Your nostrils are separated by a structure known as the septum. Made of bone and cartilage, the septum is supposed to be straight, promoting clear and consistent breathing. If you routinely struggle with congestion, troubled breathing, frequent sinus obstructions, or migraines, you may have a deviated (or crooked) septum to blame. Through a procedure known as septoplasty, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brad Gandolfi can straighten your septum and alleviate breathing difficulties. Septoplasty offers long-lasting relief, enabling you to breathe clearly, sleep deeply, and enjoy a better quality of life every day.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated septum by straightening and reshaping the structures inside the nose. When the septum leans to one side, it can block airflow through the nasal passages, leading to chronic congestion, snoring, or difficulty sleeping.
During septoplasty surgery, Dr. Gandolfi repositions or removes deviated portions of bone and cartilage to open the nasal airway and restore natural airflow. This outpatient procedure focuses on function rather than appearance, leaving the external nose unchanged while delivering lasting relief from nasal obstruction and sinus pressure. Some patients combine septoplasty with rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, to refine both the function and appearance of the nose.
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Gandolfi offers two basic options for nasal surgery: septoplasty and rhinoplasty. While both of these surgeries involve restructuring the nose, they have different objectives. Septoplasty is focused on straightening the septum to address breathing and congestion problems, while rhinoplasty may involve the repositioning of bone and cartilage to achieve certain cosmetic effects, including changes to the size, shape, and proportions of the nose.
While the two surgeries differ in their goals, they can also work together harmoniously. If you are experiencing breathing problems due to a deviated septum, and also have aesthetic changes you’d like to make to your nose, talk with Dr. Gandolfi about having the two surgeries performed simultaneously.
Before you have septoplasty performed, you may have some questions about what the procedure entails. While the specifics can change from patient to patient, here is an overview of what you can expect.
Your journey will begin with a phone call from a member of our team, providing you with a chance to discuss your medical history and goals before scheduling your consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Gandolfi will perform a physical examination, review diagnostic images of your nose and airways, and talk with you about your symptoms. If you are combining your septoplasty with rhinoplasty, Dr. Gandolfi will ask you about your aesthetic goals. You will also have a chance to ask any questions and learn more about the anesthesia options provided. You can expect the consultation to last around half an hour.
Before your procedure, Dr. Gandolfi and his team will provide you with a full set of instructions, advising you to take simple steps like quitting smoking, discontinuing certain supplements, and fasting for a few hours before your surgery.
Upon your arrival at our surgery center, you will be warmly welcomed by our surgical team. They will guide you to your operating suite and administer anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
For your septoplasty, Dr. Gandolfi will make incisions inside the nose, meaning there should be no visible scarring following your surgery. Through these incisions, Dr. Gandolfi will straighten your septum by trimming, repositioning, and replacing bone or cartilage. In some cases, soft silicone splints may be inserted to help fortify the septum and keep it straight.
Septoplasty is an effective treatment for structural nasal issues that interfere with healthy airflow.
Common conditions include:
By reshaping the nasal septum, removing deviated portions, and correcting septal deviation, Dr. Gandolfi restores better airflow and long-lasting comfort.
Septoplasty is a quick, outpatient procedure that provides long-term functional relief by improving airflow through the nasal passages and balancing the pressure on both sides of the nasal cavity. Patients often experience a dramatic reduction in nasal obstruction, improved sleep quality, and relief from chronic congestion and sinus infections. With a straightened septum and open airways, many notice enhanced exercise performance and a greater ability to breathe easily throughout the day and night.
Because septoplasty surgery is performed internally through a small incision inside the nose, there are no visible scars, and downtime is minimal. The healing process is typically smooth, and once the septum stabilizes, the results are permanent. Patients who choose to combine septoplasty with rhinoplasty or sinus surgery can address both functional and cosmetic concerns in a single procedure, thereby reducing their total recovery time.
Septoplasty Is Generally Ideal For:
It is Not So Great For:
Dr. Gandolfi will assess your symptoms and goals, conduct a thorough examination, and help you determine the best approach for your specific needs.
Following your septoplasty, you can anticipate some pain, swelling, and congestion.
These symptoms will typically clear up on their own within a week’s time and can be managed with medication and cold compresses. For deviated septums, internal silicone splints are used for a week to guide the healing to the center of the nose. These are removed in the office.
Dr. Gandolfi and his team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and offer attentive support throughout your recovery to ensure a smooth healing process and optimal results.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with offices in New York City and Englewood, NJ. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and is a member of The Aesthetic Society, a by-invitation-only society for doctors with experience and excellence in cosmetic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery degree at Duke University Medical Center and spent additional training in facial surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Gandolfi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
Most patients notice substantial improvement in nasal breathing and sinus comfort within the first few days after surgery, once initial swelling subsides. As healing progresses over the next few weeks, the nasal airway continues to open, allowing for better airflow and long-term relief from congestion and pressure.
Because the nasal septum is permanently repositioned, the results of septoplasty are long-lasting, and most people enjoy clear breathing for life. With proper care, you can expect a full return to normal breathing and a dramatic improvement in your overall quality of life.
At the forefront of this specialized field is Dr. Brad Gandolfi, a highly skilled and double board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr Gandolfi researched computational flow dynamics of the nose at Duke before spending an additional year of training in facial surgery at UCLA. With a distinguished career marked by extensive experience and a commitment to patient well-being, Dr. Gandolfi possesses a profound understanding of facial anatomy and the intricate details involved in performing septoplasty procedures. His expertise ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs, aiming for optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Our team is ready to assist you in scheduling an appointment and answering any initial questions you may have. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Gandolfi, contact us at (212) 287-7211.
While surgery always entails risk, you can minimize risk by working with a trained and experienced surgeon. Dr. Brad Gandolfi is double board-certified, signifying a high level of training and robust surgical knowledge. He uses gentle, precise techniques to minimize rare risks associated with septoplasty, such as septal perforation or excessive bleeding
For septoplasty, you may wish to take up to five days off from work, allowing some time for your body to heal and for swelling to subside.
Dr. Gandolfi customizes each septoplasty based on the complexity of your nasal anatomy and the degree of septal deviation. For most patients, a septoplasty can be performed using incisions on the inside of the nose and cameras. However, in cases of severe deviation or deviation of the top or bottom of the septum, more extensive surgery may be needed.
Most insurance plans will cover the cost of a septoplasty. Our office can help you navigate any questions or concerns you have related to insurance or financing for your procedure.
By carefully following aftercare guidelines and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, you can extend the results of your septoplasty indefinitely.
If you have experienced significant breathing problems or quality-of-life issues due to a deviated septum, having a septoplasty may be the best way to get lasting relief.
