Septoplasty Surgery

in San Francisco

A Clearer Path to Better Breathing

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Correct Nasal Structure.

Improve Breathing Comfort.

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated septum — the internal wall separating the nostrils — to improve nasal airflow and relieve chronic breathing difficulty. This procedure can significantly enhance quality of life for patients who struggle with congestion, obstruction, or sinus discomfort due to structural nasal problems.

At Aesthetic Surgery Center: Michael R. Macdonald, M.D., septoplasty is performed with precision, expertise, and a focus on both function and facial balance. Whether septoplasty is performed as a standalone treatment or in combination with rhinoplasty, the goal remains the same: improved breathing and long-term comfort.

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What Is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure that straightens or repositions the nasal septum — the cartilage and bone that divides the two sides of the nose. A deviated septum can cause blocked airflow, chronic congestion, sinus infections, snoring, and difficulty breathing.

The aim of septoplasty is to improve nasal airway passage while maintaining the natural external appearance of the nose. It is commonly performed for functional breathing improvement, and it is often paired with cosmetic nasal surgery when aesthetic refinement is also desired.

Dr. Macdonald’s approach prioritizes:

Clean, refined eyelid contours
Natural-looking results (never “pulled” or overcorrected)

A smooth transition from lower lid to cheek
Careful planning that complements the full face—not just the eyelids

Why Choose Dr. Michael R. Macdonald for Septoplasty in San Francisco

The structure of the nose is intricate, and even small deviations can lead to significant breathing problems. Septoplasty requires detailed anatomical knowledge and surgical judgment to correct internal irregularities without compromising nasal support.

Dr. Michael R. Macdonald is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training in nasal anatomy and function. Patients throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area trust his expertise for functional breathing solutions with predictable, comfortable results.

Whether septoplasty is performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with rhinoplasty, Dr. Macdonald’s approach prioritizes both functional improvement and structural integrity.

Benefits of Septoplasty

Septoplasty can help patients:

Eyelid surgery can help:

Improve nasal breathing and airflow
Reduce chronic nasal congestion
Decrease sinus discomfort and pressure

Reduce snoring or sleep disruption in some cases
Improve performance in athletic and daily activities
Support better sleep quality

By addressing the internal structural cause of obstruction, septoplasty provides lasting improvement rather than temporary symptom relief.

Is Septoplasty Right for You?

You may be a candidate for septoplasty if you:

Consistently breathe through your mouth due to a blocked nose
Have difficulty breathing on one or both sides of the nose
Experience chronic sinus congestion despite treatment
Have a deviated septum confirmed through examination
Notice snoring or sleep disruption linked to nasal obstruction
Have trouble with daily activities due to impaired nasal airflow

During consultation, Dr. Macdonald performs a detailed nasal examination to determine whether septoplasty alone or in combination with other procedures (such as rhinoplasty) is most appropriate.

Eyelid Surgery Options

Upper, Lower, or Combined Blepharoplasty

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing or refining excess skin that contributes to a tired, heavy look. Incisions are placed within natural eyelid creases, allowing scars to heal discreetly.

Common goals include:

Reducing “hooding”
Restoring a more open eye appearance
Improving upper lid definition while keeping a natural eyelid shape

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and contour concerns. Depending on anatomy, it may include fat repositioning to smooth the lid-cheek junction and reduce the “tired” look created by shadows.

Common goals include:

Smoothing puffiness and under-eye bags
Reducing the appearance of hollows and dark shadows
Creating a cleaner, more youthful lower eyelid contour

Combined Upper + Lower

For many patients, treating both the upper and lower lids produces the most balanced result—especially when the goal is an overall refreshed eye area.

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What to Expect During Consultation

Your Consultation

Your septoplasty consultation includes:

A comprehensive nasal and septal evaluation
Symptom history and breathing assessment
Discussion of functional goals and expectations

Personalized treatment planning
Review of surgical approach, recovery, and outcomes

Septoplasty is as much an anatomical surgery as it is a functional decision — the consultation is the foundation of a successful outcome.

The Surgical Procedure

Septoplasty is typically performed under anesthesia in a controlled surgical setting. Once the septum is accessed internally, the deviated portions of cartilage or bone are repositioned or removed as needed to improve airflow and balance.

Because the incisions are made inside the nose, there are no external scars. The focus is structural correction with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Recovery After Septoplasty

Most patients experience:

Mild swelling and congestion in the first few days
Gradual improvement in breathing over the first 1–2 weeks
Return to light daily activities within about 10–14 days

Full internal healing may take several weeks, but most patients notice a significant improvement in nasal breathing early in the recovery process.

How Long Do Results Last?

Septoplasty provides long-lasting structural improvement. Once the septum is corrected, the airway remains more open, and symptoms related to obstruction are typically reduced permanently.

Safety and Surgical Judgment

Septoplasty is a structural surgery that requires anatomical precision. A thoughtful surgical plan reduces the risk of persistent obstruction, asymmetry, or post-operative issues.

Choosing an experienced San Francisco septoplasty surgeon — especially one with training in both structure and facial aesthetics — matters for both function and comfort.

Before & After Results

Our before-and-after gallery highlights real patient results and individualized surgical planning. Septoplasty results vary based on anatomy and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Septoplasty in San Francisco

Below are answers to common questions about septoplasty and how structural nasal correction can improve breathing comfort.

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated septum — the internal wall between the nostrils — to improve nasal airflow and breathing comfort. It addresses structural blockage rather than temporary congestion.

Septoplasty improves nasal breathing, reduces chronic nasal obstruction, and can decrease sinus pressure and congestion. It may also reduce snoring in cases where nasal obstruction contributes to nighttime breathing disruption.

Good candidates have documented septal deviation with breathing difficulty, chronic congestion, or sinus symptoms. A clinical examination determines whether septoplasty alone, or in combination with other procedures, is appropriate.

Most patients return to light daily activities within about 10–14 days. Breathing improvement is often noticed early, and internal healing continues over several weeks.

Septoplasty results are long-lasting. Once the septal deviation is corrected, airflow remains improved, and symptoms related to obstruction are typically reduced permanently.

Yes. Septoplasty is commonly combined with rhinoplasty when both functional correction and cosmetic refinement are desired. Combining procedures allows for a coordinated outcome.