Deviated Septum
Improve Breathing and Nasal Function with Septoplasty or Septorhinoplasty
I can highly recommend both him and his clinic team. My experience from start to finish was professional friendly and not at any point did a worry or feel nervous.
Thank you
Mr Ahmad has a real artistic eye, and that made all the difference. He didn’t just focus on changing my nose, but on how it would harmonise with the rest of my features. The result is a subtle, cute nose that genuinely suits my face.
I also really appreciated how straightforward and manageable the aftercare was—it made the whole process feel much less overwhelming. Overall, I feel more confident, more comfortable in myself, and I can finally breathe properly. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
I have lost two close relatives to malignant melanoma. I was referred on by my GP for ‘ urgent skin cancer assessment’ of a suspicious mark on my face. NHS. It was a two week wait for a photo then a predicted 3 week wait for a result sent to me by text. With fair Scots skin and family history, l struggled with what would be a 5 week wait just for a diagnosis.
I made an appointment at the clinic. I got an appointment and a result within days. Thankfully negative. The result was told to me by a person, not the text message the NHS promised. I also got skin care advice and a prescription for previously undetected sun damage which l greatly appreciate. I was treated with utmost kindness and courtesy. I am so grateful that l heard your radio advert offering this service.
Preparation for the surgery could have been more thorough. I was unaware of extent of recovery timeline and importantly, what this could look like. I had swelling for well over two years and even now the tip is still refining. I understand now how complex a surgery this is.
In hindsight I wish Mr Ahmad, like the majority of other surgeons as I understand, had provided an image or drawing of what he had in mind prior to the surgery.
The early recovery was hard, I had a lot of swelling, bruising, and looked completely unrecognisable. This was somewhat expected though did seem at the more severe end of the scale. The surgery took 4.5 hours.
Following the surgery I was left with an asymmetrical residual hump, depression through centre of nose, retracted nostrils and a large scar on one nostril through error of Mr Ahmad as I understand, though he was never forthcoming in explaining reasoning. I felt it had a ‘done’ look and could have been more natural. After the surgery, as I was not entirely happy with the result given the above, and ironically at this stage and not before, Mr Ahmad suggested therapy or that I may have body dysmorphia, to correct the relationship with my nose. Therapy was not offered prior to the surgery of course. I felt very much gaslit and on meeting with other practitioners concerns were understood and addressed.
Another insensitive moment came when I mentioned perhaps spending too much time on Instagram, where content served to me is focused on appearance. Mr Ahmad replied they liked Instagram, alluding to it’s how they make their money.
Mr Ahmad offered to correct the scar on my nostril, which improved it somewhat though not entirely it is still visible. Ironically during the procedure Mr Ahmad nearly nipped my lip with the scissors, much to the nurse’s surprise. Not the comforting attention to detail of a surgeon.
He has done an amazing job on two vivid scars I had on my face.
Nikki the Practice Manager is great, a thoroughly professional and welcoming Clinic. I would recommend them to anyone.
I've had three deep face peels, scar revision on some deep acne scars and skin consultations with him and his staff and my skin now looks the best it has for years after suffering from sun damaged, acne prone skin for a long time I never imagined my skin could look so good.
I've been told the best products to use for my skin type etc.
Highly recommend Mr Ahmad and Cambridge Clear Beauty for all your skin issues and him and all of his staff are highly professional, friendly people who always make you feel welcome.
From the very beginning, Mr Ahmad took the time to listen carefully and make detailed notes, even producing incredibly precise drawings to capture what we discussed. His insights into what would suit my face best were invaluable, and it’s clear that his experience and knowledge guided the outcome.
The results have been outstanding. My nose has healed beautifully, with a natural appearance that feels completely in harmony with my features. Most importantly, I can now breathe freely through both nostrils, which has made a huge difference to my day-to-day life—improving sleep, exercise, and overall wellbeing.
What impressed me further was that Mr Ahmad was able to achieve this through a closed approach, which I understand is particularly challenging, but a testament to his years of expertise and recognition in the field.
Equally, the team around him were fantastic throughout the process. I always felt reassured, supported, and in safe hands at every stage of my treatment.
I am absolutely delighted with the outcome and would wholeheartedly recommend Mr Ahmad. His skill, professionalism, and care have been exceptional.
I did have extensive bruising that was explained by Mr Ahmad would happen. My top eyelids healed fairly quickly but the bottom eyebags are more difficult. Mr Ahmad and Nikki have always answered my questions and have always seen me regularly or when iv had a worry and eased my concerns.
Overall, my eyes are healing now, and after 3 months are doing well and looking much better. Mr Ahmad told me it could take up to a year for my healing process to end.
As it is an invasive surgery I can understand why, but thankfully its getting there and I'm pleased with how my results are starting to look.
I trust Mr Ahmad 100% as he has always been very professional and kind.
Led by Mr Ahmad
Meet Mr Tariq Ahmad Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
FRCS & FRCS(Plast)
This content has been medically reviewed by Mr Tariq Ahmad
If you’ve noticed chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils or have frequent nosebleeds, you might have a deviated septum. This occurs when the nasal septum (the internal wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nasal passages) is off-centre or curved rather than straight, obstructing airflow and causing breathing difficulties.
A deviated septum is primarily a functional concern affecting breathing quality, though in severe cases it can also cause visible external crookedness. Many people find that it impacts sleep quality, exercise capacity and overall quality of life.
At Cambridge Clear Beauty, Mr Ahmad can correct a deviated septum through septoplasty or septorhinoplasty surgery. As some patients require only functional correction whilst others have both functional and aesthetic needs, every procedure is personalised and tailored to individual needs.
What is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum is a condition where the nasal septum (the internal wall of cartilage and bone that divides the left and right nasal passages) is displaced to one side or curves rather than running straight down the centre of the nose. This creates an asymmetric airway, with one nasal passage narrower than the other.
In mild cases, a deviated septum may not be noticeable at all as the deviation is entirely internal. In moderate cases, you might notice one nostril appears slightly smaller or that your nose looks subtly off-centre when viewed from below. In severe cases, the deviation can cause visible external crookedness, with the entire nose appearing tilted or bent to one side, as the internal septal displacement affects the external nasal structure.
Signs You May Have a Deviated Septum
The primary symptoms of a deviated septum are functional rather than cosmetic. These include:
- Chronic difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Nasal congestion
- Recurring sinus infections
- Nosebleeds
- Noisy breathing during sleep or snoring
- Facial pain or headaches
The severity of symptoms varies considerably between individuals, with some experiencing only mild breathing difficulty whilst others have significant obstruction that impacts daily life and sleep quality.
What Causes a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum results from structural displacement of the nasal septum due to congenital factors, developmental patterns, trauma or natural ageing processes.
Congenital Deviation and Birth-Related Factors
Many people are born with a deviated septum or develop it due to pressure in the birth canal. In such instances, the septal cartilage may be naturally positioned off-centre, bent or compressed. While this type of deviation is present from childhood, symptoms may not become noticeable until adolescence or adulthood, when increased activity levels or nasal growth make the obstruction more apparent.
Nasal Trauma and Injury
The most common cause of a deviated septum is previous injury to the nose. A broken nose from sports injuries, accidents, falls or physical impact can displace the septum, causing it to shift to one side or develop a curve. Even injuries that occurred years ago and seemed minor at the time can result in permanent septal deviation. Repeated minor trauma, such as from contact sports, can also gradually displace the septum over time.
Developmental Growth Patterns
During adolescence and facial growth, the septum develops and elongates as the nose matures. Uneven growth patterns can cause the septum to grow at an angle or develop a curve rather than remaining straight. This is often more noticeable during periods of rapid facial growth, particularly during puberty.
Ageing and Structural Changes
As we age, the nasal cartilage and bone can shift position, sometimes causing a previously straight septum to deviate. The septal cartilage may weaken, bend and alter septal alignment. These age-related changes are typically gradual but can become noticeable in older individuals, particularly when breathing difficulties worsen over time.
Previous Nasal Surgery
Previous nasal surgery can sometimes alter the position or structure of the septum. Changes made during rhinoplasty or other nasal procedures may lead to residual deviation or scar tissue, which can contribute to a crooked or uneven septum over time.
Should I Consider Treatment for a Deviated Septum?
The decision to treat a deviated septum depends primarily on how much it affects your breathing and quality of life, though cosmetic concerns may also play a role if the deviation is externally visible.
When It Affects Breathing and Quality of Life
Most people consider treatment when breathing difficulties impact their daily life, sleep quality or physical activity. If you struggle to breathe through your nose during exercise, wake up with a dry mouth from breathing through your mouth all night, experience chronic congestion that doesn’t improve with medication, or suffer from frequent sinus infections, septoplasty can provide significant relief.
Many patients at Cambridge Clear Beauty report that correcting their deviated septum dramatically improves sleep quality, reduces fatigue and enhances overall wellbeing in ways they didn’t anticipate.
When Conservative Treatments Haven’t Helped
If you’ve tried nasal decongestants, antihistamines, nasal strips or other conservative measures without lasting improvement, surgery may be appropriate. Whilst these treatments can temporarily reduce swelling and improve airflow, they cannot correct the underlying structural deviation.
If You Have Breathing Problems and External Crookedness
If your deviated septum causes both breathing problems and visible external crookedness, septorhinoplasty can address both concerns simultaneously. This combined procedure straightens the internal septum to restore airflow whilst also correcting the external deviation to improve facial symmetry. At Cambridge Clear Beauty, Mr Ahmad frequently performs septorhinoplasty for patients who would like to address both functional and aesthetic concerns.
Understanding What Can Be Achieved
Septoplasty can significantly improve nasal breathing, though the degree of improvement depends on the severity of your deviation and whether other factors (such as enlarged turbinates or chronic inflammation) contribute to obstruction.
Most patients experience noticeable improvement in airflow, reduced congestion and better sleep quality after surgery. During your consultation at Cambridge Clear Beauty, Mr Ahmad will assess your septum and discuss realistic expectations for breathing improvement based on your individual anatomy.
Treatment Options for a Deviated Septum at Cambridge Clear Beauty
Surgery is the only effective way to permanently correct a deviated septum and restore proper nasal airflow.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is the primary treatment for a deviated septum when breathing improvement is the main goal. Mr Ahmad straightens the nasal septum by removing or repositioning the deviated portions of cartilage and bone, creating a straighter internal airway that allows proper airflow through both nasal passages. The procedure is performed internally with no external incisions or visible scarring.
Septorhinoplasty
When a deviated septum causes both breathing obstruction and external nasal crookedness, this combined procedure addresses both concerns simultaneously. Mr Ahmad straightens the internal septum to restore airflow whilst also correcting the external deviation to improve facial symmetry and nasal alignment.
This comprehensive approach is particularly suitable when you have both functional breathing difficulties and cosmetic concerns about visible crookedness, delivering improvement in both form and function from a single surgery.
Revision Septoplasty
Revision septoplasty is performed to address ongoing breathing difficulties or persistent septal deviation after a previous septoplasty. Revision surgery is typically more complex than a primary procedure due to scar tissue, altered anatomy and reduced structural support within the septum.
Meet Mr Ahmad
Mr Ahmad is a leading consultant plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in medical aesthetics. He works as a consultant in the NHS and is both the leading surgeon and director for Cambridge Clear Beauty.
Renowned for his artistic eye, technical precision and compassionate approach, he has also received numerous awards throughout his professional career. His commitment to patient care is reflected in his attention to detail, his dedication to safety, and the longstanding trust he has built with patients seeking plastic reconstructive and medical aesthetic surgery.
MA (Oxon) MBBChir (Cantab) FRCS FRCSEd FRCS (Plast)
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
25+ Years Experience
Specialising in facial rejuvenation
100+ Procedures
Successfully performed plastic and non-surgical procedures
Professional Memberships & Accreditations
Risks and potential complications of facelift surgery
While facelift surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the specific risks vary depending on the type of facelift, the extent of the procedure, and your individual health. Potential risks and complications may include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Infection
- Scarring
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Asymmetry or irregularities in contour as tissues heal
- Nerve injury, which is rare but can affect movement or sensation
Mr Ahmad will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision about your treatment.
Why Choose Cambridge Clear Beauty for Your Deviated Septum Treatment?
Experience
Mr Ahmad brings over 25 years of experience in facial surgery and aesthetic procedures. His expertise ensures procedures are performed using modern techniques with a focus on delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Trust
Every patient receives a fully personalised treatment plan, created after careful assessment and honest discussion about their goals, concerns and expectations. Mr Ahmad’s approach is transparent and informative, ensuring you understand your options and feel empowered in your decision-making.
Patient feedback consistently highlights the positive experience at Cambridge Clear Beauty, and the clinic’s testimonials demonstrate the trust and reassurance patients find in Mr Ahmad’s expertise and his team’s care.
Our Promise
At Cambridge Clear Beauty, you will be listened to without judgement and supported through every stage of your journey. From the moment you book your initial consultation through to your final follow-up appointment, our commitment is to ensure you feel confident, well-cared for and fully informed about the decisions you’re making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a deviated septum be fixed without surgery?
No, a deviated septum cannot be permanently corrected without surgery because the deviation involves structural misalignment of cartilage and bone that can only be repositioned surgically. Nasal decongestants, antihistamines and nasal strips may provide temporary symptomatic relief by reducing swelling, but they cannot straighten the septum or provide lasting improvement. Septoplasty is the only treatment that actually corrects the underlying deviation and restores proper nasal airflow.
How much does deviated septum surgery cost?
The cost of septoplasty or septorhinoplasty varies depending on the severity of the deviation, whether external nasal correction is required and the complexity of achieving proper alignment. A detailed quotation will be provided following your consultation with Mr Ahmad at Cambridge Clear Beauty.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
Common symptoms include chronic difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent nasal congestion that doesn’t respond well to decongestants, recurring sinus infections, nosebleeds, noisy breathing or snoring during sleep and facial pain or headaches. Many people also notice they prefer sleeping on one particular side to breathe more easily. The severity of symptoms varies considerably, with some people experiencing only mild breathing difficulty whilst others have significant obstruction that impacts sleep quality and daily activities.
How long does septoplasty recovery take?
Initial recovery takes 1 to 2 weeks, during which nasal congestion, mild discomfort and some swelling are common as the internal tissues heal. Most patients can return to work and light activities within a week, though strenuous exercise and activities that risk nasal impact should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. The final healing process takes several months as internal swelling fully resolves, and most patients experience progressive breathing improvement throughout this period.
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