Beyond Cosmetics: How Rhinoplasty Can Correct a Deviated Septum for Better Breathing

What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is the central partition of the nose. It is made of cartilage in the front and thin bone in the back and divides the nasal cavity into two passages. Ideally, it runs straight down the center, allowing air to flow evenly through both nostrils.

When the septum is deviated, meaning it’s bent or displaced to one side, it can narrow one or both nasal passages. This uneven airflow often leads to obstruction and related symptoms.

Common causes of a deviated septum include:

• Genetics: Many people are born with a septum that is naturally misaligned.
• Trauma or injury: Even a seemingly minor injury to the nose, such as from sports, accidents, or falls, can shift the septum.
• Developmental changes: The septum may gradually shift off-center as the face grows during adolescence.

When the septum is significantly off-center, it can cause:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Mouth breathing, especially at night
• Recurrent sinus infections or sinus pressure
• Disturbed sleep, including snoring or sleep apnea symptoms

A deviated septum is one of the most common structural causes of breathing problems, but it can be effectively corrected with surgery tailored to restore both airflow and balance.

Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty vs. “Functional Rhinoplasty”

• Septoplasty straightens the internal septum to open the airway. It’s a well-established procedure for treating obstruction from septal deviation.
• Rhinoplasty reshapes the external framework of the nose.
• Functional rhinoplasty addresses airflow problems (often at the nasal valve) and may be combined with septoplasty in a single operation (septorhinoplasty). Evidence shows that nasal valve repair and functional techniques can improve disease-specific quality of life.

Does Surgery Actually Improve Breathing? What the Research Says.

• A large multicenter randomized controlled trial in the UK found that septoplasty provided greater improvement in nasal obstruction symptoms than medical therapy alone at 6 months, with benefits persisting at 12 months (measured by the validated NOSE scale)
• For patients whose blockage involves the nasal valve, studies show quality-of-life gains after valve correction—including in those with persistent symptoms after prior septoplasty
• The NOSE scale (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation) is a widely used, validated tool to track symptom change before and after treatment, helping quantify how much better you’re breathing

How Surgeons Correct a Deviated Septum During Rhinoplasty

Your surgeon accesses cartilage and bone through closed (endonasal) incisions or a small open incision at the columella, then straightens the septum, repositions or reinforces cartilage, and—if needed—supports the internal or external nasal valves with grafts. Choice of open vs. closed depends on your anatomy and goals.

Here are some benefits you can expect (beyond aesthetics):

• Freer nasal airflow and less congestion
• Reduced mouth breathing and related dryness
• Potential improvement in sleep quality and exercise tolerance
• A nose that’s proportional to your features—with function and form addressed together

We’re Here to Help You Breathe Easier

At Athēnix Advanced Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Centers, our surgeons specialize in advanced techniques that preserve the airway while creating treatment plans tailored to ensure both facial harmony and optimal breathing function. We have locations in Bellevue, Fresno, Phoenix, Irvine, and Scottsdale. During consultations, we conduct a thorough airway evaluation and discuss open and closed surgical options. We also provide clear guidance on expected outcomes using tools like the NOSE scale. Schedule your consultation today to discover how innovation, artistry, and medical science come together at Athēnix.

Sources

• Mayo Clinic – Deviated septum overview; Septoplasty procedure
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Deviated septum symptoms, diagnosis
• BMJ – Randomized controlled trial: Septoplasty vs. medical management
• Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery – Development/validation of the NOSE scale