Introduction to Nasal Septum Deviation

The nasal septum is a thin strip of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passage into two cavities. When it is displaced to one side, either from birth or due to an injury, this is called a deviated septum. Having a slightly deviated septum is common and doesn’t cause health problems for most people. However, a more severe deviation may obstruct airflow, impede breathing through the nose, cause snoring, and block the sinuses from draining (source: NYU Langone Health).

Causes of Nasal Septum Deviation

• Genetic Factors: Some individuals are born with a predisposition to a deviated septum. The shape and structure of the nasal bones and cartilage can be inherited, leading to a deviated septum from birth.
• Birth Trauma: Complications during childbirth can sometimes cause a deviated septum. The pressure exerted on the baby's nose during delivery can lead to misalignment of the nasal septum.
• Injury: This is one of the most common causes of a deviated septum. A blow to the nose, such as from a sports injury, an automobile accident, or a fall, can cause the septum to become crooked or misaligned. For example, a nose fracture can easily displace the septum from its normal position.

Symptoms of Nasal Septum Deviation

The symptoms of a deviated septum can vary depending on the severity of the deviation. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Restricted Airflow: A deviated septum can cause partial or complete blockage of one or both nostrils, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This can lead to mouth - breathing, especially during sleep.
• Sinus Infections: When the septum is deviated, it can block the sinus pathways from properly draining. This can cause mucus to accumulate in the sinuses, leading to recurrent sinus infections. Symptoms of sinus infections may include facial pain, pressure, and discolored nasal discharge.
• Nasal Congestion: Obstruction of the nasal passages due to a deviated septum can result in chronic nasal congestion. This can make the nose feel stuffy and may be accompanied by a runny nose.
• Snoring and Sleep Apnea: A deviated septum can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Snoring is also a common symptom, as the restricted airflow through the nose can cause vibrations in the airway.
• Nosebleeds: In some cases, a deviated septum can cause irritation and dryness of the nasal mucosa, leading to nosebleeds. The constant friction against the deviated septum can also damage the blood vessels in the nose.
• Post - Nasal Drip: The blockage of the nasal passages can cause mucus to drip down the back of the throat, leading to post - nasal drip. This can cause a sore throat, coughing, and a feeling of something being stuck in the throat.

Treatment Options for Nasal Septum Deviation

Non - Surgical Treatments

For mild cases of nasal septum deviation, non - surgical treatments may be sufficient to manage the symptoms. These treatments include:

• Medication:
  • Nasal Steroid Sprays: These sprays can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, alleviating congestion and other symptoms. They work by reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.
  • Decongestants: Oral or nasal decongestants can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages. However, they should not be used for an extended period as they can cause rebound congestion.
  • Antihistamines: If allergies are contributing to the symptoms, antihistamines can be used to block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. This can help reduce sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
• Nasal Irrigation: Using a saline solution to rinse the nasal passages can help clear mucus, reduce congestion, and keep the nasal mucosa moist. This can be done using a neti pot, a squeeze bottle, or a nasal irrigation device.

Surgical Treatments

When non - surgical treatments fail to relieve the symptoms, surgery may be recommended. The most common surgical procedure for correcting a deviated septum is septoplasty.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. Also referred to as septal reconstruction or submucous septal resection, this corrective surgery straightens the partition between the two nasal cavities known as the nasal septum so that it runs down the center of the nose in the ideal anatomical formation (source: Cangello Plastic Surgery).

Procedure

Septoplasty is generally done under general anesthesia. The surgeon will usually make an incision on the lower portion of the septum, known as the caudal septum. Then, the surgeon works through the nostrils to access the bone and cartilage targeted in the procedure. The steps typically include:

1. Exposing the deviated septum by elevating the mucosal lining that covers the bony and cartilaginous portions of the septum.
2. Freeing the cartilage portion of the septum from its attachments to the bone.
3. Removing and/or repositioning any cartilage or bone that is causing obstruction or narrowing of the airway.
4. Realigning the remaining portion of the bone and cartilage that has been preserved for structural support within the nasal cavity.
5. Closure of the incision. In some cases, a splint, small plastic tubes, or internal sutures may be used to temporarily stabilize the septum.

Septoplasty can be performed using a closed or open technique or via an endoscope. The method used depends on the patient's unique anatomy and needs.

Candidates for Septoplasty

This surgery is typically indicated for individuals with recurrent rhinitis, a deviated septum, or other chronic sinusitis. Septoplasty can also be performed to alleviate recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to septal impaction or septal spur. It can also be done for cosmetic purposes to straighten a crooked or deviated nose. However, septoplasty should not be performed on patients presenting with acute sinus or nasal infection. Individuals with untreated diabetes, bleeding diathesis, or severe hypertension are not candidates for septoplasty (source: Cangello Plastic Surgery).

Risks and Recovery

Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure that has a very low risk of complications. When performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, it is both safe and effective. However, rare complications such as bleeding, septal hematoma, septal perforation, and hyposmia (decreased sense of smell) have been reported (source: Cangello Plastic Surgery). During recovery, patients can expect mild to moderate tenderness or pain at the front of the nose, as well as stuffiness due to swelling. Nasal drainage of blood and mucous is also common. Swelling and congestion inside the nose usually last between two and three days, and drainage may continue for up to five days. Over - the - counter (otc) medications usually suffice, but the surgeon may prescribe a pain reliever for the first day following surgery as well as a saline spray or irrigation treatment several times per day for the week following surgery to clear any nasal congestion. Full recovery generally takes one to two months.

Top 5 Popular Hospitals for Nasal Septum Deviation Correction in New York City

1. NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone otolaryngologists — also known as ear, nose, and throat, or ENT, doctors — and plastic surgeons can determine the exact degree of septum displacement and if any other factors contribute to an obstructed nasal passage. Their specialists create an individualized care plan designed to address any problems related to a deviated septum, ensuring that treatment helps patients breathe more easily. If medical treatment fails to relieve symptoms related to a deviated septum, the hospital offers a variety of minimally invasive outpatient procedures to reposition the septum and address other causes of nasal obstruction (source: NYU Langone Health).

Expertise and Services

• Comprehensive Evaluation: The doctors at NYU Langone conduct thorough evaluations to determine the root cause of the nasal septum deviation and any associated problems. This includes a detailed physical examination, imaging studies if necessary, and a review of the patient's medical history.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the evaluation, the hospital's specialists create personalized treatment plans for each patient. These plans take into account the patient's specific needs, preferences, and overall health.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: NYU Langone offers minimally invasive outpatient procedures for septum correction. These procedures are associated with less pain, shorter recovery times, and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgeries.
• Research and Education: The hospital is involved in research and professional education opportunities in the field of otolaryngology — head and neck surgery and plastic surgery. This ensures that the doctors are up - to - date with the latest advancements in the treatment of nasal septum deviation.

2. Healthgrades - Associated Facilities

Healthgrades has identified several top - rated doctors in New York who perform nasal septum surgery. These doctors are associated with various hospitals and clinics in the city. For example, some of the highly rated doctors like Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, Dr. Mukesh Prasad, and Dr. Andrea Wang are located at 1305 York Avenue 5th floor, New York, NY 10021 and are likely affiliated with well - known medical institutions. Doctors who perform nasal septum surgery in this region have an average rating of 4.3 stars, and the providers recommended by Healthgrades have at least 3 or more past patient ratings, indicating their experience and patient satisfaction (source: Healthgrades).

Benefits of Choosing Healthgrades - Associated Doctors

• Reputation and Experience: The doctors recommended by Healthgrades have a proven track record of providing high - quality care. Their high ratings and patient reviews are a testament to their skills and expertise in nasal septum surgery.
• Multiple Options: Healthgrades lists a large number of doctors in New York who perform nasal septum surgery. This gives patients a wide range of options to choose from based on their location, doctor's specialty, and personal preferences.
• Patient - Centered Care: These doctors are likely to focus on patient - centered care, taking the time to understand the patient's concerns and goals. They will work closely with the patient to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for them.

3. WebMD - Referred Providers

WebMD lists many providers in New York City who offer deviated nasal septum treatment. New York, NY has 1228 deviated nasal septum treatment results with an average of 28 years of experience and a total of 22503 reviews. Providers such as Dr. Michael Eugene Jones, Dr. Andrew Jacono, and Dr. Samara Spring Churgin are among those listed. WebMD also provides information on the doctors' awards, years of experience, and whether they are accepting new patients. This helps patients make more informed decisions when choosing a doctor for their nasal septum correction (source: WebMD).

Advantages of Using WebMD for Doctor Selection

• Comprehensive Information: WebMD provides detailed information about each doctor, including their specialties, years of experience, awards, and patient reviews. This allows patients to compare different doctors and choose the one that best meets their needs.
• Insurance Information: WebMD makes it easy to find doctors who take a patient's insurance plan. After searching for doctors by condition, patients can click the "insurance" option in the search filter and then select their specific insurance provider.
• Virtual Visit Options: For patients who prefer a virtual visit instead of an in - person appointment, WebMD indicates which doctors offer this service. This is especially convenient for patients who have difficulty traveling or for those who want to consult a doctor from the comfort of their own home.

4. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery specializes in septoplasty in NYC. He offers personalized septoplasty procedures tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. Dr. Cangello has in - depth knowledge of the nasal structure and uses advanced techniques to correct the deviated septum. The clinic focuses on both the functional and aesthetic aspects of nasal surgery, aiming to improve the patient's breathing while also enhancing the appearance of the nose if desired (source: Cangello Plastic Surgery).

Features of Cangello Plastic Surgery

• Personalized Approach: Dr. Cangello understands that every septum is unique. He takes the time to evaluate each patient's individual situation and designs a customized septoplasty plan to achieve the best results.
• Advanced Techniques: The clinic uses the latest surgical techniques for septoplasty, including closed, open, and endoscopic approaches. Dr. Cangello selects the most appropriate technique based on the patient's needs and anatomy.
• Post - Operative Care: Cangello Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive post - operative care to ensure a smooth recovery for the patients. This includes pain management, instructions on nasal care, and follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process.

5. ENT - New York

Dr. Edward Shin at ENT - New York offers septoplasty in NYC to help patients improve their breathing and overall quality of life. Septoplasty at this clinic can correct septal deviations caused by trauma, injury, or genetics. The procedure removes septal obstructions that block airflow through the nose, improves breathing, and can relieve congestion, nasal discharge, and dryness. The clinic also often combines septoplasty with other sinus surgery techniques, such as turbinate reduction, to achieve comprehensive results (source: ENT - New York).

Highlights of ENT - New York

• Comprehensive Treatment: ENT - New York offers a comprehensive approach to nasal septum deviation treatment. In addition to septoplasty, they can address other related sinus problems through combined surgical techniques.
• Long - Lasting Results: The septoplasty procedures at this clinic are designed to achieve long - lasting results. The doctors provide follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure that the patient's breathing and other symptoms continue to improve over time.
• Patient Education: The clinic focuses on patient education, making sure that patients understand the procedure, its benefits, and the recovery process. Dr. Shin takes the time to answer all the patient's questions and concerns before and after the surgery.

Conclusion

Nasal septum deviation can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing breathing difficulties, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections. However, with the advancements in medical technology and the expertise of top hospitals in New York City, there are effective treatment options available. Whether it's non - surgical treatments for mild cases or surgical procedures like septoplasty for more severe deviations, patients have a wide range of choices. The top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article - NYU Langone Health, Healthgrades - associated facilities, WebMD - referred providers, Cangello Plastic Surgery, and ENT - New York - offer high - quality care, experienced doctors, and personalized treatment plans.

If you are experiencing symptoms of nasal septum deviation, it is important to consult a medical professional. You can schedule a consultation with one of the hospitals or doctors mentioned in this article to get a proper diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for you. Share this article with others who may be suffering from nasal septum deviation to help them make informed decisions about their health.