The Predicted List of Septum Deviation Correction Surgery in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

In New York City, septum deviation correction surgery, commonly known as septoplasty, is a procedure that addresses a misaligned nasal septum. A deviated septum can cause various health issues, including breathing difficulties, sinus problems, and snoring. This article will delve into the details of septum deviation correction surgery in New York City, covering aspects such as what a deviated septum is, who is a suitable candidate for the surgery, the types of surgical approaches, the procedure itself, recovery, risks, and more.

What is a Deviated Septum?

The septum is a vertical column of bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils. It keeps both nostrils symmetrical, allowing air to flow properly through the nasal cavity without obstruction. A deviated septum occurs when this partition is crooked or misaligned. This can lead to the partial or complete blockage of one or both airway passages.

There are various causes of a deviated septum. Some are genetic, passed down from parents. Others result from a childhood injury, such as a fall or a blow to the nose during contact sports. Physical trauma from automobile accidents is also a common cause. In certain cases, a septal deviation may be caused by an injury or complication during childbirth.

Many people may have a slightly deviated septum without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. However, a more severe deviation can cause a range of problems. These include restricted airflow on one or both sides of the nose, total obstruction of airflow through one or both nostrils, sinus blockages that lead to reoccurring sinus infections, nasal dryness, chronic nosebleeds, and snoring.

Relevant Anatomy for a Deviated Septum

The septum is composed of several components, each of which may contribute to a deviated nasal septum. These include:

• Septal cartilage: This is the flexible cartilage at the front of the septum that gives the nose its shape.
• Ethmoid bone: It is a light, spongy bone located between the eyes and forms part of the nasal cavity's roof and lateral walls.
• Vomer bone: A thin, flat bone that forms the posterior and inferior part of the nasal septum.
• Maxillary crest: It provides support to the lower part of the septum.

Who is a Good Candidate for Septoplasty?

Not all patients with a deviated septum require septoplasty surgery or treatment. It is essential to consider the degree of septal deviation and if the symptoms correspond to the objective findings on examination. For example, someone with reduced nasal breathing on one side all the time and a septum that is deviated to that side may be a good candidate for a deviated septum surgery. On the other hand, a patient with an intermittent nasal obstruction that jumps from one side to the other and a slightly deviated septum to one side is likely not a good candidate for septoplasty surgery.

Studies estimate that about 10% of the global population suffers from nasal congestion, and a deviated septum is one major reason for it, existing in 40 - 60% of the population. However, the majority of these issues do not need to be surgically corrected.

There are several reasons beyond nasal breathing obstruction to consider a deviated septum treatment. These include:

• Bleeding: A deviation may expose part of the septum to dry air and cause bleeding episodes.
• Facial pain: A condition called Sluder’s neuralgia can be caused by a deviated septum impinging on nerves inside the nose.
• Sleep apnea: Studies have shown better tolerance of sleep apnea masks after nasal septoplasty, though the sleep apnea itself is unlikely to improve.

Types of Surgical Approaches for Septoplasty

There are several types of approaches to septoplasty surgery, each with its own indications and advantages:

Closed Approach

This is the most common type of septoplasty. It involves making an internal incision to expose the cartilage. This approach is less invasive and may result in less external scarring. It is suitable for many cases where the deviation is not extremely severe.

Open Approach

A less common choice for deviated septum surgery, the open approach involves making an incision on the outside of the nose (hidden at the columella) and the inside. This more advanced approach is useful when the front part of the septum (caudal septum) badly deviates and a more extensive septoplasty procedure is required. It allows for better visualization of the septum and more precise correction, but it may also have a longer recovery time and a slightly higher risk of visible scarring.

Endoscopic Approach

Some septoplasty surgeries can be performed with a minimally invasive endoscopic approach. This approach works well for a posterior - based septal deflection where an incision towards the front of the nose can be avoided. It uses a small camera (endoscope) to guide the surgeon and may result in less tissue trauma and a quicker recovery.

How is a Septoplasty Performed?

To restore balanced nasal passages, a deviated septum is repaired through septoplasty. This nose surgery requires repairing the cartilage and creating two balanced, equal nasal passages to restore open passageways. The following are the major steps of septoplasty surgery in New York City:

Anesthesia

Once the patient is under general anesthesia, 1% lidocaine with epinephrine is used to provide local anesthesia mainly to shrink the blood vessels to reduce bleeding during the procedure. This helps to create a clear surgical field and minimize blood loss.

Incision

The septoplasty incision is made either through a closed or open approach as described above. The choice of approach depends on the patient's specific anatomy and the severity of the deviation.

Dissection

A plane right over the cartilage is used to expose the cartilage and adjacent bone posteriorly and inferiorly. Surgeons need to be extra cautious not to create any rents in the flap of tissue that is raised off of the underlying structures. Rents can predispose to septal perforations (hole in the septum).

Removal

Once full exposure is obtained, the deviated segment of cartilage and/or bone is removed. Most importantly, a sufficient amount of septal cartilage is left in place to prevent the collapse of the nose. If an open approach is used and a septal reconstruction is planned, then a segment of cartilage is removed, reoriented and supported, and placed back into position.

Closure

Once the septum is straightened, the incision is closed. Internal nose splints are sutured into place to hold the cartilage and tissue flaps (mucopericondrium) together. Packing is rarely needed.

Preparing for Septoplasty

In preparation for deviated nasal septum surgery, the following steps are recommended:

• Avoid certain medications and supplements: Some medications and supplements may thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements. Patients should consult their doctor about which medications to stop taking and for how long before the surgery.
• Stop smoking: Tobacco products can decrease blood flow to the skin and compromise the healing of the surgical site. Patients should stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
• Stop nasal sprays: All nasal sprays, except for saline, should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Saline sprays can continue to be used to keep the nasal passages moist.

What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure?

Patients should not eat or drink 6 hours before their scheduled surgery. Septoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist present. There will be no pain during the surgery, and patients will have no recollection of the procedure. Their time at the private operating room suite or the ambulatory surgery center will be about 5 hours, with 2 - 3 hours of actual surgical time.

Recovery from Septoplasty

During septoplasty recovery, the nose will be stuffy for the first few days to weeks. There may be light bleeding from the nose for the first 48 hours, rarely is it more severe. The internal nasal splints are removed at the first follow - up appointment at 1 week postoperatively.

It is important to avoid strenuous activity such as exercise or heavy lifting for at least 1 week postoperatively. This helps to prevent any disruption to the healing process and reduces the risk of bleeding or other complications.

Some patients may experience numbness of their teeth, which typically resolves over time. Narcotic pain medicine may be required for 2 - 3 days on average, but this can vary by patient. There should be no external bruising or swelling following the septal deviation surgery because all incisions are made inside the nose.

Risks and Complications of Septoplasty

Like any surgical procedure, septoplasty has some risks and complications. These include:

• Bleeding: Although steps are taken to minimize bleeding during the surgery, there is still a risk of postoperative bleeding. In most cases, it is minor and can be controlled with simple measures, but in rare cases, additional treatment may be required.
• Infection: The surgical site can become infected. This can be minimized by following proper postoperative care instructions, such as keeping the nose clean and taking prescribed antibiotics.
• Poor scarring: In some cases, the incisions may heal with visible or raised scars. This is more common with the open approach but is generally rare.
• Undesirable aesthetic result: Although septoplasty is mainly a functional procedure, there is a small risk that the shape of the nose may be slightly altered in an undesirable way.
• Upper dental numbness: Numbness in the upper teeth may occur but usually resolves over time.
• Persistent or relapse of deviation: In some cases, the septum may not be fully corrected, or the deviation may recur over time.
• Septal perforation (hole in septum): This is a rare but serious complication that can occur if there is damage to the septum during the surgery. It can cause symptoms such as whistling during breathing, crusting, and nasal dryness.
• Saddle nose (bridge collapse): This is an extremely rare complication where the bridge of the nose collapses. It usually occurs if too much cartilage is removed during the surgery.
• Persistent nasal congestion: There is a possibility that the nasal congestion may not be fully relieved after the surgery.
• Decreased sense of smell: In some cases, the sense of smell may be temporarily or permanently decreased. This is more likely if there is damage to the olfactory nerves during the surgery.
• Septal hematoma (blood collection): A collection of blood within the septum can occur, which may require drainage.

Contraindications for Septoplasty

There are certain patients who should not have a septoplasty. These include patients with the following conditions:

• Health conditions that would make surgery dangerous: Such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, or other serious medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
• Active infection: An active sinus or nasal infection can increase the risk of infection spreading during the surgery. The infection should be treated before considering septoplasty.
• Recent cocaine use: Cocaine use can cause damage to the nasal tissues and blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications during surgery.
• Children with underdeveloped cartilage: The nose continues to grow during childhood and adolescence. Septoplasty is usually delayed until the nose has finished growing to avoid potential growth - related issues.
• Large septal perforation: If there is already a large hole in the septum, the surgery may not be appropriate or may require additional considerations.
• Unrealistic expectations: Patients who have unrealistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery may not be good candidates. It is important for patients to have a clear understanding of what the surgery can and cannot achieve.

Is Septoplasty Worth It?

Data suggests a septoplasty satisfaction rate of about 85%. Deviated septum surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov has found that the number is higher in his practice mainly due to optimizing patient selection. It is critical to recommend the appropriate surgery to the right patient and to select the correct approach. By carefully assessing the patient's condition and choosing the most suitable surgical technique, the chances of a successful outcome and patient satisfaction are increased.

Is Septoplasty Covered by Insurance?

Most deviated septum surgery is covered by insurance. However, it is important to keep in mind that certain septoplasty doctors may not be in - network providers. Many insurance policies have out - of - network coverage which may apply. As long as the septoplasty surgery in New York City is performed in the proper ambulatory surgical center, then the facility and anesthesia fees are almost always covered by in - network coverage. Patients should contact their insurance provider to understand their specific coverage and requirements.

Who Performs Septoplasty?

Septoplasty, or deviated septum surgery, is typically performed by top plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons. These surgeons have the necessary training and experience to perform the procedure safely and effectively. When selecting a surgeon, it is important to ask about all of the possible septoplasty approaches to make sure that you are getting the most customized care. A qualified surgeon will assess your individual situation and recommend the best approach for your needs.

Top Septoplasty Surgeons in New York City

There are several highly skilled septoplasty surgeons in New York City. Here are some of them:

Dr. Gary Linkov

Dr. Gary Linkov is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC. He is a busy septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgeon with extensive experience treating all conditions of the nose. He is the chief of otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery for the veterans hospital in Brooklyn, NY, where he operates on complex nasal deformities, serving our country’s veterans. His private practice in Manhattan, NY focuses on cosmetic and functional septoplasty and rhinoplasty. He is known for his excellent bedside manners and high - quality surgical results.

Dr. Edward Shin

Dr. Edward Shin can diagnose deviated septum in NYC and offer treatment options to provide relief. He uses a nasal endoscope to evaluate why patients are having trouble breathing through their nose, allowing for a more efficient diagnosis. He can perform septoplasty surgery as well as combine it with other procedures like turbinate reduction to improve breathing function.

Dr. David Cangello

Dr. David Cangello is a plastic surgeon who offers septoplasty in NYC. He tailors each septoplasty to the individual patient and can perform the procedure using a closed or open technique or via an endoscope, depending on the patient's unique anatomy and needs. He is also knowledgeable about the risks and recovery process associated with septoplasty.

Septoplasty Before and After

Many patients who undergo septoplasty report significant improvements in their quality of life. Before the surgery, they may have experienced difficulty breathing, frequent sinus infections, snoring, and other symptoms related to their deviated septum. After the surgery, they often notice improved nasal airflow, reduced frequency of sinus infections, better sleep quality, and a decrease in snoring. Some patients may also see an improvement in their sense of taste and smell if these were affected by the nasal blockage.

It is important to note that the full results of septoplasty may take some time to become apparent, as the nose needs to heal and settle into its new position. Following the surgeon's postoperative instructions is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

Septum deviation correction surgery, or septoplasty, is a valuable procedure for those suffering from a deviated septum in New York City. It can provide relief from breathing difficulties, sinus problems, and other related issues. By understanding the causes, symptoms, surgical approaches, recovery process, and risks associated with septoplasty, patients can make informed decisions about whether this surgery is right for them. It is essential to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.