Septoplasty in
Scottsdale, AZ
Septoplasty surgery in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.
Septoplasty surgery in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.
Having Breathing Difficulties?
If breathing feels like a daily struggle, and sleep is something you dread instead of enjoy, you might want to consider a septoplasty.
Many patients with a deviated septum feel constantly fatigued, self-conscious about snoring, or unable to push themselves during workouts due to limited airflow. These seemingly small issues can take a toll on your confidence, relationships, and overall health.
Septoplasty is a surgical solution that doesn’t just fix the structure of your nose, but can dramatically improve how you sleep, how you breathe, and how you feel.
If that sounds like relief, you’re in the right place. Our Scottsdale septoplasty experts will help you decide whether this procedure is the right choice for you.
What to Know About Septoplasty in Scottsdale?
Septoplasty is a nasal surgery that corrects a deviated septum. This is a condition where the thin wall between your nasal passages is shifted to one side, shortening one or both airways. This can make it harder to breathe, lead to chronic congestion, and even change the external shape of the nose in some cases.
Septoplasty relieves these symptoms by repositioning or reshaping the nasal septum to open the airway.
During this facial procedure, Dr. Mark carefully adjusts or removes portions of bone and cartilage through incisions made inside the nose, leaving no visible scars.
The goal is to create clear, unobstructed nasal passages while preserving the natural structure of your nose to get rid of any breathing difficulties.
Take the first step toward breathing easier and feeling more confident. Schedule your septoplasty consultation at our Scottsdale office.
Benefits of Septoplasty
When you choose to have a septoplasty, you’re doing more than opening your nasal passages. Many patients share that better breathing can positively affect daily comfort and overall well-being. Here’s what septoplasty can offer you:
Ideal Candidates
for Deviated Septum Repair
If breathing through your nose has never felt easy, you may not realize how much it’s affecting your daily life. These are some signs you may be a strong candidate for this procedure:
Chronic Nasal Obstruction
You frequently feel stuffy on one or both sides of your nose, even when you’re not sick or allergic.
Loud Snoring or Disrupted Sleep
Your breathing noises disturb others or cause you to feel anxious in shared sleeping spaces.
Frequent Sinus Infections
Your nose feels chronically inflamed or congested, often requiring medications or doctor visits.
Reduced Ability to Exercise
Limited nasal airflow makes cardio or strength workouts harder than they should be.
No Relief from Medication
Decongestants, sprays, or allergy meds don’t improve your breathing consistently.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, Dr. Mark can evaluate your nose at his Scottsdale office and help determine if septoplasty is right for you.
Take the first step toward better breathing and a better quality of life.
Septoplasty Consultation at Our Scottsdale Office
Your consultation is the first step toward easier breathing. During this appointment at our Scottsdale practice, Dr. Mark will carefully examine your nose, assess airflow, and review your full medical history.
In some cases, nasal endoscopy or imaging may be used to identify the exact location and extent of septal deviation.
Dr. Mark will explain how the surgery works, what recovery looks like, and what results you can expect. Together, you will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
Every plan is fully customized to your needs, with the goal of restoring both form and function.
How to Prepare for Your Septoplasty Surgery
Before your septoplasty, Dr. Mark will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions.
Protect Your Nose
Be mindful not to bump or press on your nose in the days before surgery so the septum stays in the right position.
Arrange Nasal Irrigation Supplies
Purchase saline rinse kits or neti pots recommended by our team, as they will be key for post-operative healing.
Change from Glasses
Switch to contact lenses or make arrangements, as glasses should not rest on your nose until we clear you.
Organize Transportation
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help with daily activities for the first few days.
Plan for Nasal Congestion
Stock up on a humidifier, extra pillows for elevated sleeping, and soft tissues, since swelling will affect breathing at first.
Stop Using Nasal Sprays
Discontinue over-the-counter nasal sprays like decongestants before surgery unless specifically recommended.
Avoid Smoking Completely
Stop all tobacco and nicotine products at least four weeks before surgery to support healing and lower complication risk.
Medication Restrictions
Avoid blood-thinning medications, NSAIDs, and certain herbal supplements as instructed by Dr. Mark.
These steps are essential to minimize risk and have a smoother recovery.
How Deviated Septum
Repair Is Performed
Whether you live in Scottsdale or Phoenix, each septoplasty Dr. Mark performs is tailored to the patient’s unique nasal structure and breathing concerns. Most procedures follow this series of well-planned steps:
Endoscopic vs. Traditional Septoplasty
There are two main approaches to septoplasty. Dr. Mark will choose the method that best fits your needs, depending on the complexity of your septum and your surgical history.
Traditional Septoplasty
In a traditional septoplasty, Dr. Mark makes small incisions on the inside of the nostrils to reach the septum. Through these openings, he can straighten or remove the parts of cartilage and bone that are blocking airflow. This method is often recommended for patients with straightforward septum deviations as it allows effective correction without extra equipment. Since the incisions are all internal, there are no visible scars.
Endoscopic Septoplasty
Endoscopic septoplasty involves using a thin camera to see inside the nose in real time. The camera projects a magnified image onto a screen, giving Dr. Mark a detailed view of the nasal passages and septum1. This is especially helpful for more complicated cases, such as when the septum is severely deviated, when the deviation is located far back in the nose, or for patients who have already had nasal surgery. This visualization helps him make sure the precise corrections are done while minimizing disruption to the surrounding tissues.
Knowing these steps will help you feel more comfortable, confident, and ready for your recovery.
Related Procedures
While septoplasty can greatly improve breathing on its own, some patients benefit from additional procedures that address other causes of nasal blockage or refine the nose’s appearance:
Turbinoplasty (Turbinate Reduction)
Turbinoplasty is a procedure that reduces the size of enlarged turbinates. These are structures inside the nose that help regulate airflow and humidity. When they become too large, they can block airflow even if the septum is corrected. Turbinoplasty is often performed at the same time as septoplasty2 to provide complete relief from nasal obstruction.
Nasal Valve Repair
Nasal valve repair is used to strengthen or widen the narrowest part of the nasal airway. This area controls how air flows into the nose. When the valves collapse or are naturally narrow, it can cause persistent breathing problems. This procedure is especially useful for patients who feel exhausted during exercise or deep breathing.
Septoplasty with Rhinoplasty
Some patients choose to have septoplasty performed at the same time as a rhinoplasty or even a revision rhinoplasty, which changes the outside of the nose.
This combined approach treats both function and appearance in one procedure. While septoplasty focuses on opening blocked nasal passages, rhinoplasty can straighten, refine, or adjust the outside of the nose for a look you prefer.
Doing both together means one surgery and one recovery period, which can save time and reduce overall downtime. Dr. Mark will carefully plan the surgery to improve breathing while keeping the nose looking natural and fitting your face. If you have concerns about both airflow and appearance, this combination may be the right option.
Dr. Mark will recommend options that match your anatomy and goals so you can breathe and feel your best.
Septoplasty Recovery Timeline
We will give you personalized instructions to help your healing go smoothly and support the best breathing results.
Day 1
On your first day after surgery, expect stuffiness, light drainage, and a feeling of pressure inside the nose. Keep your head propped up with pillows and do not blow your nose.
Day 3
By the third day, swelling and congestion start to improve. You may feel more comfortable walking around, but avoid bending over or lifting heavy items.
Week 1
Most patients return to school or desk work during the first week. If you have splints inside your nose, they are usually removed at the end of the first week.
Weeks 4–6
After a month has passed, the nose feels much more open, and most patients have returned to normal daily life. The remaining swelling is mild.
Month 3
Your nasal passages are mostly healed at the third month mark, and breathing should feel very different compared to before surgery. Any dryness or tenderness usually resolves.
Month 6
By month six, the septum is fully healed and stable. Your results are long-lasting, and no further treatment is usually needed. You will be fully ready and enjoying the results.
Dr. Mark’s Recovery Tips
- Keep your head elevated during the first week.
- Avoid strenuous activity until cleared.
- Do not blow your nose for 2–3 weeks.
- Use saline sprays as instructed.
Why Choose
Dr. Mark Gruszynski
Patients in Scottsdale and Phoenix trust Dr. Mark Gruszynski for his thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to functional nasal surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he combines plastic surgical expertise with a careful eye for balance and proportion.
His septoplasty technique is designed to maintain the natural structure of the nose while improving airflow. This leads to results that feel natural and help patients breathe, sleep, and live more comfortably.
Dr. Mark offers consultations where each treatment plan is tailored to your individual anatomy and personal goals.
Frequently Asked
Questions About Septoplasty
Get in Touch!
Do you have questions or are you ready for a consultation? Fill out the form, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit.
References
- Sogre, L., Ho, V. K., & McKay, R. D. (1999). Endoscopic septoplasty. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, 78(4), 278–282. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10229592/
- ENT Center of Utah. (n.d.). Septoplasty. https://entcenterutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SEPTOPLASTY.pdf