Unlike rhinoplasty, a septoplasty doesn’t include external work to improve the outward appearance of the nose. Cosmetically speaking, though, if the septum is deviated, it may cause the nose to appear slightly crooked. Fixing the deviated nasal septum through septoplasty can generally improve the appearance of a crooked nose.
The septoplasty procedure is usually performed internally in combination with a rhinoplasty to give an overall improvement in the function and external appearance of the nose, but can also be done alone in specific situations.
Some patients are born with septal deviation, while others have experienced nasal trauma. A deviated septum causes trouble, including difficulty breathing, improperly draining sinuses, nasal congestion, and even recurrent sinus infections or chronic sinusitis. By opening up the nasal passages, patients can breathe easier and more clearly. Patients can also enjoy aesthetic improvements by combining their septoplasty with rhinoplasty.
Before receiving septoplasty, patients will schedule a consultation with Dr. Janiga at our Reno office. He will explain the procedure in greater detail and determine whether a patient is a good candidate. The best candidates are in overall good health and are non-smokers or able to quit smoking. Patients must be committed to following all pre- and post-surgical instructions to ensure safety and optimal results. They should arrange to have someone drive them home after the surgical procedure and take time off work for about one week.
Dr. Timothy Janiga is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience and countless patient success stories. His calm, expert, and meticulous approach has transformed the lives of both cosmetic and reconstruction patients, helping them feel good in their bodies. Dr. Janiga is an expert in all aspects of plastic surgery and specializes in cosmetic facial surgery, body contouring, and breast surgery.
Dr. Timothy Janiga performs the septoplasty surgical procedure using general anesthesia in our JCAHO-accredited Reno surgery center. Working through the nostrils, a small incision is made to separate the mucosa (mucous membrane), or the soft tissue that lines the septum and nasal passages, from the underlying bone and cartilage. The bent cartilage is then trimmed and straightened to open the nasal airway before the mucosa is replaced. Nasal packing will be placed to put pressure on the blood vessels, preventing excessive bleeding, and to help maintain the position of the reconstruction.
This procedure takes approximately one hour, with one to two hours in a recovery room before leaving the surgery center. This is an outpatient surgery, so patients can return home the same day.
I had a deviated septum (and then some) from an old sports injury. […] I was able to breathe through both nostrils instantly after surgery. I had no idea how much the injury had been impacting my quality of sleep, exercise, and even just daily living. It has been so wonderful to have a functional nose, plus it looks lovely! Dr. Janiga did a skilled, subtle job. I still look like myself, and the nose really fits my face.
Jennifer & Tim Janiga are the best in the business. I have been to many other docs who work in their field in my opinion they have no rival. Their excellence and dedication to their craft in medicine sets them apart alone. They further your experience with their genuine care to your individualized attention, taking the time to find out what you need and making sure you get all your answers. I always look forward to my time in their office. Do yourself a favor and book your next visit with them!
I recently underwent surgery with Dr. Tim Janiga and cannot recommend him enough. Dr. Janiga has a wonderful bedside manner and is a fantastic surgeon. Everything went smoothly, from the consult to post op care. The entire office staff is professional, helpful and incredibly kind. Both the office and Mountain West Surgical Center are beautiful and exceptionally clean, which gave me peace of mind. Thank you again Dr. Janiga and staff!
After septoplasty, moderate swelling, bruising, and facial pain are expected during the initial healing process. Take pain medication as needed, use cold compresses, and sleep with your head elevated to minimize discomfort. We also advise that patients sneeze with their mouth open and be careful when coughing to avoid damaging the healing nasal structures.
An external nasal splint and internal septal splint are left in place for the first week. These will be removed at a follow-up visit with Dr. Janiga. Once the splint is removed, patients can return to work and most normal activities, but strenuous exercise may need to be avoided for an additional few weeks.
Patients will see an immediately straighter septum and nose with full recovery taking about nine months, as swelling of the nose is characteristically slow to completely resolve, after which time patients can see the final results. Generally, septoplasty results include a straighter nose and significant relief from troubled breathing. These results are permanent.
Dr. Timothy Janiga is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures like septoplasty. Dr. Janiga completed his residency at the University of Michigan’s top medical program and has more than two decades of clinical experience that inform his surgical judgment and technical skill across both functional and aesthetic procedures. His training and commitment to exceptional patient outcomes allow him to address septal correction with precision and beautiful results.
Dr. Janiga has earned many awards, highlighting his distinguished reputation. He has been repeatedly named a Top Doctor by RealSelf, an accolade awarded to fewer than ten percent of qualifying physicians based on both clinical contributions and patient feedback. He has been honored as a Best of Reno Plastic Surgeon and included among the America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 5 % and 10 Best Plastic Surgeons in Nevada for client satisfaction by the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons. He is a selected member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
JanigaMDs emphasizes a comprehensive approach that blends reconstructive precision with aesthetic awareness. In septoplasty cases, this means addressing deviations of the nasal septum to improve nasal function while maintaining or enhancing facial harmony, drawing on expertise in facial anatomy and surgical planning. Surgical planning at JanigaMDs is uniquely incorporated with a dual-focus in skin quality and aesthetics under the direction of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Janiga. She works closely with Dr. Timothy Janiga to support outcomes that align structural improvement with refined aesthetic goals.
JanigaMDs record of awards, longstanding dedication to patient care, and history of patient satisfaction contribute to our reputation for quality and thoughtful surgical outcomes in septoplasty and other advanced procedures.
We evaluate patients who desire septoplasty in our Reno/Tahoe offices. For more information or to set up a consultation with Dr. Janiga for your septoplasty in our offices, please send us an email or call 775-364-0224.
JanigaMDs is the only practice in Reno where patients can consult with both a board-certified dermatologist and a board-certified plastic surgeon in one visit.
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Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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