The primary goal of septoplasty is to straighten the nasal septum, relieve the obstruction in the airways, and improve breathing through the nose. The results are permanent and leave no external scarring.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to straighten the nasal septum, which is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity into two separate nostrils. When the septum is displaced significantly to one side, a condition known as a deviated septum, one nasal passage becomes much narrower than the other, making it difficult to breathe freely.
Also called septal surgery or deviated septum surgery, septoplasty is entirely internal. The goal is functional, not cosmetic: to restore unobstructed airflow through both sides of the nose.
More than 80% of adults have some degree of septal deviation. Most cases are mild and cause no symptoms. However, when the deviation is significant enough to cause chronic obstruction, sleep disruption, or recurring nosebleeds, surgery becomes the most effective long-term solution.
Who Performs Septoplasty?
Septoplasty should be performed by a board-certified otolaryngologist with subspecialty training in rhinology, which focuses exclusively on the nose and sinuses. Dr. Mani Zadeh, MD, FACS holds dual board certification in otolaryngology and has completed fellowship-level rhinology training, making septoplasty one of his core clinical competencies rather than a peripheral offering.
Do I Need Septoplasty? Recognizing Deviated Septum Surgery Candidates
Not every deviated septum requires surgery. Dr. Zadeh’s first step is always a thorough evaluation, including nasal endoscopy and CT imaging where appropriate, to determine whether your symptoms are structural and best corrected surgically, or inflammatory and potentially manageable with medication.
You are likely a candidate for septoplasty if you experience one or more of the following symptoms on a chronic or recurring basis:
Persistent nasal obstruction or one-sided blockage
Loud snoring or diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea
Frequent or uncontrollable nosebleeds
Chronic headaches related to sinus pressure
Decreased exercise tolerance or mouth breathing
Chronic post-nasal drip or nasal drainage
Clinical Indications for Deviated Septum Surgery
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Nasal airway obstruction:
when deviation is severe enough to meaningfully restrict breathing and impact quality of life, and non-surgical therapies have provided insufficient relief.
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Uncontrollable nosebleeds:
when the deviated septum creates turbulent airflow or exposed mucosal areas that bleed recurrently, despite conservative management.
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Surgical access requirement:
when the septal deviation prevents adequate endoscopic visualization of the sinuses during planned sinus surgery, making septoplasty a prerequisite for the broader procedure.
Not Sure If You Need Surgery?
If you are on the fence about whether your symptoms warrant septoplasty, the self-assessment guide below walks you through the key questions to ask before booking a consultation.
The Septoplasty Procedure: Step by Step
At the Los Angeles Sinus Institute, Dr. Zadeh performs septoplasty using the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques available. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home the same day.
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1Pre-operative preparation and anesthesia
You arrive at the surgical center and meet with the anesthesia team. Septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Once you are fully anesthetized, the procedure begins. You feel nothing during the operation.
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2Endonasal access with no skin incisions
Dr. Zadeh makes a small incision inside the nostril. No cuts are made on the outside of the nose, so there are no visible scars. A surgical headlight and endoscope provide direct visualization throughout.
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3Mucosal elevation
The mucosa, which is the thin delicate membrane lining the nasal cavity, is carefully lifted away from the underlying cartilage and bone using a specialized elevator. Preserving the mucosa is critical to a smooth recovery.
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4Correction of the deviated septum
The deviated portions of septal cartilage and bone are precisely removed, repositioned, or reshaped. Dr. Zadeh’s goal is conservative correction: remove only what is necessary to restore symmetric airflow while preserving as much structural cartilage as possible.
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5Mucosal closure
The mucosal flap is returned to its original position over the now-straightened septum. Absorbable sutures close the incision. Silicone splints may be placed to stabilize the septum during initial healing. These are removed at your one-week post-operative visit.
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6Recovery room and discharge
You spend approximately one to two hours in the recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. Once you are awake, comfortable, and your vitals are stable, you are discharged home with a trusted adult driver.
Can Septoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes. Septoplasty is frequently performed alongside turbinate reduction in the same session. Dr. Zadeh may also coordinate with his colleague Dr. Carlo Honrado to perform cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time for patients seeking aesthetic changes as well.
Septoplasty Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week
Complete internal healing takes 3 to 6 months, but most patients feel and function normally within one to two weeks of surgery.
Immediate Post-Op
You are discharged home the same day. Expect nasal congestion, mild to moderate discomfort, and blood-tinged nasal drainage. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and ideally stay with you the first night.
Early Recovery at Home
Nasal discharge gradually lightens from bloody to pink to clear. Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Do not blow your nose. This is critical. Take prescribed antibiotics as directed. Tylenol is preferred over NSAIDs which can increase bleeding risk.
Splint Removal and First Breath of Relief
Dr. Zadeh removes the nasal splints and suctions out any crusting. Most patients notice an immediate, significant improvement in nasal airflow at this visit. A saline irrigation solution is prescribed to flush the nasal passages daily during healing.
Gradual Return to Normal Activity
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, contact sports, and swimming for a full 2 weeks post-surgery. Breathing steadily improves week by week. If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open. Never hold it in.
Progressive Improvement
Internal swelling continues to resolve and the full functional benefit of the procedure becomes apparent. By month three, most patients are breathing freely through both nostrils for the first time in years.
Full Recovery
Internal healing is complete. Results of septoplasty are permanent. Once the deviated cartilage and bone are corrected, the septum does not re-deviate on its own.
Key Recovery Rules to Follow
- Do NOT blow your nose for 14 days after surgery
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen for 2 weeks before and after surgery
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports for 2 full weeks
- Sleep with your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling
- If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open. Never hold it in
- Use the prescribed saline irrigation starting after your day-7 visit
- You can shower the day after surgery
- Do not drive on the day of surgery
Septoplasty in Los Angeles: Dr. Zadeh's Approach and Why Patients Choose Us
Los Angeles offers dozens of surgeons who perform septoplasty. What distinguishes the Los Angeles Sinus Institute is the focus of Dr. Zadeh’s entire practice: the nose and sinuses, exclusively. Septoplasty is a core clinical specialty here, performed with the precision that comes from subspecialty fellowship training and a high-volume, dedicated practice.
Dual Board-Certified
Dr. Zadeh holds dual board certification in Otolaryngology and has completed subspecialty fellowship training in Rhinology, which is the dedicated study of nasal and sinus disease.
Elite Academic Training
Undergraduate studies at UCLA (honors), medical school at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and surgical residency at Columbia University in New York City.
Minimally Invasive Technique
All septoplasties are performed entirely through the nostrils with no external skin incisions. No visible scarring. Reduced trauma, faster healing, and a more comfortable recovery.
Advanced Imaging
Intraoperative imaging is used when clinically indicated to maximize precision during correction of complex or severe deviations.
Collaborative Care
Septoplasty can be combined with turbinate reduction or with cosmetic rhinoplasty by Dr. Carlo Honrado in a single surgical session when appropriate, which reduces total anesthesia time and overall recovery.
Insurance Navigation
Our team actively assists with insurance verification, pre-authorization, and billing for functional septoplasty so you are not left navigating the system alone.
A Personal Commitment to Every Patient
Dr. Zadeh is known among his patients and his peers for treating every person with the same level of care and attention he would give to a member of his own family. His consultations are thorough, his recommendations honest, and his approach conservative: if non-surgical treatment is a realistic option, he will say so.
Dr. Mani Zadeh performed a septoplasty on my extremely deviated septum. In conjunction with his partner Dr. Carlo Honrado, he also reduced my turbinates and repaired my collapsed turbinate valves. Besides being an amazing surgeon, Dr. Zadeh is kind, compassionate, and has great positive energy. His office staff were proactive, and the La Peer Surgery Center nurses and the anesthesiologist were very good. I highly recommend Dr. Mani Zadeh.
Linda T., verified patient
Los Angeles Sinus Institute
2080 Century Park East, Suite 1701, Los Angeles, CA 90067
310-286-0123
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Serving patients throughout Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Southern California
Septoplasty FAQ: Your Most Important Questions Answered
If your question is not addressed here, please contact our office or call 310-286-0123
The cost of septoplasty in Los Angeles varies based on the complexity of your deviated septum, the surgical facility used, and whether additional procedures such as turbinate reduction are performed in the same session. Dr. Zadeh provides a personalized cost estimate at your consultation. When septoplasty is medically necessary, it is frequently covered in full or in part by health insurance. Most PPOs, Medicare, and many HMOs cover the procedure. Our team will verify your benefits and obtain any required prior authorization. Contact us at 310-286-0123 for a detailed quote.
Most patients return to desk work within 5 to 7 days. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports must be avoided for a full 2 weeks. Nasal splints are removed at the day-7 post-operative visit, at which point most patients notice a significant improvement in airflow. Internal swelling continues to resolve over 3 to 6 months.
Yes. Septoplasty is a functional surgical procedure routinely covered by most major health insurance plans including PPOs, Medicare, and many HMOs when performed to correct a medically significant deviated septum causing documented symptoms such as nasal obstruction, recurrent nosebleeds, or sleep apnea. Our team will help verify your benefits and obtain prior authorization. Any cosmetic rhinoplasty performed at the same time is typically not covered.
Septoplasty is a functional procedure performed entirely inside the nose to straighten the nasal septum and improve breathing. Rhinoplasty reshapes the external structure of the nose for cosmetic purposes. When combined, the procedure is called septorhinoplasty.
Septoplasty at the Los Angeles Sinus Institute is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on your case and medical history. Dr. Zadeh will discuss the most appropriate option during your pre-operative consultation.
Since septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils with no external incisions, external bruising is minimal or absent for most patients. Some swelling around the nose and cheeks is normal in the first few days.
Plan for at least 5 to 7 days off work. Most patients with desk or remote jobs can return within a week. Physical labor roles may require up to 2 weeks. Dr. Zadeh will give specific return-to-work guidance at your pre-operative appointment.
After your nasal splints are removed at day 7, most patients notice a meaningful improvement in airflow, often dramatically better than before surgery even with some residual swelling still present. Full benefit is usually experienced by 3 months post-surgery.
No, you cannot drive on the day of surgery. General anesthesia and IV sedation impair your reflexes for 24 hours. You must arrange for a trusted adult driver to take you home.
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Zadeh evaluates non-surgical treatments including intranasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, saline irrigation, and nasal dilator strips. However, these options reduce mucosal swelling but cannot physically straighten a deviated septum. If your obstruction is structural, surgery is the only definitive treatment.
For 2 weeks before surgery, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, fish oil, and garlic tablets. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure. Arrange for a driver and ideally have someone stay with you the first night.
You can shower the day after your surgery. Avoid getting water directly in your nose and do not swim or submerge your face for at least 2 weeks.