Septoplasty

Nasal Congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen due to inflammation. This is also known as “having a blocked nose”. This can be caused by allergies or the common cold.

Nasal Congestion can also result from having an obstruction to the airflow due to a deviated septum. This deviation can cause restrictions on either side or both sides of the nose. Having a deviated septum is a physical change in the nose cavity which can narrow the nostrils. Most people have a degree of deviation in their nose and do not require any treatment; however, those who develop Nasal Obstruction as a result of a congenital condition or following a traumatic impact on the nose may require treatment to improve airflow.

Snoring is a common complaint amongst those with a degree of Nasal Obstruction / Deviated Septum. In isolation, snoring is not a reason to have surgical treatment to correct the deviation.

Surgical correction of a Deviated Septum is known as Septoplasty. This procedure is carried out within the nose and alone is not aimed at changing the cosmetic appearance of the nose externally. On some occasions, the Septum is deviated to such a degree that surgical treatment to correct it will also need to correct the external appearance of the nose and this procedure is called a Septorhinoplasty.

A “nose job” commonly refers to the cosmetic correction of the look of the nose and this procedure is called a Rhinoplasty. Some people may have “bumps” on the bridge of their nose and these bumps may impact their comfort, whilst wearing glasses for example. This is considered a Cosmetic request and outside the remit of this policy.