What are the risks of surgery for a deviated septum?
ANSWER
No surgery is completely risk-free, and the benefits of undergoing surgery -- in this case, being able to breathe better -- must outweigh the risks. Septoplasty and septorhinoplasty are common and safe procedures; side effects are rare. Still, talk with your doctor about the possible risks of surgery before you make a treatment decision.
Although rare, risks of septoplasty and/or rhinoplasty may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hole (perforation) of the septum
- Loss of the ability to smell
Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson on December 16, 2020
SOURCES:
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: "Fact Sheet: Deviated Septum" and "Nose Surgery."
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: "Deviated Septum."
American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: "Surgery of the Nose."
American Rhinologic Society: "Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction."
American Sleep Apnea Association: "Sleep Apnea Information."
SOURCES:
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: "Fact Sheet: Deviated Septum" and "Nose Surgery."
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: "Deviated Septum."
American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: "Surgery of the Nose."
American Rhinologic Society: "Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction."
American Sleep Apnea Association: "Sleep Apnea Information."
From: Deviated Septum
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