Step-by-Step Cartoons of Septoplasty Surgery to Correct Deviated Septum

Below is a step-by-step description with images of how septoplasty surgery is performed to correct a deviated septum. To read more about this surgery, click here.

Step 1:

A small incision is made inside the nose and the mucosal lining carefully lifted away from the septum on one side. It is during this stage of the procedure that one of the complications of the procedure, septal perforation, may occur. This complication occurs when the lining gets torn resulting in a hole as the mucosa is lifted away from the septum.

Step 2:

The septum is incised immediately in front of the deviation and the nasal mucosal lining is lifted away from the septum on the opposite side.

Step 3:

The deviated septum is now physically removed. One removes the deviated septum completely instead of forcing it into a midline position. Why? Because just like a young tree sapling, the nasal septum has "memory" and bending or forcing it into a certain position will last only temporarily before it springs back into its original position.

Step 4:

The nasal mucosal lining is reapproximated in the midline. There are several methods how this last step is performed. One method is to suture the lining back together like a quilt (NO nasal packing or septal splints are used). Occasionally, the nose is packed with septal splints or nasal packing material. Both methods are used in our practice depending on the physician and the condition of the septum itself.

To read more about deviated septum, click here.

If you are wondering how the nose is still supported after septoplasty, click here for more information.