Some people get nose jobs as a matter of preference, seeking to improve the shape and position of their noses to an aesthetic ideal. For other individuals, however, a nose surgery is a necessity for better health. These persons suffer constantly from breathing problems, which lead to snoring and sleep apnea, a chronic condition that deprives one of getting restful sleep. Another malady that they must endure is persistent sinusitis, causing inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages. The cause of their ailments is a severely deviated septum, that structure of cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils, to such a degree that air cannot freely pass in and out of the nose. The condition is often congenital, but also arises if the person has suffered some form of injury to the nose, and sometimes results as an effect of aging. To relieve the perpetual difficulty of having a deviated septum, surgeons recommend that the afflicted individual undergo a procedure commonly known as a septoplasty, or septal reconstruction. The deviation can be diagnosed by mere observation, though sometimes a computed tomography scan of the nose may be used.

A septoplasty begins with a series of incisions made inside of the nostrils, to avoid visible scarring. From this vantage point, a layer of soft tissue known as the nasal mucosa, which lines the septum and nasal passages, is separated from the cartilage and bone so that the latter portions may be adjusted accordingly. Congenital deviations are normally the result of too much cartilage or bone protruding outward. To correct them, the surgeon will trim or shave away the excess, until the septum is in the proper shape and bearing. If the deviation is due to an injury that has bent the septum to an abnormal healed position, the surgeon may break and re-adjust the bone and cartilage. Once the septum has been stabilized, the incisions will be sutured shut, and the septum supported by plastic tubes or splints to secure the same.

After the operation, the nostrils may be packed, requiring the patient to breathe through the mouth. The patient’s head will need to be elevated for the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Swelling and bruising are to be expected during this recovery period, and the patient may be prescribed standard pain medication to deal with any discomfort. The patient will also be given a round of antibiotics to prevent infection from setting in. Gauze will be placed under the nose and taped there in order to absorb the flow of blood discharge from the healing septum region. The gauze will be changed repeatedly over one or two days until the bleeding stops, and then it and the nasal packing may be removed. The nostrils may then be irrigated with a saline solution to clear out any accumulated debris. After about one to two weeks, the patient may blow his nose as normal and go about regular activity. Patients who have had splints placed will return seven to ten days after the procedure for a follow-up examination, and to have the supports removed.

The risks of the procedure are extremely low, since a septoplasty does not involve manipulation of any major blood vessels or vital organs. In rare instances, cerebrospinal fluid may leak from the treated area, but this remote condition may be treated with nasal packing, bed rest and the use of antibiotics.

People tend to confuse a septoplasty with a rhinoplasty, as both are surgical procedures involving correction of the nose. The difference is that rhinoplasty involves more extensive reconstruction, and is usually for cosmetic purposes, while septoplasty is therapeutic in nature, and may be covered by medical insurance.