Septoplasty
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

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Medically reviewed for accuracy.

On This Page
Septoplasty

Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum
What Causes Septal Deviation?
How is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?
What Are the Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum?
What to Expect During Septoplasty Recovery
Breathe Easy with Dr. John D. Rachel
Understanding Septoplasty for Septal Deviation
Why Choose Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa
Frequently Asked Questions About Septoplasty
Chicago Aesthetics Reviews & Testimonials

Face & Skin
What is a Septoplasty?

Our noses are one of the most important organs we have. They are designed to filter and warm the air we breathe. The nasal septum runs down the middle of the nose, dividing the bone and cartilage into two compartments. If the septum is deviated, it can dramatically impact the nose’s function.

Septal deviation is a common condition where the nasal septum is off-center or crooked. It can be congenital, meaning present from birth, or occur as a result of injury or trauma. This deviation can cause issues with nasal breathing and lead to chronic sinus infections.

Symptoms of a
Deviated Nasal Septum:

While some individuals are born with this condition, others may develop septal deviation through injury or trauma to the nose. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, depending on the degree of deviation. The lists below show some of the most commonly to rarely observed symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Nasal Congestion
Difficulty Breathing
Frequent Nosebleeds
Snoring

Uncommon Symptoms

Facial Pain
Headaches
Postnasal Drip

Rare Symptoms

Sleep Apnea
Altered Sense of Smell
Chronic Sinus Infections

Young woman touching her nose on light background, closeup

What Causes
Septal Deviation?

There are two ways patients get septal deviation: congenital and acquired causes.
Congenital Causes

Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals are born with a deviation in their nasal septum due to genetic factors influencing their development.
Developmental Issues: During fetal development, the nasal septum may not form correctly or may grow unevenly, resulting in a deviation that is present at birth.

Acquired Causes

Trauma or Injury: This can occur from accidents, sports injuries, fights, or any impact that causes the nasal cartilage or bone to shift.
Nasal Growth Discrepancies: As individuals grow, the nasal septum might grow faster or in a different direction than the surrounding structures, leading to a deviation.

How is A
Deviated Septum Diagnosed?

Septal deviations can be diagnosed in one of three ways. The first will detect deviations in the front of the nose, while the second and third can detect deviations further back in the nasal passages.

Step 1 – Medical Examination: A simple examination will detect deviations that may be in front of the nose.
Step 2 – Nasal Endoscopy: A nasal endoscopy is performed in the office by sliding a tiny camera mounted on a slender telescope and passing it through the nostrils.
Step 3 – Imaging: A CT Scan may need to be performed, for visualization of the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses.

Cropped portarit of beautiful middle-aged woman with healthy, natural condition skin looking away over grey studio background.

What Are the
Treatment Options for A Deviated Septum?

Medications and treatments will not cure a deviated septum but can help ease or manage symptoms. This type of treatment may focus on managing symptoms through medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines. These can help reduce nasal congestion and inflammation.

For severe septal deviation, surgery may be required.

What to Expect
During Septoplasty Recovery

Recovery from septoplasty generally involves a short period of downtime, with patients often returning to normal activities within a week, although they may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to prevent nosebleeds or other complications. After the surgery, patients typically experience improved breathing, reduced nasal congestion, and a decrease in sinus infections.

Breathe Easy with
Dr. John D. Rachel

Don’t let nasal discomfort and breathing challenges affect your quality of life any longer! Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rachel today and take the first step towards clearer breathing and improved nasal health. Contact us now to book your appointment and breathe easier with the care and support of our expert team.

Understanding
Septoplasty for Septal Deviation

For patients with a severe case of septal deviation, medications are usually less effective, so we will opt for surgery–often called a septoplasty. A septoplasty or septal reconstruction is a procedure meant to straighten the deviated septal cartilage and bone. Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure and is performed in combination with other nasal- and sinus-related procedures.

The procedure is typically performed by Dr. Rachel. Patients go under general or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the correction needed. During septoplasty, we will make a small incision inside the nose to access the septum. We then trim, reposition, and remove parts of the bone or cartilage to straighten the septum.

The incisions are usually closed with absorbable sutures, and no external scars are visible since the surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils.

Why Choose
Dr. Rachel

You want a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, and results that still look like you. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview, we start with an anatomy-led plan based on your goals. We’ll tell you what we think will work, what won’t, and why. We explain your options in plain language, including what we would not recommend, so you can feel confident with your decision.

Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is quadruple board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He completed residency training in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Wayne State/Detroit Medical Center and a Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Beeson Cosmetic Surgery Institute. He has been in practice since 2001, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and has published peer-reviewed research in facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation.

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Dr. Rachel and his team at Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview

Frequently Asked Questions
Septoplasty

K

L

How does septal deviation impact overall respiratory health and what are its long-term effects?

Long-term, this condition can lead to chronic nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections due to impaired drainage, and potentially even changes in the structure of the mouth and throat due to altered breathing patterns. Chronic mouth breathing can also result in dry mouth, which increases the risk of dental health issues.

K

L

Can septal deviation contribute to sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, and how?

Septal deviation can contribute to sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. The condition can cause diminished airflow through the nose, disrupted sleep patterns, and snoring, among others.

Addressing septal deviation through medical treatments or surgical intervention can significantly improve airflow, reducing the risk and severity of sleep apnea and leading to better sleep quality overall.

K

L

Can septal deviation recur after surgical correction, and what preventive measures can be taken?

Yes. There is a small chance that deviation can recur, especially if the surgery is done during childhood or adolescence before the nasal structures have fully matured. Subsequent nasal trauma is another factor that can lead to a recurrence of septal deviation.

K

L

How does septal deviation affect children differently from adults, and what are the treatment considerations?

In children, symptoms may be less apparent, but the condition can lead to chronic sinus issues and affect the development of the facial bones. Treatment for children often involves observation over time to see if the deviation corrects itself as the child grows. We only advise surgical intervention in severe cases that significantly impact breathing or lead to recurrent sinus infections.

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How does MetropolitanMD tailor septal deviation treatments to individual patient needs, especially in complex cases?

For individuals with mild symptoms, we usually focus on medication first to relieve symptoms. In more severe or complex cases, Dr. Rachel will recommend septoplasty. This could be combined with other procedures to address all factors contributing to nasal obstruction.

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

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   Sara Glover 
 October 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Carol for treatment on my forehead using dysport. Carol was kind & quick, making sure my experience was comfortable! It was my first time receiving any form of injectables & Carol was able to ease my mind by answering all of my questions with patience & pure knowledge! Carol has years of experience & im so grateful she was my injector! I recommend everyone be treated by Carol for injectables!
  
 
      
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 October 21, 2026
 
 
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 October 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really liked how the staff treated me. Everyone was very kind and professional, and they made me feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the entire experience.
  
 
      
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 October 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. John Rachel and his staff were wonderful to me. Made sure I was comfortable and kept me informed on everything they were going to do before, during and after my procedure.
I will highly recommend Dr. John Rachel and his wonderful staff.

Thank You,
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 October 8, 2026
 
 
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When it comes to aesthetics, excellence is everything, and I can confidently say that Carol is truly in a league of her own.

Her expertise, artistry, and meticulous attention to detail are simply unparalleled. She has an extraordinary ability to enhance natural beauty while maintaining elegance, balance, and sophistication. Her results are consistently flawless, refreshed, and beautifully understated — the true definition of timeless beauty.

What makes Carol exceptional is not only her remarkable skill but also her integrity, professionalism, and genuine dedication to her clients. She understands that the finest aesthetic work is never obvious; it is effortlessly beautiful.

Two decades of loyalty speak for themselves. I trust her implicitly and would never consider putting my face in anyone else’s hands.

She is the epitome of excellence in aesthetic medicine, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. An absolute five-star experience, every single time!
  
 
      
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 October 7, 2026
 
 
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Stephanie was amazing! She did my laser hair removal treatment and made the entire experience so comfortable and easy. She was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all of my questions, which really put me at ease. The service was efficient, and I could tell she genuinely cared about providing great results and excellent customer care. I’m so happy with my experience and will definitely be coming back for future treatments. Highly recommend Stephanie to anyone considering laser hair removal!
  
 
      
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 October 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been coming to Carol for over 20 years, and that longevity truly speaks for itself. I continue to see her because she is incredibly educated, highly skilled, and genuinely listens to what you want and need.

She takes the time to understand your goals and creates a plan that enhances your natural features in a way that feels authentic and balanced. Her work is beautiful,  and refined. The results are always natural and confidence boosting.

Beyond her talent, I trust her completely. After two decades, I can confidently say she is consistent, professional, and truly cares about her patients.

If you're looking for perfection, Carol is definitely the person you should see! Highly recommended!
  
 
      
   Sam 
 October 2, 2026
 
 
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 September 22, 2026
 
 
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The moment I walked into the clinic I felt a happy, welcomed and professional setting. I had my Sofwave treatment with Alison Falada, Master Esthetician and Laser Specialist. She was nothing short of amazing! She was personable, knowledgeable, skilled and detailed throughout the entire experience. She took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process, addressed all of my my questions and concerns. Alison is an expert and provided great quality service! I love my results and can't wait to book my next appointment with her!
  
 
      
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 September 20, 2026
 
 
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Septoplasty In Chicago & Glenview, IL

On This Page Septoplasty

Face & Skin What is a Septoplasty?

Symptoms of a Deviated Nasal Septum:

What Causes Septal Deviation?

How is A Deviated Septum Diagnosed?

What Are the Treatment Options for A Deviated Septum?

What to Expect During Septoplasty Recovery

Breathe Easy with Dr. John D. Rachel

Understanding Septoplasty for Septal Deviation

Why Choose Dr. Rachel

Frequently Asked Questions Septoplasty