Many procedures in plastic surgery Los Angeles are becoming more acceptable.  One of the commonly performed procedures is rhinoplasty.  But not all procedures are done for cosmetic purposes only.  Many patients presenting for rhinoplasty Los Angeles also undergo treatment of a deviated septum or septoplasty to improve breathing. The septum is a cartilagenous wall that divides the nose into right and left parts. Most people (as many as 80%) have a deviated septum. Mild septal deviation does not typically cause any symptoms, whereas more significant septal deviation may cause nasal airway obstruction symptoms. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure done to straighten the septum to treat the symptoms of nasal airway obstruction. Septoplasty is frequently performed with rhinoplasty Beverly Hills.

In some people, septal deviation may be apparent externally as a nasal deviation or C shape deformity of the nose and in others only the internal portion of the septum is deviated. Septoplasty is performed using a closed (scarless) technique or open technique with the scar across the bottom midportion of the nose (columella). Septal deviation is frequently accompanied by turbinate enlargement. Turbinates are located inside the nose on the side walls. They consist of a bone covered with vascular mucosa. Enlargement of the turbinates may cause nasal airway obstruction. Many patients undergoing septoplasty also undergo reduction of the turbinates. 

Rhinoplasty takes about 1-2.5 hours to perform.  In most patients a nasal splint will be placed following surgery, which will stay on for 5-7 days. Some surgeons use intranasal splints and some surgeons use packing.  Fewer surgeons chose not to place anything inside the nose after functional rhinoplasty.  Although some patients return to work or school, as early as 2-3 days after nose surgery, most patients take about 5-7 days off. Exercises can be resumed 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Functional rhinoplasty needs to be individualized for each person as every person has a different face and nose. When considering undergoing nose

surgery, it is important for you to chose a nose surgeon who performs this surgery frequently.  Surgery should be performed at an accredited facility

with board certified anesthesiologists.  Careful follow up is also part of successful outcome.