Deviated
Septum
The nasal septum is comprised of bone and cartilage and
divides the nose into two sides. Occasionally the septum
is crooked or deviated and occludes the breathing passages.
This may occur naturally or from trauma to the nose. Many
individuals have mild deviation and are without symptoms.
These individuals may develop symptoms when swelling occurs
in the nose, either from infection or allergies.
When a severe deflection is present,
difficulty breathing through the nose may occur at all times.
Surgery to correct the deviation may be beneficial. Surgery
is performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately
one hour. Drs. Lee and Jordan do not place packing or splints
in the nose post-operatively, which significantly decreases
post-operative discomfort. Recovery time is typically one
week. All surgery is performed inside the nose and no external
scar will result. In addition, no bruising or swelling of
the outside of the nose will result. Marked improvement
in nasal breathing will usually be evident within 2 weeks
of surgery. |
