Septoplasty

The septum that divides the nose into two airways is a wall made of cartilage and thin bone; it can be off-centre from birth or bend after trauma such as a blow or a fall. A deviation may also become more noticeable as the facial skeleton develops during growth.

Some degree of asymmetry is present in almost everyone, and not every deviation causes complaints. How much a deviation affects breathing varies from person to person, and the decision to intervene is determined solely by examination.

A deviated septum may be investigated in people with persistent nasal obstruction, those who have to breathe through the mouth at night, those who describe a reduced sense of smell, or those with recurrent sinus complaints. Suitability is assessed individually, taking into account general health, the internal nasal anatomy and the source of the complaints.

The septum is not always the only cause of obstruction; enlarged turbinates or allergy can add to the picture. For this reason the decision is made after a detailed ENT examination and, when needed, an endoscopic assessment.

During the examination the inside of the nose is inspected with a light or an endoscope, and the location, degree and contribution of the deviation to the obstruction are observed. Further checks may be requested if needed, and current medications, previous nasal surgery and any allergy history are reviewed.

At the consultation in İzmir/Bayraklı, expectations and complaints are discussed together; it is clarified at this stage that the procedure is a functional correction aimed only at breathing and does not carry an aesthetic goal.

Septoplasty concerns the internal structure of the nose — the wall that divides the airway — and its aim is to ease breathing. Rhinoplasty, by contrast, is directed at shaping the external appearance of the nose; the two procedures serve different goals.

When there is both a breathing-related problem and an expectation about appearance, the two can be combined in the same session under the name septorhinoplasty. Whether such a combined plan is appropriate depends entirely on the examination findings and the person's wishes.

In the first days there may be a feeling of fullness, some blood-tinged discharge and a sense of blockage; a silicone splint or sutures may be used to support the internal structure and are removed at a follow-up. Mouth breathing may temporarily increase during this period.

Relief in breathing becomes gradually more apparent as internal swelling subsides, and this timeframe varies from person to person. Following the advice given — such as recommended nasal care, avoiding nose-blowing and avoiding heavy exertion — supports recovery.