Breathing difficulties, chronic congestion, and recurrent sinus infections can significantly impact your quality of life–and a deviated septum might be the hidden culprit. This common nasal structural abnormality affects an estimated 80% of people to some degree, though many never require treatment. For those experiencing ongoing symptoms, septoplasty offers an effective surgical solution. Dr. Michael Cohen provides expert evaluation and treatment for deviated septum at his Long Island practice, helping patients breathe freely again through precise, personalized care.
Same day booking and was assisted by a wonderful medical receptionist, Ross. Dr. Cohen really cares about his patients and takes his time. I will be back.
Expertise in Septoplasty and Nasal Surgery
Dr. Michael Cohen brings over 25 years of specialized experience in diagnosing and correcting nasal structural abnormalities. As a board-certified otolaryngologist recognized as a Top Doctor by NY Top Docs for 25 consecutive years, he has performed thousands of successful septoplasty procedures.
“Many patients have struggled with breathing difficulties for years, often not realizing that a deviated septum is contributing to their symptoms,” explains Dr. Cohen. “Through comprehensive evaluation and precise surgical technique, we can correct these structural issues and significantly improve both nasal function and quality of life.” This patient-centered approach emphasizes thorough diagnosis, meticulous surgical planning, and exceptional outcomes.
The Nature of Septal Deviation
The nasal septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity into two passages. Ideally, this septum should be straight and positioned in the center of your nose, creating equal airflow through both nasal passages. However, a deviated septum occurs when this partition is significantly off-center or crooked, creating an imbalance in the size of your nasal passages.
Septal deviations may be congenital (present from birth) or acquired through trauma such as sports injuries, accidents, or previous nasal surgeries. The severity of deviation can range from mild and asymptomatic to severe with significant functional impairment. When deviation becomes pronounced enough to obstruct airflow, restrict drainage, or contribute to chronic sinus problems, surgical correction through septoplasty may be recommended.
An estimated 70-80% of adults have some degree of septal deviation, though only those with symptomatic deviations–approximately 25-30% of these individuals–typically require surgical intervention. The impact of septal deviation can extend beyond breathing difficulties to affect overall health, sleep quality, exercise tolerance, and even facial pain patterns.
When Patients Consider Septoplasty
Individuals throughout Long Island seek septoplasty for several compelling reasons:
Chronic Nasal Obstruction
Persistent difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose, especially during physical activity or sleep, often motivates patients to seek surgical correction.
Frequent Sinus Infections
Recurrent sinusitis can result when septal deviation interferes with proper sinus drainage, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and infection.
Sleep Disruption
Many patients report significant sleep disturbances due to breathing difficulties, including snoring, sleep apnea symptoms, or frequent nighttime awakenings.
Nasal Pressure and Pain
The abnormal airflow patterns caused by septal deviation can create pressure differentials within the nasal passages, leading to chronic discomfort or facial pain.
Nosebleeds
Deviated septums can sometimes expose blood vessels to excessive drying and irritation, resulting in recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds) that improve after surgical correction.
Failed Medical Management
Patients who have tried medications, nasal strips, or other conservative measures without achieving adequate relief often find septoplasty provides the solution they need.
Cosmetic Concerns
When septal deviation contributes to external nasal asymmetry, septoplasty may be combined with rhinoplasty to address both functional and aesthetic concerns.
Sports Performance
Athletes seeking to optimize breathing during physical exertion often benefit significantly from correction of even moderate septal deviations.
Comprehensive Assessment Before Surgery
Dr. Cohen employs a methodical diagnostic approach to evaluate septal deviation:
Detailed Nasal History
Your assessment begins with a thorough discussion of your breathing difficulties, including when they occur, factors that worsen or improve your symptoms, previous treatments, and their effectiveness. Dr. Cohen carefully listens to understand the full impact of your nasal issues on daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Nasal Endoscopy
Using specialized endoscopic equipment with magnification and illumination, Dr. Cohen conducts a detailed examination of your nasal passages to precisely visualize the septum, nasal turbinates, and surrounding structures. This allows for accurate assessment of the location and degree of septal deviation, as well as identification of any associated issues such as turbinate hypertrophy or nasal valve collapse.
Functional Breathing Assessment
Dr. Cohen evaluates your nasal airflow both at rest and with exertion to determine how significantly the septal deviation affects your breathing under different conditions. This may include objective measurements of nasal airflow and resistance.
Imaging Studies
In some cases, CT scanning may be recommended to provide detailed cross-sectional views of your nasal and sinus anatomy. These images help Dr. Cohen assess the relationship between your septal deviation and sinus structures, which is particularly important when sinus issues coexist with septal problems.
The Septoplasty Procedure Explained
Septoplasty is a focused surgical procedure designed to correct the deviated portions of the nasal septum:
Surgical Approach
During septoplasty, Dr. Cohen makes a small incision inside the nose to access the septum. Through this hidden approach, he carefully elevates the mucous membrane (the protective covering of the septum) to expose the underlying cartilage and bone. The deviated portions are then precisely modified, removed, or repositioned to create a straighter septum and a more balanced nasal airway.
Complementary Procedures
In many cases, septoplasty is performed in conjunction with other nasal procedures to comprehensively address all factors contributing to nasal obstruction:
- Turbinate Reduction: The turbinates (structures that warm and humidify inhaled air) often enlarge on the side opposite a septal deviation. When appropriate, Dr. Cohen performs turbinate reduction to balance the nasal passages.
- Nasal Valve Repair: If the nasal valve area (the narrowest portion of the nasal airway) is compromised, techniques to strengthen or widen this region may be incorporated.
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: For patients with chronic sinusitis related to their septal deviation, sinus procedures may be performed simultaneously to establish proper drainage pathways.
- Rhinoplasty: When external nasal deformities coexist with septal deviation, cosmetic rhinoplasty may be combined with functional septoplasty in a procedure sometimes called septorhinoplasty.
Precision Techniques
Dr. Cohen utilizes meticulous surgical techniques to preserve septal integrity while correcting deviations. This includes careful preservation of crucial support structures to maintain nasal shape and function. The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the deviation and whether additional procedures are performed.
Determining If Septoplasty Is Right for You
You may be an ideal candidate for septoplasty if you:
Experience Persistent Nasal Obstruction
You consistently struggle with difficulty breathing through your nose, particularly on one side, despite trying medications or other treatments.
Have a Confirmed Septal Deviation
Examination reveals significant septal deviation that correlates with your breathing difficulties and other disrupted symptoms.
Demonstrate Lack of Response to Medical Therapy
Conservative measures including nasal steroids, antihistamines, or decongestants haven’t adequately improved your breathing.
Suffer Sleep Disturbances
Your nasal obstruction leads to snoring, mouth breathing during sleep, or frequent nighttime awakenings due to breathing difficulties.
Endure Recurring Sinus Problems
You experience frequent sinus infections or persistent sinusitis that may be related to poor drainage caused by your septal deviation.
Maintain Reasonable Expectations
You understand that septoplasty focuses primarily on improving nasal function rather than changing external nasal appearance (unless rhinoplasty is also performed).
Are in Good General Health
You have no medical conditions that would significantly increase surgical risks or impair healing from your septoplasty procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Cohen will thoroughly review your specific symptoms, examine your nasal anatomy, and discuss whether septoplasty–either alone or in combination with other procedures–would likely provide significant benefit in your case.
Your Septoplasty Journey with Dr. Cohen
Understanding what to expect before, during, and after septoplasty helps patients approach the procedure with confidence:
Pre-Surgical Preparation
Dr. Cohen provides detailed guidelines to prepare for surgery, including:
- Instructions regarding medications to avoid before surgery (particularly blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Recommendations for smoking cessation, as smoking significantly impairs healing
- Arrangements for transportation home after the procedure
- Planning for appropriate recovery time, typically 1-2 weeks for most activities
Day of Surgery Experience
Septoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure itself usually takes 60-90 minutes, with additional time for preparation and initial recovery. Most patients return home the same day.
Post-Operative Care
Dr. Cohen provides comprehensive post-operative care instructions, including:
- Nasal care protocols to keep the surgical area clean and promote optimal healing
- Pain management strategies, typically involving oral medication for the first few days
- Activity guidelines with gradual return to normal activities
- Follow-up appointment schedule to monitor your healing progress
Recovery Timeline After Septoplasty
Recovery from septoplasty follows a predictable pattern for most patients:
The First Week
The initial recovery period involves some expected discomfort and congestion:
- Nasal packing (if used) is typically removed within 24-48 hours
- Noticeable improvement in breathing may be delayed by initial swelling
- Pain is usually well-controlled with prescribed medication
- Limited physical activity is recommended, with no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise
Weeks 2-3
During this period, most patients experience progressive improvement:
- Internal swelling gradually subsides, allowing increasingly better airflow
- Most patients can return to work and light activities after 1-2 weeks
- Nasal irrigation may be recommended to keep the nasal passages clean
- Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Cohen to assess healing progress
Long-Term Results
Complete healing after septoplasty takes time:
- Final results may not be fully apparent for 3-6 months as residual swelling resolves
- The septum continues to stabilize in its new position for several months
- Most patients report significant and lasting improvement in nasal breathing
- Success rates for properly selected patients exceed 85% for symptomatic improvement
Frequently Asked Questions About Septoplasty
Standard septoplasty focuses on internal nasal structures and typically does not change the external appearance. However, if external changes are desired, septoplasty can be combined with rhinoplasty.
Most patients describe the recovery as involving pressure and congestion rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is typically well-managed with prescribed medications and subsides significantly after the first week.
When performed for functional breathing issues and documented septal deviation, septoplasty is generally covered by insurance. Our office staff will verify your coverage and discuss any potential costs before scheduling surgery.
For the vast majority of patients, septoplasty results are permanent. The corrected septum typically remains stable long-term, though cartilage does have some u0022memoryu0022 that can occasionally lead to minor shifting over time.
While complications are uncommon, potential risks include bleeding, infection, altered sense of smell, septal perforation (hole in the septum), or persistent numbness. Dr. Cohen’s meticulous technique minimizes these risks.
It’s generally recommended to wait until any acute swelling has resolved, typically 3-6 months after injury, before evaluating for septoplasty. This allows for accurate assessment of the structural issues.
While septoplasty is sometimes performed in adolescents with breathing difficulties, it’s generally postponed until nasal growth is complete (usually after age 16) unless severe functional issues exist.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Cohen for Septoplasty
Dr. Michael Cohen offers exceptional expertise for patients seeking septoplasty in Long Island:
- Board-certified otolaryngologist with over 25 years of experience in nasal surgery
- Specialized training and extensive experience in septoplasty and advanced nasal procedures
- Meticulous surgical technique focused on both functional improvement and structural preservation
- Comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of nasal obstruction
- Recognition as a Top Doctor by NY Top Docs for 25 consecutive years
Patients particularly value Dr. Cohen’s detail-oriented approach to diagnosis and his ability to precisely tailor surgical plans to each individual’s unique nasal anatomy and breathing concerns.
Breathe Better Throughout Long Island’s Changing Seasons
Don’t continue struggling with the chronic congestion and breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum. With expert septoplasty from Dr. Cohen, you can experience significantly improved nasal breathing and reduced sinus issues. Proper nasal function can enhance sleep quality, exercise performance, and overall well-being throughout all seasons on Long Island.
Our convenient locations in Syosset and Port Jefferson Station make specialized care accessible to residents across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward breathing freely again.