Correct Deviated Septum Septoplasty/Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery

Improves Breathing & Airflow
Double Board-Certified Surgeon
Expert in Facial Plastic Surgery

What is the Septum?

The septum is the midline structure — made of cartilage in the front and bone in the back — that divides the right and left sides of the nose. Most people do not have a completely straight septum (in fact, medical professionals estimate that up to 80% of individuals have a deviated septum), but some the septum is much more crooked than others.

Before & After

*Individual results will vary.

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 1

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 2

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 3

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 4

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 5

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 6

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 7

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 8

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 9

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 10

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 11

Before and after rhinoplasty in Upper East Side, patient 12

* Individual results may vary.

Septoplasty to Correct a Deviated Septum

Septal deviation occurs when the cartilage inside the nose blocks the passage of air through the nostrils. This may be the result of trauma or from birth (congenital). In deviated septum surgery, the malformed septum can be removed or straightened to improve airflow. The best septoplasty procedures straighten the septum and achieve the best functional and aesthetic outcome. After deviated septum surgery, patients often say they can sleep better, exercise more easily, and that they aren’t out of breath so much. Overall, breathing is greatly improved.

Schedule A Consultation

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum can develop while you’re still in the womb — or may even happen during trauma at birth. Many deviated septum cases happen because an individual will have multiple “mini traumas” over the course of their life, such as falling as a child. These mini traumas aren’t always even noticed, but can build up over time to cause a deviation. Many times, the reason for a deviated septum is due to a broken nose or large trauma to the face.

Problems Arising from a Deviated Septum

Obstruction of one side, or rarely both sides, of the nose
Headaches
Pain in the face
Excessively loud breathing or snoring
Nosebleeds
Nasal drip
Congestion
Decrease in airflow
Chronic sinus infections

Woman with a beautiful face highlighting rhinoplasty in Upper East Side.

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Functional rhinoplasty improves nasal breathing by correcting structural issues that block airflow. Obstruction may be caused by nasal collapse or weak cartilage. This may occur due to natural anatomy, prior surgery or a past injury.

The procedure uses internal and/or external incisions and, when needed, cartilage grafts to support the nose. Most patients experience improved breathing and natural-looking results.

Nose Job vs. Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional and cosmetic nasal concerns are often closely related. In many cases, both breathing issues and aesthetic goals can be addressed during the same procedure.

“A few months ago, I fractured my nose. From this accident, I had a deviated septum and a few nasal fractures that made the appearance of my nose much worse. I consulted Dr. Reitzen, who was very helpful in explaining the deformities in my nose and how to fix them. She then walked me through the procedure and did a beautiful job with my nose, making it look even better than before I fractured it.”

M.S.

Schedule A Consultation

What to Expect in Your Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Reitzen, she will conduct a physical exam of your nose to evaluate the state of your septum. Some patients believe they need a septoplasty, when in fact they don’t. Dr. Reitzen will discuss the medical history of your nose, including any trauma or previous surgeries, and she will ask about your symptoms and your goals for the procedure. She will explain all the reasons you may be having breathing issues and rule out allergies and other conditions.

Once she has all of this information, she will go walk you through your options, and together you will develop your treatment plan. Once it has been determined, she will go over the procedure details, risks, recovery, and what you can expect. Dr. Reitzen will also talk about the possibility of cosmetic rhinoplasty, if this is something you’re interested in. This consultation is also the ideal time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have.

“Smart and straightforward. I felt valued. She spent time listening to my needs.”

— E.K.

Shari Reitzen, M.D. Double Board-Certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon

With a focus on both cosmetic surgery and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care, Dr. Shari Reitzen strives to provide individualized care and results that are both beautiful and natural, with a focus on restoring optimal function. Whether you’re looking for an ENT doctor or facial plastic surgery in the Upper East Side, Dr. Reitzen will put you first and closely listen to achieve your desired results.

“Definitely will be keeping her!”

by Angela S.

She was so personable, and very communicative. Definitely will be keeping her as my doctor.

Angela S.

“The best ENT!”

by Anonymous, Zocdoc

I’ve been going there since 2018, and am never disappointed!

Anonymous, Zocdoc

“Quick, easy, and thorough”

by Courtney K.

Quick and easy appointment while still being very thorough, and she went through all my questions and concerns.

Courtney K.

“Very nice and personable”

by Eian K.

Dr. Reitzen is very nice and personable. Went in for a very routine appointment. Would definitely recommend!

Eian K.

“I left feeling good”

by Anonymous, Zocdoc

Dr. Reitzen was very nice and made sure my questions were answered and I left feeling good about the appointment.

Anonymous, Zocdoc

“Professional and courteous”

by Julie Q.

Dr. Reitzen was very professional and courteous. She conducted the diagnosis and explained what she found very clearly.

Julie Q.

“Fortunate to have found her”

by Eva M.

She makes you feel at ease while maintaining a high level of professionalism. So fortunate to have found her.

Eva M.

“A great listener”

by Anonymous, Zocdoc

Dr. Reitzen is great! She’s a great listener and works with you to achieve great results.

Anonymous, Zocdoc

“She was very nice”

by Caitlyn W.

She was very nice and didn’t make me feel intimidated. Explained what was going on and encouraged a follow-up.

Caitlyn W.

“Highly recommend her”

by Monica D.

Dr. Reitzen listened to me and took the time to explain what was wrong. Would highly recommend her.

Monica D.

FAQ

How do I know if I have a deviated septum?

Is deviated septum surgery covered by health insurance?

How do I know if I have a deviated septum?

Having a deviated septum doesn’t just mean that you have a crooked nose. Although the only way to truly know if you have a deviated septum or not is to visit a nose specialist, you can do a small at-home test to check. Block one side of your nose by pressing against it with your finger. If you’re unable to breathe clearly through the other side and this is how it always is, you could have a deviated septum on the side on which you can’t breathe. If you’re confused or worried about having a deviated septum, we encourage you to see Dr. Reitzen.

Is deviated septum surgery covered by health insurance?

Health insurance often covers part or all of deviated septum surgery if your breathing is impaired. We encourage you to contact your health insurance provider to check and see if this type of procedure is covered.

Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Surgery)

Address:

Upper East Side 715 Park Avenue Suite 2
New York, NY 10021

Phone: (347) 218-9640

First Name This field is required.

Last Name This field is required.

Phone This field is required.

Email This field is required.

Message

This field is required.

Submit

Correct Deviated Septum Septoplasty/Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery

What is the Septum?

Before & After

Septoplasty to Correct a Deviated Septum

Schedule A Consultation

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

Problems Arising from a Deviated Septum

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Nose Job vs. Functional Rhinoplasty

Schedule A Consultation

What to Expect in Your Consultation

Shari Reitzen, M.D. Double Board-Certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon

“Definitely will be keeping her!”

“The best ENT!”

“Quick, easy, and thorough”

“Very nice and personable”

“I left feeling good”

“Professional and courteous”

“Fortunate to have found her”

“A great listener”

“She was very nice”

“Highly recommend her”

FAQ

How do I know if I have a deviated septum?

Is deviated septum surgery covered by health insurance?

Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Surgery)

Terms of Service

Limitations of Use

Intellectual Property

Liability

Accuracy of Materials

Links

Right to Terminate

Severance

Governing Law