Deviated Septum Surgery in Austin, TX
Struggling to breathe through your nose? A deviated septum is one of the most common causes of chronic nasal obstruction. Capital ENT's board-certified ENT surgeons perform outpatient septoplasty — a precise procedure to straighten the septum and restore airflow — for patients across Central Texas.
What Is a Deviated Septum — and What Can Be Done?
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two passages. When the septum is displaced significantly to one side — a deviated septum — it narrows one or both nasal passages, restricting airflow and causing chronic nasal obstruction.
Septoplasty is the surgical procedure to straighten and reposition the septum. Performed entirely through the nostrils with no external incisions, it is an outpatient procedure with a well-established safety and efficacy record. Most patients notice significant improvement in nasal breathing within weeks of surgery.
- Outpatient procedure — no hospital stay required
- No external incisions or visible scarring
- Often combined with turbinate reduction for maximum airflow improvement
- Covered by most insurance plans when medically necessary
- Available at all 4 Central Texas locations
Signs You May Have a Deviated Septum
Chronic Nasal Obstruction
Persistent difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose — especially noticeable when trying to sleep or during exercise — is the hallmark symptom of a significantly deviated septum. Many patients describe always feeling congested even without a cold or allergies. Unlike congestion from illness or allergies, obstruction from a deviated septum is structural and does not respond to nasal sprays or antihistamines long-term.
Request EvaluationSnoring & Disrupted Sleep
A deviated septum forces mouth breathing at night, which is a major contributor to snoring and can worsen or contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with nasal obstruction from a deviated septum often sleep poorly, wake frequently, and feel unrested despite adequate sleep duration. Correcting the septum improves nasal airflow, reduces mouth breathing, and can significantly improve sleep quality.
Request EvaluationRecurrent Sinus Infections
Poor nasal drainage caused by a deviated septum creates conditions that favor bacterial growth and chronic sinus infections. Patients with a significantly deviated septum often suffer from repeated sinusitis, post-nasal drip, facial pressure, and reduced sense of smell. Septoplasty improves sinus drainage pathways and, in many cases, reduces the frequency and severity of sinus infections.
Request EvaluationSeptoplasty — Precise, Proven Relief
Septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room or IV sedation in the office, and is typically completed in 30–60 minutes. Our surgeons work entirely inside the nose — no external cuts, no bruising from the septoplasty itself. Patients go home the same day and most return to desk work within a few days.
When enlarged turbinates are contributing to nasal obstruction alongside the deviated septum, turbinate reduction is frequently performed at the same time — addressing all anatomical causes of obstruction in a single procedure.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat to Expect During Septoplasty
Septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils. The surgeon makes incisions inside the nose to access the septum, then carefully removes, reshapes, or repositions the deviated cartilage and bone to create a straighter, more open airway. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
- General anesthesia in the OR or IV sedation in the office — 30–60 minutes
- Performed entirely inside the nose — no visible scarring
- Return to desk work typically within a few days
- Avoid strenuous activity for 3–4 weeks
Recovery Timeline
What to expect after septoplasty
Day of Surgery
30–60 minute procedure. Go home the same day — no overnight stay required.
First Few Days
Most patients return to desk work. Some congestion is normal as the nose heals.
Weeks 3–4
Full recovery. Most patients notice significant improvement in nasal breathing.
Your Septoplasty Experience at Capital ENT
Same-Day Outpatient
Septoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in the OR or IV sedation in the office, and is completed in 30–60 minutes. You go home the same day — no overnight hospital stay required.
Same-Day DischargeNo External Scarring
All work is performed inside the nose through the nostrils. Septoplasty leaves no external cuts or visible marks — it's a functional procedure focused entirely on improving breathing.
Fully Internal ApproachCombined Procedures
Turbinate reduction, balloon sinuplasty, nasal valve repair, and other procedures are frequently combined with septoplasty — addressing all causes of nasal obstruction in one operation and one recovery.
Treat Everything at Once4 Central Texas Locations
Consultations available at all four Capital ENT offices — Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs.
Austin · Lakeway · Marble Falls · Dripping SpringsSeptoplasty FAQ
A deviated septum is diagnosed through a nasal examination by an ENT physician. Many people have some degree of septal deviation without significant symptoms. Surgery is typically recommended only when the deviation is causing bothersome nasal obstruction that has not responded to medical management (nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, etc.). An endoscopic examination in our office will clearly identify the anatomy and help determine whether surgery is indicated.
Septoplasty is a functional procedure — it is performed entirely inside the nose and does not change the external shape of your nose. Standard septoplasty will not affect your nose's external appearance.
Septoplasty performed for medically necessary indications — nasal obstruction that has failed medical management — is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare. Purely cosmetic nasal procedures are not covered. Our team will work with your insurance provider to obtain prior authorization and verify your benefits before scheduling surgery. Learn more about septoplasty cost & insurance →
Most patients return to desk work within a few days. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. Full healing of the nasal tissue takes several weeks, but most patients notice significant improvement in breathing within 3–4 weeks of surgery.
Yes — septoplasty is frequently combined with turbinate reduction, balloon sinuplasty, nasal valve repair, or other nasal procedures during the same anesthetic. Combining procedures addresses all causes of nasal obstruction at once and means one recovery period instead of multiple. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate combination based on your anatomy and symptoms.
Ready to Breathe Through Your Nose Again?
Our board-certified ENT surgeons will evaluate your nasal anatomy and determine whether septoplasty is right for you. Same-day and next-day consultations are often available.