Can a deviated septum be corrected with rhinoplasty?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 28, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Can a deviated septum be detected by a CT scan?

A CT scan can detect a deviated nasal septum, which is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically due to abnormal development of the nasal septum during the embryonic stage or from trauma or pressure from nasal tumors. When the nasal septum is deviated, it can cause persistent nasal congestion on both sides, as well as facial swelling, headaches, and may also lead to sinusitis or nasal polyps. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscopic examination using an electronic nasal endoscope and a sinus CT scan at the hospital. If the deviation of the nasal septum is severe and accompanied by nasal congestion and headaches, surgical correction of the deviated septum may be necessary to completely resolve the symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
50sec home-news-image

What medicine to take for a deviated septum?

Nasal septal deviation is a structural abnormality, primarily involving the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum leaning towards one side of the nasal cavity. Clinically, this may result in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Generally, these symptoms alone, simply due to the deviated septum, do not require any medication for treatment. However, if the symptoms caused by the deviated septum are severe, we can use some medications, such as drugs for treating rhinitis, including traditional Chinese medicine formulas like Rhino Clear Granules, and also some vitamins to enhance the quality of the nasal mucosa. The fragility of the nasal mucosa can lead to nosebleeds. Of course, a more important treatment is surgical correction of the deviated septum.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
1min 9sec home-news-image

Postoperative Care for Deviated Septum Surgery

Postoperative care after septoplasty mainly involves the following points: Since nasal packing is generally required after septal surgery, the physical condition of the person is quite painful during this period. Some people may experience headaches, continuous nasal discharge or even bleeding, nasal congestion, and some might even feel ear stuffiness and dry throat, etc. Therefore, it is important to rest after the surgery. Also, it is important not to be too anxious or impatient, cooperate with the doctor for appropriate treatment, and not to worry too much about recurrent symptoms of nasal bleeding, as these are normal occurrences. Once the nasal packing is removed, these symptoms will gradually improve. After the nasal packing is removed, care should be taken not to blow the nose forcefully, especially to avoid sneezing vigorously, as this may cause complications like nasal septal hematoma. After stitches are removed, it is crucial to avoid pressing on the nasal bridge forcefully, as protecting the nose in this way is key to ensuring proper nasal shape development.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

Symptoms of a deviated septum

The symptoms of a deviated nasal septum can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals with a mild deviation might not exhibit any obvious clinical symptoms and are only diagnosed during a physical examination or an endoscopic nasal examination. However, if the deviation is more pronounced, it may cause various symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, nosebleeds, headaches, and dizziness. In some cases, it can also lead to sinusitis, characterized by sudden acute purulent nasal discharge, nasal congestion, headaches, and a reduced sense of smell. Overall, this is a relatively common condition and most patients see good results after timely and standard medical treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
51sec home-news-image

How is a deviated nasal septum caused?

In this situation, we need to consider various factors. The most common primary cause is a congenital uneven development of the nasal septum, which leads to what we call congenital deviation of the nasal septum. Another cause is abnormal development or injury acquired later in life. For example, one common issue is children who snore loudly for extended periods during sleep and breathe through their mouths; they can develop enlarged adenoids, which might cause the upper jaw to protrude. This, in turn, can lead to abnormal development and deviation of the nasal septum. Additionally, injuries often occur when children are playing or accidentally during physical activities, leading to a direct impact on the nasal septum. Without immediate and proper attention, this can cause a deviation in the septum as development continues.