfomed at the same time as reducing the size of the nasal turbinates to further help breathing. The surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis.

The benefits of septoplasty can include easier breathing through the nose, improved sleep quality, less mouth breathing, and fewer sinus-related symptoms. As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. These may include bleeding, infection, persistent congestion, or a need for additional procedures in the future. Rarely, there can be changes in the shape of the nose or a small hole in the septum. Your child’s surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and take steps to minimize them.

Recovery is usually well tolerated. Children may have some nasal congestion, mild discomfort, and small splints inside the nose for a short time after surgery. Pain is typically manageable with over-the-counter medications or those prescribed by the surgeon. Most children return to school and light activities within several days though strenuous activity should be avoided for a couple of weeks. Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

If your child is struggling with nasal obstruction, please reach out to our team to arrange a consult.  

Content created with assistance from Open AI, ChatGPT