Septoplasty in Pittsburgh, PA

When Pittsburgh area patients come to see plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau for rhinoplasty, many times, he will diagnose the issue as a deviated septum, which essentially needs septoplasty to correct. The septum is a critical structure within the nose made of tissue and bone to separate the two nasal passages and support airflow. When this passageway is not straight, men, women and children can experience breathing issues and other nasal symptoms. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated septum to improve symptoms and produce a normal appearing nose. Dr. Fernau understands that rhinoplasty and septoplasty are complex procedures more akin to art than mere surgery. He customizes each procedure based on the personal and aesthetic goals of the patient so that the nose functions properly and looks natural.

• Improved breathing function

• Better sleep quality

• Reduces or eliminates snoring and/or sleep apnea

• Fewer sinus infections and sinus headaches

• Less likely to get nosebleeds

• Safe, effective, minimally-invasive procedure

• Short recovery time

• Improvements can often be noticed within 48 – 72 hours

• Can be performed together with cosmetic rhinoplasty

During septoplasty surgery, the deviated septum structure is reshaped through an incision made inside the nose. The surgeon will lift and separate the septum tissue to fully access the misaligned bone and cartilage. The surgeon will close the incision with sutures and place a splint inside the nose to align the septum as it heals. Some surgeons may use nose packing to help control bleeding.

As an outpatient procedure, septoplasty is performed in an accredited surgical facility under general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes between 1 and 2 hours. Recovery takes between 7 and 10 days. Patients should expect bruising and swelling under the eyes and around the nose immediately after the procedure. The final results will not set in for 3 months or longer after surgery.

Because septoplasty is a customized procedure, the price depends on the physical needs of the patient. Patients can expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,500; however, a portion of the cost can be covered by medical insurance. Patients are encouraged to ask about their insurance coverage to determine the final cost of the procedure.

Even though septoplasty is used to correct breathing problems, some patients undergo septoplasty to correct medical issues from a deviated septum. However, a loss of cartilage or bone and cartilage grafting can change the appearance of the nose. Highly skilled surgeons with experience in septoplasty knows the technique needed to make natural and subtle changes.

The most common cause of a deviated septum is birth trauma because most individuals are born with a deviated septum. As people age, the symptoms gradually worsen. Even though a majority of adults have a deviated septum, not everyone has severe symptoms that require surgery. Another common cause is trauma later in life.

Even though most ENT specialists are able to perform septoplasty, they do not have the skills to preserve the look and shape of the nose like plastic surgeons do. Patients should find a cosmetic surgeon that can perform both a septoplasty and rhinoplasty at the same time.