Surgery for Deviated Septum
Breathing problems can occur when the airflow through the nose becomes narrowed or obstructed as a result of nasal septal deviation. If the narrowing disrupts the flow of air through your nose, plastic surgeons may recommend a procedure known as a septoplasty to repair the narrowing of the nasal passage. A septoplasty is a surgical procedure that allows plastic surgeons to open up and clear cartilage that is blocking the flow of air.
A deviated septum is one of the most common reasons why someone would have obstruction or narrowing of their nasal passage. This occurs when the large piece of septum that divides your nostrils bends toward one side, causing it to close down when you take a big breath in. In the presence of severe nasal obstruction, patients may notice excessive dryness, bleeding, mucosal crusting, and disturbances in sleep.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica understands the subtleties of nasal surgery, opting to perform septoplasty for patients who are happy with the cosmetic appearance of the nose but have complaints of poor breathing. He is a board certified plastic surgeon and a specialist in nose surgery.
A septoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure that repairs the narrowing of the nasal passages by removing or recontouring the nasal septum. The procedure is performed using very small incisions placed within the mucosa of the nose. Once the crooked cartilage is identified, it is either repositioned back into place or removed to open up the obstruction.
Septoplasty is performed in our center for the relief of nasal obstruction. Dr. Karamanoukian and his team can help you submit appropriate paperwork to your insurance to help obtain surgical authorization for the procedure. In most cases, PPO insurance carriers authorize septoplasty in Santa Monica provided that there are symptoms that affect quality of life that are not responsive to conservative therapy.