Home › ENT Conditions in Gangnam, Seoul

Deviated Septum Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is a deviated septum?

A deviated septum is a displacement of the nasal septum, the partition of cartilage and thin bone that separates the left and right nasal passages. Small deviations are extremely common and cause no trouble. A deviation becomes clinically important when it narrows the airway enough to cause symptoms.

Symptoms

• Nasal blockage, often worse on one side
• Noisy breathing, snoring or disturbed sleep
• Mouth breathing and a dry throat on waking
• Recurrent sinus infections due to impaired drainage
• Nosebleeds from dry airflow over the convex side
• Difficulty using CPAP or exercising with the mouth closed

Causes

Some people are born with a deviation or develop it as the face grows. Others acquire it through trauma, from sports injuries or falls to a nasal bone fracture. Often the turbinate on the opposite, wider side enlarges to fill the space, adding to blockage; this is discussed on our hypertrophic rhinitis page.

How it is diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim examines the nose with nasal endoscopy, which reveals deviations deep in the nose that cannot be seen with a light alone, as well as turbinate size and any polyps. A sinus CT scan shows the exact shape of the septum and any associated sinus disease. If snoring or apnea is part of the picture, a sleep study may be recommended.

The key question is not whether the septum is crooked but whether the deviation explains your symptoms.

Treatment options

Medical care

Steroid sprays, saline and allergy control reduce mucosal swelling and can make a mild deviation tolerable. They do not change the cartilage itself.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty reshapes or removes the deviated portions of cartilage and bone through an incision inside the nostril, leaving no external scar and not intended to change the outer appearance of the nose. At Gangnam Yonsei ENT:

• Performed under local anesthesia
• Takes about 20–30 minutes
• Soft packing in both nostrils for one day
• Absorbable sutures dissolve in two to three weeks
• Protect the nose from knocks and pressure for two weeks

Septoplasty is frequently combined with turbinate reduction in the same session when both contribute to obstruction. Most patients go home the same day without needing a guardian.

When to see an ENT

Consider an evaluation if nasal blockage limits sleep, exercise or quality of life, or if sinus infections recur. Seek prompt care after nasal trauma if you notice a swelling inside the septum with severe blockage, which can be a septal hematoma needing urgent drainage.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Septoplasty was one of the main procedures Dr. Kim Yoo Suk performed and taught as a rhinology clinical assistant professor at Yonsei and later at Ajou University. He discusses whether surgery is truly needed, in English, in line with the clinic's patient-first approach. Plan your visit using location and hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?

Septoplasty is a functional operation done inside the nose and is not intended to change its external shape. If you also want cosmetic changes, that is a separate procedure called septorhinoplasty, which Dr. Kim can discuss with you.

How painful is recovery after septoplasty?

Most discomfort comes from the packing during the first day, which causes stuffiness and mouth breathing. After it is removed, breathing becomes easier. Pain is usually controlled with standard oral painkillers, and most people return to desk work within a few days.

Can I have septoplasty while visiting Seoul?

Often yes, because testing, consultation and surgery can be scheduled on the same day. You should plan to stay for the packing removal and early follow-up, and avoid flying until Dr. Kim confirms it is safe.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.