Background and Objectives: Overcorrection is defined as obvious deviation of the septum to the opposite direction after septoplasty and it is not infrequently developed in young patients. We investigated the rate of its incidence, especially in
relation to age. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied 1,124 patients undergoing septoplasty operation for septal deviation between 1994 and 1999. The operations and postoperative observation were performed by a single surgeon. We
reviewed
the medical records for age, sex, symptoms, combined operations, direction of deviation before and after septoplasty. Results: Out of 1,124 patients, 22 (2.0%) had their septum overcorrected after septoplasty and 21 (95%) complained of nasal
obstruction
of the newly deviated side. The incidence of overcorrection was 7.3% (16/218) in teens, 1.7% (5/294) in twenties, 0.4% (1/250) in thirties, and 0% in older ages. The incidence in teens and early twenties was 5%. Patients of teenagers revealed
significantly higher incidence as compared to other age groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Overcorrected septum as a complication of septoplasty develops at the incidence rate of 5% in patients of teens and early twenties. Authors suggest that the
depth
of
cross-hatching incision on the cartilage should be superficial or half-thickness to avoid overcorrection in young patients. And the possibility of overcorrection or revision septoplasty should be informed preoperatively.
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