Septoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated nasal septum, the cartilage and bone structure inside the nose that separates the nasal passages. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia, which may be local or general depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's preference. The surgeon makes an incision inside one side of the nose to access the septum. This internal approach ensures that there will be no visible scars on the outside of the nose. The mucous membrane, which is a soft layer of tissue covering the septum, is carefully lifted away to expose the underlying cartilage and bone.

The surgeon then removes or reshapes the deviated portions of the septum to reposition it in the midline. In some cases, small parts of cartilage or bone may be trimmed or removed altogether to achieve proper alignment. Once the septum is straightened, the mucous membrane is repositioned back over the septum. To stabilize the improved septum position, the surgeon may place sutures and soft splints inside the nose, which help to support the septum as it heals. The entire procedure typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the deviation. Recovery involves a few days of rest, with specific post-operative care instructions given to ensure proper healing and to minimize any risk of complications, such as bleeding or infection.