What is a deviated septum? It is often times a legitimate precursor to nose surgery, and a sometimes excuse for the procedure. After being discovered a rhinoplasty patient, many people have been heard to mutter, "Breathing trouble. Deviated septum." While not all people who undergo this procedure are suffering from breathing difficulties, many are due to the anatomy and features of their natural nose. In fact, even those with seemingly perfect noses often suffer from internal problems.

The septum is what lies between your nostrils. It is the bone and cartilage that separates your two nasal cavities from each other. The ideal one is a perfect line, separating the nose in to two equal parts. However, most humans are not perfectly symmetrical. In fact, a slight variation is more often the norm, with one side leaning a little bit over to the left or right. Few people will notice any adverse effects from this, but in some cases the septum is quite a bit off-center, which can cause zero problems or numerous ones depending on the individual.

A deviation isn't always visible from the outside, but in severe cases it can be noticeable. This is especially true in case of an injury. It often appears crooked or leaning slightly off to one side. While people find this aesthetically displeasing, it can also cause other health issues such as sleep apnea, snoring, chronic nosebleeds and sinus infections, as well as difficulty breathing.

This process is not necessary to fix a deviated septum, as an ENT can perform the method in less time and for considerably less money. However, many people who are suffering from this condition find themselves unhappy with the overall appearance of their nose and wish for an aesthetic change as well. Board-certified and experienced plastic surgeons can not only enhance the appearance, but can perform septoplasty as well, restoring breathing to normal and alleviated other problems associated with the condition.

Whether to choose an ENT or plastic surgeon to perform this method will depend on a variety of factors including your budget, the severity of your breathing or related difficulties, and your expectations of the outcome. Some ENTs can perform rudimentary aesthetic changes such as removal of a hump on the bridge as well, but generally are not qualified to perform aesthetic improvements. Some patients may decide that they feel more confident going to an ENT specialist if their greatest concern is focusing on the correction.

So before you are quick to judge someone who has undergone this operation, remember that the medical issues associated with it are more common than you might believe. While not always necessary, this can greatly improve life quality and overall health and wellbeing. Choosing a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon or ENT can help ensure that you get the best possible medical advice and outcome.