Septoplasty is an operation to correct a deformity in the wall that divides the two sides of the nose (the septum). Typically performed to improve nasal breathing, the procedure may also be used to allow adequate access to the inside of the nose for treatment of polyps, inflamed tissue, tumors or bleeding. When the nasal septum is deformed and causing symptoms, surgery is the only effective way to correct it. Because septoplasty only involves the inside the nose, it does not affect outward appearance of the nose. The undesirable results that may occur from a septoplasty include a hole in the septum, failure to completely improve breathing, postoperative bleeding, nasal crusting, and in very rare instances an unintended change in the appearance of the nose.