MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Your nasal septum is a thin wall that divides the inside of your nose into right and left sides. It's made of soft, flexible cartilage in the front and bone in the back. A thin layer of tissue called the nasal mucosa covers the septum. If you have a deviated septum, your septum is bent instead of straight. A deviated septum can block air flow through your nose. The procedure to fix problems with your nasal septum is called a nasal septoplasty. To begin the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the mucosa inside one of your nostrils. Then, the mucosa will be lifted away from the septum so the surgeon can see it. To straighten the septum, the surgeon may make a few cuts in the cartilage to relax it. Sometimes, the bent part of the septum may need to be removed. Your surgeon will leave behind enough cartilage to support your nose. After the procedure, the incision will be closed with stitches. In some cases where your septum isn't removed, more stitches will be passed through your septum to keep it straight. Your surgeon may put splints in your nose to support the septum while it heals. The splints will be removed after a few days. If you want to find out more about nasal septoplasty, talk to your healthcare provider.
