Overview
What the septum is
The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that splits the inside of your nose into two sides. When it's bent or pushed to one side, that's a deviated septum. Minor deviations are extremely common and cause no trouble at all. Bigger ones can narrow the airway enough to change how you breathe.
Signs it might be affecting you
- Congestion that's always worse on one side
- Trouble breathing through your nose during exercise or sleep
- Snoring or mouth breathing
- Frequent sinus issues or nosebleeds
A deviated septum can be present from birth or come from an injury. Allergies and swelling of the nasal lining can make symptoms worse.
How septoplasty works
Dr. Kim performs septoplasty through incisions inside the nose, straightening and repositioning the septum to open the airway. It doesn't change how your nose looks from the outside. If you'd also like to change the shape of your nose, it can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty in one surgery.
Septoplasty is usually considered when symptoms continue despite nasal sprays or allergy treatment. An exam will show whether the septum or another structure is the main cause.
Recommended Treatment
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a functional nasal surgery designed to correct a deviated septum and restore proper airflow through the nasal passages. At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim performs septoplasty using advanced diagnostic evaluation and precision surgical techniques to improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall nasal function while preserving the nose’s natural structure. By addressing internal nasal obstruction at its source, septoplasty can significantly reduce chronic congestion, sinus pressure, snoring, and breathing difficulty. Dr. Kim’s patient-centered approach emphasizes long-term results, safety, and individualized surgical planning, often integrating septoplasty with other nasal procedures when appropriate to optimize both function and comfort.
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