Can a deviated septum be corrected with rhinoplasty?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 28, 2025
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Patients with a deviated septum undergoing rhinoplasty may be impacted, leading to the failure of the surgery. Excessive deviation of the nasal septum can cause narrowing of the anterior nostrils, making it difficult for the endoscope to enter the nasal cavity and increasing the difficulty of the surgery for the patient. Therefore, if a patient is found to have a noticeable septal deviation before rhinoplasty, it is usually necessary to first perform a submucosal septal correction surgery to correct it, and then proceed with the rhinoplasty after recovery. Moreover, in the operating room, we should operate carefully to avoid damaging the bony part of the nasal dorsum to prevent the collapse of the nasal bridge.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat a deviated nasal septum?

The treatment of a deviated nasal septum primarily depends on the severity of the condition. If it is a minor deviation without noticeable clinical symptoms, most people can simply be observed and may not require specific treatment. However, if the deviation is significant and accompanied by clinical symptoms, such as frequent poor nasal ventilation, particularly blocked nostrils on the deviated side, as well as possible nosebleeds or headaches, surgery might be considered. Currently, corrective surgery for a deviated nasal septum under endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. Although there are certain risks associated with the surgery, the overall risk is not high. After surgical treatment, most patients are able to recover normally.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Septal deviation resection

Deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in our department of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. It refers to the cartilage and bone of the nasal septum deviating towards one or both sides of the nasal cavities, leading to clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Typically, a CT scan is conducted to determine the extent of the deviation, and then, combined with clinical symptoms, surgery is performed to correct the deviated nasal septum. The surgery mainly involves removing the deviated cartilage and bone, and then repositioning the nasal septum to a central position, thus eliminating the symptoms caused by the deviated nasal septum.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum cause rhinitis?

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone tissues of the nasal septum are skewed towards one side of the nasal cavity. This structural deviation can lead to nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and even headaches. If these symptoms are not present, it might be that the septum is deviated but not severely so. However, if these symptoms do appear, then it is necessary to address the deviated septum. There is an inevitable connection between a deviated septum and rhinitis, meaning a deviated septum will certainly lead to rhinitis. Rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, the presence of a deviated septum will definitely cause rhinitis. Thus, actively treating a deviated septum greatly aids in the recovery from rhinitis.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be treated without surgery?

Whether surgery is required for a deviated septum primarily depends on the clinical symptoms of the patient. Deviated septum is a common condition in otolaryngology, with over 90% of people having some form of septal deviation. It is mainly caused by abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or by later traumatic injuries, fractures, or pressure from nasal tumors causing the septum to deviate to one or both sides. After the septum deviates, it can lead to persistent nasal congestion and is also associated with pain in the eyes and face, and headaches. A deviated septum can also lead to complications such as sinusitis and nasal polyps. A detailed examination at a hospital, typically using an endoscope, can confirm the diagnosis. If a patient with a deviated septum experiences no symptoms, no treatment may be necessary. However, if the patient suffers from persistent nasal congestion accompanied by headaches, then localized corrective surgery may be required.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be cured?

A deviated nasal septum can be cured. Firstly, a deviated nasal septum generally arises congenitally or from trauma, leading to the deviation. Most patients have cartilage deviation, and a small portion have bony deviation. In terms of treatment, firstly it is necessary to evaluate the degree of deviation and the clinical symptoms. If it is just a minor deviation without significant clinical manifestations, treatment may not be necessary, and regular check-ups will suffice. However, if the clinical symptoms are noticeable and the degree of deviation is severe, then surgical correction should be considered. Currently, considering endoscopic septoplasty can achieve a cure.