Restore Airflow and Reclaim Your Sleep
Breathing is the body’s most passive, constant function. When it works, you never notice it. When it doesn’t, it dictates your entire day—from the quality of your sleep to your endurance during a workout.
For many patients in Beverly Hills, the struggle isn’t environmental; it’s architectural. A deviated septum acts like a crimp in a garden hose, restricting nasal passages regardless of how many allergy medications or strips you try. While the issue is internal, the impact is visible in your energy levels and your overall quality of life.
Dr. William Harris, a specialist in face and neck surgery, approaches septoplasty as a functional restoration. Drawing on a deep background in nasal surgery, he corrects the internal nasal structure to establish clear, unobstructed airflow. This is not about vanity; it is about fixing the machinery so you can finally breathe.
The nasal septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides your nasal cavity into two chambers. Ideally, this wall runs straight down the midline, creating two equal nasal airways. In reality, perfect symmetry is rare. Whether due to genetics or a past injury, a deviated septum occurs when this partition is displaced to one side, narrowing the airway.
Septoplasty is the surgical procedure designed to straighten this deviation.
Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which alters the external shape of the nose, septoplasty performed by Dr. Harris is strictly internal. The goal is to reposition the septum to the center, opening the nasal passages without changing your profile. It is a precise, functional adjustment that allows air to travel freely through the nose, relieving the pressure that causes loud breathing and chronic congestion.
Many patients suffer for years, assuming their breathing difficulties are simply "sinus trouble." However, nasal obstruction caused by a deviation is a mechanical blockage that will not resolve on its own.
You may be a good candidate for a Beverly Hills septoplasty if you experience:
If these symptoms interfere with your well-being or ability to play sports, it may be time to consider surgery.
Understanding the distinction between these procedures is critical during your initial consultation.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine nose surgery for breathing with aesthetic rhinoplasty changes. Since Dr. Harris is already accessing the internal framework, addressing both cosmetic rhinoplasty goals and functional issues in one surgery is efficient, requiring only a single recovery period.
Dr. Harris performs septoplasty surgery in his AAAASF-accredited private surgical suite in Beverly Hills. This ensures privacy and hospital-grade safety in a boutique setting.
While minor nasal adjustments can theoretically use local anesthesia, Dr. Harris typically utilizes general anesthesia (or deep sedation administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist). This ensures you are completely comfortable and allows for the precision required when working with delicate bone and cartilage.
Dr. Harris works entirely through the nostrils, making a small incision inside the nose to lift the mucosal lining. He carefully removes or reshapes the excess tissue causing the blockage. The remaining septum is straightened and stabilized. In some cases, enlarged turbinates (the structures that warm air) are also reduced to maximize airway volume.
Because the work is internal, there are no visible scars. The procedure usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, and because it is an outpatient procedure, you will return home the same day.
The healing process for a standalone septoplasty is significantly milder than most patients expect, especially compared to a full rhinoplasty procedure.
Dr. Harris generally avoids uncomfortable nasal packing. Instead, he uses thin, flexible splints that stabilize the septum while allowing you to breathe. These are removed painlessly at your one-week follow-up.
The nose is a millimeter-sensitive organ where form and function are inseparable. Dr. Harris is a specialist dedicated exclusively to the face and neck. His background combines the functional rigors of otolaryngology with the aesthetic refinement of plastic surgery.
He understands that a "straight" nose on the outside means nothing if the nasal cavity is blocked on the inside. His surgical philosophy prioritizes structural integrity. He does not simply remove cartilage; he reconstructs the airway to support a lifetime of clear breathing.
Whether you are a local resident needing to improve your exercise routine or a patient traveling for Beverly Hills septoplasty, Dr. Harris offers a level of care that respects your anatomy and your time.
If loud breathing, poor sleep, or chronic congestion are affecting your quality of life, you do not have to live with it. Dr. Harris can help you determine if a deviated septum is the cause. Schedule your consultation to discuss how septoplasty can restore your breathing and your energy.
No. A standalone septoplasty is purely internal. It straightens the nasal septum to improve breathing without altering the bridge or tip. If you want to change the look of your nose, ask Dr. Harris about combining this with cosmetic rhinoplasty.
Often, yes. Because a deviated septum is a medical condition causing functional issues like chronic sinusitis or sleep apnea symptoms, many insurance plans cover the surgical procedure. Our team can guide you through the documentation process based on your medical history.
Most patients suffering from nasal obstruction find the recovery very manageable. The sensation is more like significant congestion during the first week rather than sharp pain. Local or general anesthesia ensures you feel nothing during surgery, and mild discomfort afterward is treated with Tylenol or prescribed medication.
You should avoid contact sports or any activity that risks injury to the nose for at least 6 weeks. For non-contact exercise routines like cycling or running, most patients are cleared after 3 weeks.
Once the bone and cartilage are straightened or removed, they do not grow back. However, a future injury could cause a new deviation.
If your snoring is caused by nasal blockage, septoplasty can dramatically improve it. However, if the issue is in the throat or soft palate, Dr. Harris may suggest additional treatments.
A deviated septum often forces you to breathe through your mouth while sleeping. This bypasses the nose’s humidifying function, leading to dry mouth and sore throats. Correcting the airflow resolves this.
If you are considering plastic surgery, choose the doctor who goes above and beyond for his patients. Dr. William Harris makes it his mission to deliver artful, innovative, and detailed surgical and non-surgical procedures to help you live more beautifully every day. Schedule a consultation today to start your journey.
Seeing Patients in Beverly Hills, CA
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 9am - 12pm
