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Straighten Your Septum
& Improve Airflow

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated nasal septum, the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nasal cavity into two separate passages. When this septum is misaligned, it can obstruct airflow, leading to a range of symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, recurrent sinus infections, and snoring.

During septoplasty, your surgeon carefully adjusts the septum to a straighter position, typically by removing excess tissue or repositioning cartilage. This realignment opens up the nasal passages, allowing for improved airflow and alleviating associated symptoms. Septoplasty is often performed as an outpatient procedure under general or local anesthesia, with a relatively short recovery time. Most individuals experience significant relief from nasal obstruction and related issues, leading to improved quality of life and better overall nasal function.

Man smiling after septoplasty in Anchorage.

Septoplasty Treats:

  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Nasal congestion
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Recurrent sinus infections
  • Persistent snoring
  • Sleep disturbances caused by nasal obstruction

Schedule a consultation with our facial plastic surgeon and ENT specialist to find out if you are a good candidate for septoplasty in Anchorage.

Advantages of Septoplasty:

  • Improved nasal airflow
  • Alleviation of nasal congestion
  • Enhanced ability to breathe through the nose
  • Decreased incidence of sinus infections
  • Enhanced quality of sleep
  • Outpatient procedure with a relatively short recovery time
  • Potential improvement in the sense of smell
  • Reduced need for over-the-counter decongestants
  • Potential reduction in the risk of complications, such as headaches or ear infections
  • Enhanced ability to participate in activities requiring nasal breathing, such as sports or singing

Septoplasty FAQs

Is septoplasty performed under general anesthesia?

Septoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of the procedure. During the preoperative consultation, your surgeon will discuss the anesthesia options with you and determine the most suitable approach based on your medical history and individual needs.

What can I expect during the septoplasty procedure?

During a septoplasty in Anchorage, your surgeon will make an incision inside your nose to access the septum. They will straighten the deviated septum by removing excess tissue or repositioning cartilage. In some cases, additional procedures such as turbinate reduction or nasal valve repair may be performed to further improve nasal airflow. The procedure is usually completed within one to two hours.

What is the recovery process like after septoplasty?

After septoplasty, you can expect swelling, bruising, and nasal congestion for the first few days. You may also experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully, which may include nasal irrigation, avoiding strenuous activities, and refraining from blowing your nose. Most individuals can return to work or school within a week, although full recovery may take several weeks.

Are there any risks or complications associated with septoplasty?

Like any surgical procedure, septoplasty in Anchorage carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and septal perforation (a hole in the septum). However, these complications are relatively rare, and the majority of septoplasty procedures are successful in improving nasal function and alleviating symptoms.

Will septoplasty completely eliminate my nasal congestion?

Septoplasty aims to improve nasal airflow and alleviate symptoms such as congestion, but it may not completely eliminate nasal congestion in all cases. Other factors, such as allergies, nasal polyps, or structural abnormalities, can also contribute to nasal congestion. During the preoperative consultation, your surgeon will discuss the expected outcomes of septoplasty based on your specific circumstances.

When can I expect to see the full results of septoplasty?

You may notice an improvement in nasal breathing and symptom relief soon after septoplasty, but it may take several weeks to months to experience the full benefits of the procedure as swelling subsides and the nasal tissues heal.

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Alaska Facial Plastic Surgery and ENT is the sole practice in Alaska led by doctors who have completed three combined fellowships: facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, advanced head and neck oncology, and rhinology/skull base surgery. As an elite team of experts, we collaborate to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. If you’re considering septoplasty in Anchorage to alleviate nasal congestion or improve breathing, schedule a consultation with us today.

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