What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that straightens a deviated septum, the wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nostrils. When it's off-center, one nasal passage becomes smaller than the other, which can cause chronic congestion, trouble sleeping, and recurring sinus infections. The procedure is done entirely through the nostrils, so there's no visible scarring, and more than 80% of adults have some degree of septal deviation, though only a fraction need surgical correction.Signs You May Need Septoplasty
Septoplasty is usually considered once symptoms start interfering with daily life. Common signs include:- Chronic one-sided nasal congestion or blockage
- Frequent sinus infections
- Snoring or disrupted sleep associated with chronic nasal obstruction
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Facial pain or headaches, especially around the sinuses
What to Expect: From Consultation to Procedure
Every septoplasty starts with a diagnosis, not an assumption. Here's the typical path:
- Initial consultation: Dr. Zadeh reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam.
- Diagnostic imaging: A nasal endoscopy or sinus CT scan may be used to confirm the extent and location of the deviation.
- Surgical planning: If surgery is recommended, Dr. Zadeh discusses technique, anesthesia, and whether any additional procedures (like turbinate reduction) make sense to address at the same time.
- Procedure day: Septoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on complexity.
- Same-day discharge: Most patients go home a few hours after surgery, once the anesthesia has worn off, with a friend or family member driving them.
Septoplasty is sometimes combined with turbinate reduction when enlarged turbinates are contributing to the blockage. Dr. Zadeh will discuss whether that applies to you during your consultation.
Septoplasty Cost in Los Angeles
Septoplasty cost varies based on the complexity of your deviation, whether any additional procedures are performed at the same time, anesthesia type, and facility fees. Published cost comparisons for the Los Angeles area put the median price in the low-to-mid five-figure range before insurance, though your actual cost depends heavily on your specific case and coverage.
Because septoplasty is generally considered medically necessary when it's correcting a breathing obstruction, many insurance plans provide coverage. The most accurate way to know your cost is to contact our office. Our team can help verify your specific benefits before you schedule.
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week
- Days 1–2: Rest is the priority. Expect congestion, mild swelling, and some blood-tinged drainage. Sleep with your head elevated and avoid blowing your nose.
- Days 3–7: Congestion gradually improves. Most patients feel noticeably better by day three and can return to desk work within the first week.
- Weeks 2–3: Swelling continues to subside. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should still be avoided during this window.
- Weeks 4+: Most patients reach full recovery, with clearer breathing becoming increasingly noticeable as internal healing completes.
Patients in more physically demanding jobs, or those combining septoplasty with turbinate reduction, may need a slightly longer recovery window. Dr. Zadeh will give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.
Why See a Los Angeles Specialist
Dr. Mani Zadeh is a board-certified otolaryngologist and rhinologist based in Century City, with a dedicated subspecialty focus on nasal and sinus conditions. His approach uses minimally invasive techniques aimed at reducing complications and shortening recovery. Because septoplasty is a precision procedure performed through a very small space, experience with complex deviations matters.
Schedule a consultation to find out whether septoplasty is the right next step for your breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost depends on the complexity of your case, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether any additional procedures are performed at the same time. Contact our office for a personalized estimate and help verifying your insurance benefits.
Many insurance plans cover septoplasty when it's addressing a functional breathing problem rather than a cosmetic concern. Coverage details vary by plan, so it's best to confirm your specific benefits with your provider and our office.
Most patients describe more pressure and congestion than sharp pain. Discomfort is generally manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication and improves noticeably by day three.
Yes. It's often performed alongside turbinate reduction when enlarged turbinates are also contributing to nasal blockage, which can address the full source of congestion in a single recovery period.
Septoplasty corrects internal breathing function by straightening the septum, while rhinoplasty reshapes the external appearance of the nose. The two are sometimes performed together, but septoplasty alone does not change how your nose looks from the outside.
Ready to find out if septoplasty is right for you? Contact Dr. Zadeh's office or call 310-286-0123 to schedule a consultation.