Can a deviated nasal septum undergo rhinoplasty?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 21, 2025
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A deviated nasal septum is a contraindication for rhinoplasty, as undergoing the procedure can lead to a skewed nasal bridge. Deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, generally related to abnormalities in the development of the nasal septum during embryonic stages or to acquired trauma to the nasal septum.

A deviated nasal septum can lead to symptoms such as a crooked nasal bridge, persistent nasal congestion on both sides, facial swelling, pain, and headaches. It is necessary to visit a hospital for a thorough examination using an endoscope and sinus CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. During the examination, the nasal septum may be found to be deviated to one or both sides in an S-shaped or C-shaped curve.

In terms of treatment, a mild deviated nasal septum may not require any intervention. However, if the patient experiences nasal congestion, headaches, and other related symptoms, local surgical treatment is necessary. Only after the nasal septum is centrally aligned through surgery, can rhinoplasty be considered.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you wear a ventilator with a deviated nasal septum?

People with a deviated nasal septum should generally avoid using breathing machines, as the deviation is a bony misalignment that can cause persistent nasal congestion. If a breathing machine is used, the airflow from the machine can irritate the nasal septum membrane, leading to erosion, and in severe cases, cause local rupture and bleeding. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequent condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by abnormal nasal septum development during the embryonic stage, or by subsequent trauma or tumoral pressure, causing the septum to deviate to one or both sides. This deviation can lead to continuous bilateral nasal congestion, along with a sensation of a foreign body in the nasal passages, swelling, headaches, and other related symptoms. It is advised to consult a hospital for an examination, where a diagnosis can be confirmed with an endoscope. For treatment, the deviated nasal septum usually requires surgical correction, which can effectively cure the condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Deviated Nasal Septum

A deviated septum refers to the condition where the cartilage and bone structure of the nasal septum are off to one side or both sides of the nasal cavities, resulting in symptoms such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and headaches. Clinically, the formation of a deviated septum is commonly caused by trauma. Other factors include congenital and acquired reasons. Congenitally, it may be due to compression during childbirth, and acquired reasons may include conditions like rhinitis or enlarged adenoids, leading to nasal dysfunction. This affects the development of the nasal septum, particularly the uneven growth of the septal cartilage and bones, which results in the deviation of the septum, primarily due to these factors.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Does a deviated septum require surgery?

First, it is necessary to ascertain the degree of deviation, as a normal person's nasal septum is usually somewhat deviated. It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology department to complete relevant examinations to determine the extent of the deviation, and then decide on the next steps. If the deviation is severe and accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion and nasal discharge, surgical treatment may be considered. However, for those who do not have symptoms and whose breathing is not affected, surgery is generally not considered. Therefore, the decision should be based on clinical symptoms and the degree of deviation. After surgery, it is important to rest, avoid strenuous activity, keep the area clean and dry, and prevent infection.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long after septoplasty under general anesthesia can one get out of bed?

After general anesthesia surgery for a deviated nasal septum, patients can freely move in bed after 6 hours, but should wait at least 24 hours before getting out of bed and moving around to avoid the effects of the anesthesia. A deviated nasal septum is a common and frequently occurring condition in otolaryngology, typically caused by congenital abnormalities in the development of the nasal septum. This condition may lead to persistent, progressive nasal congestion on both sides, along with pain in the facial area, headaches, and a deviated nasal septum. It can also trigger nasal sinusitis and nasal polyps in patients. A detailed examination at the hospital with an electronic nasal endoscope and sinus CT scan can provide a diagnosis. In terms of treatment, if a mild nasal septum deviation presents no clinical symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, if the patient suffers from nasal congestion, headaches, or other related symptoms, local surgical correction may be required. Patients typically recover and are discharged about a week after the surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can a deviated nasal septum be treated without surgery?

A deviated nasal septum does not necessarily require surgery. The treatment for a deviated nasal septum mainly depends on the severity of the deviation and clinical symptoms. If it's just a minor deviation without obvious clinical manifestations, most patients don't need specific treatment. Generally, they can just be rechecked in the near future to observe any changes. However, if the deviation is significant and accompanied by clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, nosebleeds, runny nose, headaches, or dizziness, surgery might need to be considered. Currently, the surgery can be conducted under endoscopy as a nasal septum deviation correction surgery or as a nasal septoplasty. Overall, the surgery is not very traumatic, and generally, the results are quite definitive. Typically, the recovery period is about two weeks.