Septoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses a deviated septum to restore proper airflow. ⁽¹⁾

Dr. John E. Sherman offers septoplasty for patients seeking long-term relief from frustrating functional issues. With 40 years of experience, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sherman has earned a reputation for precision and expertise. Dr. Sherman is one of the few plastic surgeons who know how to correct the nose aesthetically but also functionally. Patients choose his practice not only for the results but also for his straightforward communication and emphasis on individualized care.

To learn more, contact Dr. Sherman’s Manhattan office online or by phone at (212) 535-2300 to schedule a personal consultation today. If you are travelling to Dr. Sherman’s practice from out of town, we recommend a coordinated visit.

About Septoplasty

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal passages is displaced, making one side narrower than the other. ⁽²⁾ This condition can arise from natural development, previous injury, or trauma. A deviated septum often leads to frequent congestion, difficulty sleeping, recurring sinus infections, nosebleeds, and even headaches.

Septoplasty offers a solution by straightening the septum. ⁽³⁾ Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which addresses the external appearance of the nose, septoplasty focuses on improving nasal function. When appropriate, Dr. Sherman can perform both functional and cosmetic corrections at the same time. His precision and attention to detail ensure stable, well-balanced results long-term.

Benefits

Septoplasty offers benefits such as:

Relief from chronic nasal congestion and obstruction
Improved airflow for easier breathing
Reduction in snoring and better sleep quality
Decreased frequency of sinus infections and nosebleeds
Long-lasting results, as structural improvements are essentially permanent

Candidates

Dr. Sherman carefully evaluates each case to determine candidacy for septoplasty. Candidates often include those who:

Have a deviated septum causing significant nasal blockage
Experience frequent sinus infections, headaches, or nosebleeds
Struggle with chronic nasal congestion not relieved by medication
Have difficulty getting good sleep due to airway obstruction
Are in good overall health and able to undergo surgery with anesthesia
Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve
Are committed to following recovery guidelines and aftercare instructions

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Sherman will examine your nose, review your medical history, and ask about your symptoms. In many cases, Dr. Sherman uses imaging and nasal endoscopy to get a complete picture of the septum and surrounding nasal structures. Using this information, he will design a personalized surgical plan.

To book your personal consultation with Dr. Sherman, call (212) 535-2300 or contact us online. We encourage out-of-town patients to explore the coordinated visit resources we offer to ensure a smooth process.

Preparation

It is important to follow all preparation instructions you are given by Dr. Sherman. Instructions may vary, but Dr. Sherman often advises patients to:

Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for several days before surgery.
If you smoke, stop smoking and all nicotine use well in advance to prevent disruptions to the healing process.
Obtain medical clearance and complete lab work.
Arrange transportation home after the procedure and initial assistance if necessary.

By following preparatory steps, patients will position themselves for a smooth experience and recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Sherman performs septoplasty in an accredited surgical facility. Our fully accredited, board-certified, fully accredited anesthesiologist administers deep intravenous sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the case. To ensure safety, Dr. Sherman typically performs septoplasty with an airway in place, be it a laryngeal mask airway (the soft tube that goes to the larynx) or an endotracheal tube. The surgery generally takes one to two hours.

Dr. Sherman makes small incisions inside the nasal passages, keeping all work hidden from view. Through these incisions, he carefully lifts the mucous membrane that lines the septum. He will then trim, reposition, or remove any displaced portions of cartilage or bone to create a straighter passageway.

In some cases, he will place small splints or soft packing materials to support the septum while it heals in its new position. Dr. Sherman’s precision minimizes recovery time and reduces the likelihood of complications.

Recovery

After surgery, mild swelling, congestion, and a sensation of pressure inside the nose are common. One advantage of undergoing septoplasty as a standalone procedure is that, unlike rhinoplasty, patients do not typically experience the same kind of bruising. Dr. Sherman advises patients to rest with their head elevated, avoid strenuous activity, and refrain from blowing their nose during the initial healing period.

Dr. Sherman will remove nasal packing or splints within a week. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light desk work or school within 7 to 10 days, though full recovery may take longer, and patients will have to continue to avoid strenuous activities until Dr. Sherman approves. Follow-up visits with Dr. Sherman ensure that healing progresses as expected. By carefully following post-surgical instructions, patients can look forward to smooth healing and long-lasting results.

Results

After septoplasty, Dr. Sherman’s patients typically begin to notice improvements in breathing within the first few weeks, once initial swelling subsides. As healing progresses, the airway continues to open, diminishing symptoms such as congestion, snoring, and sinus infections. Unlike cosmetic procedures that may take time to settle visually, patients feel the functional benefits of septoplasty relatively quickly.

Final results typically manifest within a few months, after swelling fully resolves and the nose is stable. These results are essentially permanent, providing long-term relief from the issues that a deviated septum causes. Patients often report not only improved breathing but also better quality of sleep and fewer sinus-related health problems.

Cost of Septoplasty in New York

The cost of septoplasty depends on numerous factors, such as the complexity of the case, the techniques Dr. Sherman employs, and whether or not patients undergo additional procedures. Dr. Sherman provides each patient with a clear, personalized estimate during their consultation. In some cases, insurance coverage may apply if septoplasty addresses functional issues. Our team can help you explore your coverage options during your consultation as well.

Schedule a consultation online today to learn more about the costs associated with septoplasty. If you have any further questions, please call our Manhattan office directly at (212) 535-2300.

FAQ

What is the difference between septoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty?

Septoplasty focuses on improving function by correcting a deviated septum, while cosmetic rhinoplasty addresses the external appearance of the nose. Dr. Sherman can combine these approaches when necessary.

How painful is recovery from septoplasty?

Most patients report mild discomfort rather than severe pain. Medications and proper aftercare make recovery manageable. Dr. Sherman’s precise techniques ensure that recovery is as smooth and easy as possible.

How soon will I notice improvements in breathing after septoplasty?

After Dr. Sherman removes your packing, you will likely be able to notice initial improvements in breathing right away. Functionality will continue to improve as swelling subsides in the following weeks.

Is septoplasty permanent?

In most cases, the results of septoplasty—once the septum heals in its corrected position—are permanent. Recurring deviated septum instances are quite rare, but this does happen occasionally when the processes of aging or new injury cause the septum to shift.

Can Dr. Sherman combine septoplasty with other procedures?

Yes. Dr. Sherman frequently combines septoplasty with cosmetic rhinoplasty, turbinate reduction, or sinus surgery if the patient has additional concerns.

Does insurance cover septoplasty?

Insurance often covers septoplasty when it addresses functional reasons, such as correcting a deviated septum that interferes with breathing. Cosmetic components are usually not covered. We cannot guarantee insurance coverage for all patients, but we will help you investigate your coverage options.

What are the risks associated with septoplasty?

The risks associated with septoplasty include bleeding, infection, or temporary numbness. Dr. Sherman’s expertise and careful technique minimize the likelihood of such complications.

What is the expected recovery period after septoplasty?

Most patients return to normal activities within 7–10 days, though full recovery and complete resolution of swelling may take several weeks. Dr. Sherman provides detailed post-operative instructions to support safe and smooth healing. Patients are likely to experience a shorter recovery with Dr. Sherman because of his meticulous techniques. His team offers ongoing support to patients throughout recovery and can answer any questions about the process.

Will septoplasty change the appearance of my nose?

Septoplasty primarily addresses internal nasal structure and function, so it does not typically alter the external appearance of the nose. Patients interested in cosmetic changes may discuss combining septoplasty with cosmetic rhinoplasty; Dr. Sherman has extensive experience combining these approaches to address patient concerns.

How long does septoplasty surgery take?

Most septoplasty procedures take approximately one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the septal deviation and whether Dr. Sherman performs additional procedures.

References

Watters C, Brar S, Yapa S. Septoplasty. PubMed. Published 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33620795/
Alghamdi FS, Albogami D, Alsurayhi AS, et al. Nasal Septal Deviation: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Cureus. 2022;14(11). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31317
Teixeira J, Certal V, Chang ET, Camacho M. Nasal Septal Deviations: A Systematic Review of Classification Systems. Plastic Surgery International. 2016;2016. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7089123