3 Signs You Need a Revision Septoplasty to Fix Breathing Problems
3 Signs You Need a Revision Septoplasty to Fix Breathing Problems
Breathing is supposed to be easy. If you’ve had a septoplasty but still struggle to get enough air, there may be another underlying issue.
Many people hope their first septoplasty will solve their breathing problems. However, months later, some individuals still experience nasal blockage, congestion, snoring, or noisy airflow. In these cases, a revision septoplasty, often accompanied by turbinoplasty or nasal airway surgery, can make a significant difference.
This guide explains why your first surgery may not have fixed your breathing and 3 signs you need a revision septoplasty to fix breathing problems.
Why a Straight Septum Alone Doesn’t Guarantee Better Breathing?
Many people think a deviated septum is the only reason for their breathing problems. While it’s common, simply straightening the septum may not be enough to fix your breathing.
Even after a perfect septoplasty, you may still feel blocked if:
- The turbinates remain enlarged.
- The nasal valve (the narrowest part of the airway) is weak or collapses inward.
- Scar tissue forms after healing
- The internal support of the nasal wall is insufficient.
The septum may have been fixed, but the real blockage often comes from a mix of the septum, turbinates, and nasal valves.
The Complete Airway System: Why All Three Must Work Together
Think of your nose as a tunnel with three parts. If any part is blocked, your breathing can still feel restricted, even after surgery.
🔹 The Septum
Straightens the airway pathway.
🔹 The Turbinates
If the turbinates are still enlarged, they affect your airflow. Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or reduces enlarged turbinates.
🔹 The Nasal Valves
If your nasal valves collapse inward, you will need nasal airway surgery to strengthen the nasal valves.
If these areas weren’t fixed during your first septoplasty, you’ll likely still have breathing problems.
3 Signs you need a Revision Septoplasty to fix breathing problems
Sign 1 - You Still Feel Blocked After Surgery
If it’s been months and you still have trouble breathing, it’s a strong sign that something was missed in your first surgery.
A primary septoplasty may fail because:
- The deviation wasn’t fully corrected.
- The nasal valves remain weak or collapse.
- Enlarged turbinates were not reduced.
Most of the time, blockage isn’t just from the septum. A deviated septum usually causes problems when it’s combined with enlarged turbinates or weak nasal valves.
Sign 2 - Your Sleep, Snoring, or Mouth Breathing Hasn’t Improved
Septoplasty should improve airflow during sleep.
If you’re still experiencing:
- Heavy snoring
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Waking up tired
- Difficulty breathing lying down
- Dependence on breathing strips
Here, you should consider a revision septoplasty to fix breathing problems, often in conjunction with turbinoplasty or nasal valve repair, which can significantly improve your nighttime breathing.
Sign 3 - Your Septoplasty Before and After Results Look the Same
Septoplasty is primarily a functional surgery that corrects your breathing.
If, after several months, you still have a crooked nasal bridge, whistling sounds when you breathe, ongoing congestion, sinus pressure, or a slight improvement in airflow, it may mean something was left untreated.
Most patients compare the septoplasty before and after the procedure to recognize the lack of improvement. In such cases, you may require a revision septoplasty to fix breathing problems.
Fixing The Real Cause of Blocked Breathing
A good revision septoplasty fixes all the parts causing blockage, not just the septum.
✔ Corrects Remaining Septal Deviation
Precisely straightens cartilage and bone that were missed previously.
✔ Turbinoplasty to Reduce Enlarged Turbinates
If the turbinates weren’t treated before, they’ll continue to block your airflow. Turbinoplasty shrinks the swollen turbinates, keeps them working, and opens up your airway.
✔ Nasal Airway Surgery (Valve Repair)
Nasal airway surgery makes the nasal valves stronger so they don’t collapse when you breathe in. This helps maintain steady airflow, improves breathing, and can aid in better sleep.
Septoplasty Recovery: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Typical septoplasty recovery timeline:
- Days 1–3: Swelling and congestion
- Week 1: Splints removed, comfort improves.
- Weeks 2–3: Noticeable airflow improvement
- Months 1–3: Internal healing stabilizes
- Month 6: Full functional results
If you still feel blocked after this time, it’s a good idea to get checked for a possible revision.
Why Expertise Matters Most in Revision Septoplasty?
Revision nasal surgery is more complex due to:
- Scar tissue
- Weakened cartilage
- Altered anatomy
- Limited structural support
That’s why it’s essential to choose an experienced surgeon, such as Dr Levente Deak, who has unmatched expertise in performing complex nose surgeries.
How does Dr Levente’s approach stand out in revision septoplasty?
Dr Levente Deak is a European Board-Certified ENT Surgeon and a Dual Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon (USA & EU) with over 15 years of dedicated experience in facial and nasal surgery.
His approach focuses on:
✨ Minimally invasive refinement
✨ Precision airway reconstruction
✨ Combined functional + aesthetic correction
✨ Advanced nasal valve repair techniques
✨ Hundreds of successful revision cases
Dr Levente’s mantra says it all: “Every nose is unique and every solution must be customised.” |
Revision Septoplasty Post Op Care: What Patients Should Expect
- Use saline rinses
- Avoid strenuous activity
- Keep head elevated
- No nose blowing until cleared
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Many patients say they recover more easily because Dr Levente uses gentle, low-trauma surgical methods.
Breathe Better with Expert Revision Care - Dr Levente Deak, Best Revision Septoplasty in Dubai
If you recognise any of these 3 signs you need a revision septoplasty to fix breathing problems, the right surgeon can make all the difference.
Your journey to clearer breathing, deeper sleep, and real comfort can start today with Dr Levente!
Breathe the way you were meant to – Book your consultation today!
Some Quick FAQs
Persistent blockage, poor airflow, snoring, or mouth breathing that doesn’t improve with medication indicates you may need nose surgery.
If breathing doesn’t improve after 8–12 weeks—or gets worse—contact your surgeon.
Yes. Revision septoplasty is common and highly effective when done by an experienced nasal surgeon.
Residual deviation, swelling, or scar tissue may still be obstructing airflow.
Most people feel improvement within 1 to 3 months, with full recovery by 6 months.