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How Much Does It Cost to Correct a Deviated Septum?

A common problem, a deviated septum is when the septum dividing the nose is off-center. When it causes bothersome stuffiness or difficulty breathing, it can be corrected by a surgery called a septoplasty. A septoplasty can cost anywhere from $5,152 to $12,633.
A common problem, a deviated septum is when the septum dividing the nose is off-center. When it causes bothersome stuffiness or difficulty breathing, it can be corrected by a surgery called a septoplasty. A septoplasty can cost anywhere from $5,152 to $12,633. 

The bone and cartilage that divides the nose into two nostrils is called a septum. A deviated septum describes a septum that is off-center. 

A deviated septum is a common problem. It is estimated that up to 80% of people have one.

Costs to correct a deviated septum vary. According to Costaide, the average cost to correct a deviated septum in the U.S. is $8,131. The cost for a septoplasty (the surgery that corrects a deviated septum) ranges from $5,152 to $12,633. 

Factors that affect the cost of surgery to straighten a deviated septum include: 

  • How much your insurance will cover, if anything
    • Most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the surgery if it is determined to be medically necessary and if the surgeon and anesthesiologist are in-network 
  • The hospital where you get the procedure
  • The state in which you get the procedure
  • How complex the procedure is to perform

What Are Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms of a deviated septum occur, they may include:

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose, usually worse on one side
  • Stuffy nose, especially on one side
  • Repeated sinus infections
  • Nosebleeds
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Mouth-breathing during sleep in adults
  • Noisy breathing during sleep in infants and young children

What Causes a Deviated Septum?

Some people are born with a deviated septum, and in other people, a deviated septum may be caused by any injury or trauma to the nose. 

How Is a Deviated Septum Diagnosed?

A deviated septum is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination of the inside of the nose. 

Tests used to diagnose a deviated septum include: 

What Is the Treatment for a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum does not always need treatment if it causes no problems. In patients who have a badly deviated septum, surgery called a septoplasty is used to straighten a crooked septum.

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References
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/deviated-septum-the-basics?search=Deviated%20Septum&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~34&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/deviated-septum/

https://www.deviatedseptumsurgery.org/cost/average-cost-insurance/