Deviated Septum
& Breathing Problems
What Is a Deviated Septum?
How Do You Know If You Have a Deviated Septum?
- Persistent congestion that doesn’t respond to medication
- Breathing that is harder through one nostril than the other
- Frequent sinus infections or sinus pressure
- Snoring, restless sleep or waking up with a dry mouth from nighttime mouth breathing
- Headaches concentrated around your forehead or the bridge of your nose
- Nosebleeds, particularly from one side
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
There is no single reason a septum ends up crooked. For some people, the septum developed that way before they were even born. Others sustained a nasal injury at some point, and the septum shifted as a result of the impact.
Aging also plays a role. Cartilage changes shape over time, so a septum that was only mildly deviated in your 20s can become more noticeably crooked by your 40s. The soft tissue inside the nose also loses some of its elasticity with age, which can make existing airflow restrictions feel worse.
In some cases, the septum itself isn’t the only factor. The surrounding structures, including the turbinates (the small shelf-like bones inside each nasal passage) and the nasal valve (the narrowest point of the airway), can contribute to obstruction alongside the deviation. Dr. Kaniff evaluates all of these structures together during a consultation, because correcting one without accounting for the others can leave breathing problems partially unresolved.
Why Do Over-the-Counter Treatments Stop Working?
How Does Rhinoplasty Correct Breathing Problems?
Rhinoplasty is commonly thought of as a cosmetic procedure, but the surgery has a long history as a functional one. When performed to address a deviated septum and related nasal obstruction, rhinoplasty focuses on restructuring the internal anatomy of the nose to restore balanced airflow.
Dr. Kaniff uses what he calls a “structure first” approach. During the procedure, the deviated septum is repositioned toward the midline. Internal cartilage may be reshaped to widen the airway, and if the nasal valve is weak or prone to collapse, cartilage grafts (often taken from the septum itself) provide reinforcement so the passages stay open during normal breathing.
Dr. Kaniff does not use nasal packing for rhinoplasty surgery. Traditional post-surgical packing (gauze placed inside the nose to control bleeding) is widely considered the most uncomfortable part of a nasal procedure. Instead, Dr. Kaniff places internal quilting sutures that stabilize the tissue while still allowing you to breathe through your nose immediately after surgery. Patients consistently cite this as one of the things that made their recovery better than expected.
What Are the Benefits of Treating a Deviated Septum With Rhinoplasty?
Improved Nasal Airflow
Correcting the structural obstruction creates more balanced and efficient airflow. You can breathe more easily through both sides of your nose rather than relying on a single dominant airway.All-Day Breathing Comfort
Instead of temporary relief that fades, structural correction provides a more stable breathing experience. Patients often notice that their breathing feels consistently clearer, not just at rest but also during activity.Better Sleep Quality
When your airflow is no longer restricted, your nighttime breathing improves. This can reduce snoring, minimize sleep disruptions, and help you feel more rested when you wake.Reduced Dependence on Temporary Solutions
Many patients rely on sprays, medications, or other short-term fixes to manage their symptoms. Treating the underlying issue reduces the need for these temporary interventions.Improved Sinus Function
Balanced airflow supports better drainage within your nasal passages. This can help reduce the frequency of sinus pressure, congestion, and recurring infections.Balanced Nasal Form and Function
When appropriate, structural correction can be combined with refinements to the external nose. This creates a result that improves how your nose works and how it fits your overall facial features.What Should You Expect During Functional Rhinoplasty Recovery?
| Timeline | Goal |
|---|---|
| The First 48 Hours | A lightweight external splint is placed on the bridge of your nose to protect the new structure. Swelling and some bruising are normal. Because Dr. Kaniff does not use packing, you can breathe through your nose right away, though congestion from internal swelling may partially limit airflow. |
| One Week After Surgery | You'll return to Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates to have the splint removed. Most patients are back at work or school by this point. Your nose will still look swollen, but this is the first time you'll see the beginnings of your new profile. |
| Weeks Two Through Six | About 80% of the visible swelling fades during this period. Light walking is fine by week two, though strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and contact sports should wait until at least the six-week mark. The tip of your nose may feel stiff; this is a temporary part of normal healing. |
| Six to 12 Months | The nasal tip is the last area to reach its final shape. Over the course of a year, the skin continues to thin and settle around the underlying structure. Once you pass the one-year mark, your results are considered final and permanent. |
Can Rhinoplasty Be Both Functional and Aesthetic?
One of the advantages of working with a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon is Dr. Kaniff’s ability to address breathing and appearance at the same time.
Some patients come in for breathing issues and have no interest in changing the external shape of their nose. Others realize that, since they’re already having the surgery, they’d like to address cosmetic concerns at the same time.
Dr. Kaniff handles both. His fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery means that even when the primary goal is functional, every structural adjustment is made with an understanding of how it affects the nose’s appearance. Aesthetic changes are never assumed or added without your explicit interest in them. Discuss this with Dr. Kaniff during your consultation.
What Does Deviated Septum Surgery Cost?
Because deviated septum surgery addresses a functional breathing problem, a portion of the procedure may be covered by insurance when a septoplasty is involved. The cosmetic portion of the surgery (if any) is typically the patient’s responsibility.
During your consultation, you’ll receive a comprehensive quote that breaks down the costs clearly. Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates offers financing options to help make treatment accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a deviated septum get worse with age?
Yes. Cartilage changes shape over time, and the nasal tissues lose some of their elasticity. A deviation that caused little to no trouble in your younger years can produce more noticeable symptoms as you get older, especially if other structural features like the nasal valve are also affected.Will I notice a difference in my breathing right away?
Many patients notice some improvement even during the first week, despite residual swelling. Breathing tends to improve over several weeks as internal swelling subsides. Most patients report a noticeable difference by the one-month mark, with continued improvement through the first year.Is septoplasty the same as rhinoplasty?
They overlap, but they’re not identical. Septoplasty specifically refers to the correction of a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty is a broader term that can include functional repair, cosmetic changes or both. When Dr. Kaniff performs rhinoplasty for breathing problems, septoplasty is typically part of the procedure, combined with any additional structural work needed to fully open the airway.How long does the procedure take?
Most rhinoplasty procedures at Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates take between two and three hours, depending on the complexity. Dr. Kaniff uses twilight anesthesia (IV sedation), which allows you to sleep comfortably without a breathing tube. This approach produces a faster and smoother recovery than general anesthesia for most patients.Do I need a referral to schedule a consultation?
No referral is needed. You can contact the practice directly to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaniff by calling 916-571-0597 or submitting a request online.Breathe Easy With Deviated Septum Treatment in Sacramento
Breathe Easy With Deviated Septum Treatment in Sacramento
If you’ve spent years managing nasal congestion with sprays and medications that never fully work, the answer might be structural. A consultation at Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates gives you a clear picture of what’s happening inside your nose and what can realistically be done about it.
Dr. Kaniff has spent more than 25 years helping patients across Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Granite Bay and the broader Northern California region breathe easier and feel more confident. His approach is thorough and individualized, and his team is known for making every patient feel genuinely cared for from the first phone call through the last follow-up visit.