Septoplasty – Straighten Your Nasal Septum for Better Breathing
Difficulty breathing through your nose is more than an inconvenience. For many patients, chronic nasal obstruction affects sleep quality, exercise tolerance, focus, and overall well-being. At Noses and Necks NYC, Dr. Anil Shah, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, performs septoplasty with a focus on long-term nasal function, structural stability, and individualized care.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that straightens the nasal septum—the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into left and right airways. When the septum is deviated, or shifted to one side, airflow can become restricted, making it difficult to breathe comfortably through the nose.
The goal of septoplasty is to improve nasal breathing by repositioning and supporting the septum so that airflow is more balanced and unobstructed. This procedure focuses on function, not cosmetic change, although it may be combined with rhinoplasty in select cases.
Signs You May Have a Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is common, but not everyone experiences symptoms. Septoplasty may be considered when deviation causes ongoing nasal obstruction or breathing problems, such as:
- Chronic nasal congestion on one or both sides
- Difficulty breathing through the nose during exercise
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Snoring or disrupted sleep
- Recurrent sinus pressure or facial discomfort
- A sensation of blocked airflow that does not improve with medication
If symptoms persist despite medical treatment, nasal airway surgery may be recommended after a comprehensive evaluation.
How Septoplasty Improves Nasal Breathing
Septoplasty works by correcting the underlying structural cause of nasal obstruction. Rather than treating symptoms alone, the procedure restores proper airflow by realigning the septum and supporting the nasal airway.
Because septal deviations vary in location and severity, septoplasty is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. A personalized surgical approach allows the airway to be improved while maintaining the nose’s internal support and long-term stability.
Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty serve different purposes, but they are sometimes performed together.
- Septoplasty focuses on improving breathing by correcting internal nasal obstruction
- Rhinoplasty focuses on reshaping the external appearance of the nose
For patients who have both breathing issues and cosmetic concerns, septoplasty may be combined with rhinoplasty during the same procedure. This allows functional correction and aesthetic refinement to be addressed together when appropriate.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Anil Shah is known for his advanced understanding of nasal structure and for developing refined approaches to rhinoplasty, including his proprietary 5D rhinoplasty technique. When septoplasty and rhinoplasty are performed together, careful planning helps balance nasal breathing, structural support, and aesthetic outcome. However, septoplasty is always recommended based on breathing needs first and foremost.
FAQS About Septoplasty in NYC
Who is a good candidate for septoplasty in NYC?
- Have persistent nasal obstruction that affects daily life
- Experience breathing difficulty despite medical treatment
- Have a known or suspected septal deviation
- Notice worsening symptoms during sleep or physical activity
- Want to improve nasal airflow and quality of life
A consultation is essential to determine whether septoplasty is appropriate and whether it should be performed alone or combined with rhinoplasty.
What happens during septoplasty?
What is recovery like after septoplasty?
Common aspects of recovery include:
- Temporary nasal congestion during early healing
- Mild swelling or pressure inside the nose
- Gradual improvement in airflow over several weeks
- Return to normal daily activities as directed
Follow-up care is personalized to monitor healing and ensure optimal results, especially for patients in Manhattan with busy schedules.
What are the potential risks of septoplasty?
Risks and expectations are discussed thoroughly during consultation so patients can make informed decisions.
How much does septoplasty cost in NYC?
When septoplasty is combined with rhinoplasty, cost considerations differ and are reviewed in detail during planning.
Why Choose Noses and Necks NYC for Septoplasty?
Patients choose Noses and Necks NYC for septoplasty because of the practice’s focus on nasal function, precision, and individualized care. Treatment is guided by a deep understanding of both internal nasal anatomy and external support.
Under the care of Dr. Anil Shah, patients benefit from:
- Expertise in functional nasal airway surgery
- Advanced understanding of septal structure and support
- Experience combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty when appropriate
- A refined, patient-centered approach tailored to NYC expectations
- Careful evaluation designed to improve breathing and long-term outcomes
Schedule a Septoplasty Consultation in New York City
If nasal obstruction or breathing difficulty is affecting your quality of life, surgery may be the right solution. Schedule your septoplasty consultation with Noses and Necks NYC today to take the next step toward improved nasal breathing.