Septoplasty to Provide Nasal Breathing in Children

Since the 1950s, pediatric septoplasty has been controversial because of fears that the treatment may stunt the development of the nose and face. However, newer research shows that septoplasty may be performed safely in the right pediatric patient without compromising nasal and facial growth. Adolescent nasal development may be seen in white females between the ages of 8 and 12. In boys, peak height was reached around age 13. The development velocity curve displayed its most significant decreasing slope at 13.4 for teenage females and 14.7 for adolescent boys (ages 2–5). Sixteen-year-old girls and seventeen-year-old boys are said to be the youngest patients for rhinoplasty. Nose development is finished around age 16 in girls and 18 in boys in height, depth, and inclination. It has been stated that the nasal size and nasal bridge mature at 12 in girls and 15 in boys. Septal abscess, septal hematoma, severe deformity following acute nasal fracture, cleft lip and nose, and severe obstructive sleep apnea with complete occlusion of the nasal route are all indications of pediatric septoplasty. Nasal blockage due to a significantly deviated septum (where feasible, rhinomanometry should be used to determine the severity of the obstruction).