If you’ve struggled with constant nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through one side of your nose, or frequent sinus infections, you may be wondering if a minimally invasive procedure like balloon sinuplasty could bring relief. The idea of fixing both sinus and structural nasal problems at once is appealing, but can balloon sinuplasty actually correct a deviated septum?
The short answer is no, but it may be viable when combined with a septoplasty.
At his New York City practice, Robert A. Guida, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specializes in advanced procedures that improve both nasal function and aesthetics. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Guida offers both balloon sinuplasty and septoplasty to address your nasal concerns.
What is a deviated septum?
Your nasal septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity into two halves. Ideally, this wall runs straight down the center, allowing air to pass freely through both nostrils. When the septum is shifted or “deviated” to one side, it can obstruct airflow, narrow the nasal passages, and interfere with your ability to breathe comfortably.
A deviated septum can develop for several reasons. For some people, it’s present from birth, a result of variations in nasal anatomy. For others, it may occur due to injury, such as a broken or dislocated nose, or gradually worsen with age as cartilage continues to grow and shift. Regardless of the cause, the impact on breathing and sinus health can be significant.
Common symptoms and long-term effects of a deviated septum include:
- Chronic nasal congestion or obstruction
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Recurrent sinus infections due to poor drainage
- Frequent nosebleeds or postnasal drip
- Facial pain, pressure, or headaches
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Fatigue from poor sleep quality and reduced oxygen flow
Can a balloon sinuplasty fix a deviated septum?
While balloon sinuplasty is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for chronic sinusitis, it does not correct the structural problem of a deviated septum. The procedure aims to open and widen the sinus drainage pathways, not to realign the nasal septum.
During balloon sinuplasty, a small catheter with an inflatable balloon is inserted into the sinus openings. Once positioned, the balloon is inflated to dilate the passageways, allowing mucus to drain more freely and reducing chronic inflammation. It’s a safe procedure often performed in-office under local anesthesia, with minimal downtime and long-lasting results for sinus relief.
However, since a deviated septum involves the bone and cartilage dividing the nasal cavity, balloon sinuplasty alone cannot reposition or reshape that structure.
Septoplasty: the only definitive treatment for a deviated septum
Septoplasty is the gold-standard surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. Unlike balloon sinuplasty, which works on the sinus openings, septoplasty focuses on the septal structure itself. The goal is to straighten and reshape the bone and cartilage that divide the nasal cavity, restoring balance and improving airflow.
The procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. Dr. Guida makes small incisions inside the nose (so there’s no visible scarring), lifts the mucosal lining, and carefully repositions or trims the displaced cartilage and bone. Once the septum is straightened, the lining is replaced, and the nose is supported with soft internal splints during healing.
Septoplasty is precise and highly effective, and when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Guida, it can dramatically improve nasal function. Because it addresses the root structural cause, it’s considered the only definitive correction for a deviated septum.
Benefits of septoplasty for a deviated septum:
- Improved nasal airflow and easier breathing
- Reduction in nasal congestion and obstruction
- Decreased frequency of sinus infections
- Relief from facial pressure and headaches
- Better quality of sleep and reduced snoring
- Enhanced comfort and day-to-day well-being
- No external incisions or visible scarring
Septoplasty may be combined with a balloon sinuplasty in some cases
While septoplasty alone corrects a deviated septum, Dr. Guida may recommend performing balloon sinuplasty at the same time for patients who also experience chronic sinus infections. This combined approach allows both the nasal structure and the sinus drainage system to be treated in a single procedure, offering comprehensive and lasting relief.
Combining septoplasty and balloon sinuplasty minimizes the need for multiple surgeries and recovery periods, while improving breathing function and sinus health. Patients often notice a dramatic reduction in congestion, fewer sinus infections, and a significant improvement in their ability to breathe freely through both nostrils.
If you’ve been told you have a deviated septum or suffer from chronic sinus problems, understanding the difference between balloon sinuplasty and septoplasty is essential. While balloon sinuplasty can successfully open blocked sinus pathways, it cannot fix a deviated septum: only septoplasty can restore the structural balance necessary for proper airflow.
With his dual board certifications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Guida brings both surgical precision and aesthetic artistry to every procedure. Whether performed individually or together, septoplasty and balloon sinuplasty under his care can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and live more comfortably every day. Schedule your consultation today.
