To correct a deviated septum, which is a common problem in which the thin bone and cartilage wall that separates the two nostrils is misaligned or displaced, a surgeon will perform a septoplasty. In this article, we will reveal what septoplasty entails, who might be a good candidate for the procedure, its potential benefits, as well as the risks involved. If you are considering septoplasty to address nasal blockage or related concerns, we advise you to read about this surgical option.
What is septoplasty?
A surgical technique known as a septoplasty is used to treat a deviated septum, a common disease in which the nasal septum—the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the two nostrils—is misaligned or displaced, leading to breathing problems and other nose problems.
Am I a good candidate for septoplasty?
A septoplasty may be necessary for those who have a nasal blockage with a deviated septum. Furthermore, healthcare professionals could advise septoplasty:
- To remove nasal polyps.
- To treat chronic sinusitis.
- To stop recurrent (chronic) nosebleeds (less common).
- To address other conditions that block your nasal airway.
Even while septoplasty is frequently done as a stand-alone treatment, your doctor could suggest combining it with turbinate reduction. Your surgeon will lower the size of the tiny bone structures inside your nose during turbinate reduction.
Adults and teenagers are the most prevalent age groups for septoplasty procedures. Even though it’s not usually done on young children, your child’s healthcare professional could suggest it in some circumstances.
What are the steps of a septoplasty procedure?
First Step: Anesthesia
Medication will be administered to you to keep you comfortable during the procedure. General anesthesia and intravenous sedation are the options.
Step 2: The incision
The nasal cavity is frequently the site of incisions made during an isolation septoplasty. The little strip of tissue that divides the nostrils, known as the columella, may be gently incised in some cases of severe septoplasties or rhinoplasties.
Step 3: Mucosal lining separation
Next, the nasal mucosal lining—the membrane covering the septum’s surface—is pushed apart from it at one side. Since the lining is delicate, it is crucial to take great care during this crucial stage to avoid tearing or creating a hole in the lining when the mucosa is pushed away from the septum. Similarly, the mucosal lining on the other side separates from the septum.
Step 4: Correction of the deviated septum
It removes the deviated septum (bone and/or cartilage) and leaves the unique mucosal lining in place.
Step 5: Sealing the wound
The nasal mucosal lining is adjusted around the straightened septum and sutured back together after it has reached the appropriate position.
Step 6: See the outcomes
Soon after surgery, packing or splints that fix the newly formed septum are removed. The internal sutures used during the procedure eventually disintegrate on their own.
What are the positive effects of septoplasty?
Your nasal passages’ ability to breathe can be enhanced by a septoplasty. Several advantages might arise from this. For instance, septoplasty:
- treats breathing issues brought on by nasal polyps, deviated septums, and other disorders of a similar nature.
- may stop or minimize snoring, improving your quality of sleep at night.
- enhances the drainage of your sinuses, reducing the likelihood of sinus infections.
Septoplasty Risks
Following a septoplasty, possible concerns include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Scarring
- Reduced sense of smell
- Change in skin sensation
- Fluid buildup in the nose
- Infection
- Change in the shape of your nose
- Failure to help symptoms, or return of nasal blockage (which may require additional surgery)
- An opening in the septum wall
After Septoplasty Surgery
Following a septoplasty, it’s crucial to have follow-up treatment from the personnel at your surgeon’s clinic. The splints will not come off for a week or two. If nasal packing is utilized, it can be taken out 24 to 36 hours later. If dissolvable sutures were used, they would eventually dissolve on their own. You will get postoperative care instructions from the personnel at your surgeon’s office that include topics including blowing or cleaning your nose, using saline sprays, and what situations can be deemed emergencies that call for medical treatment. To ensure the procedure’s long-term success and promote recovery, make sure you heed all postoperative instructions.
Septoplasty Recovery
Even while most septoplasty patients recover well, it might take some time for you to fully experience the benefits of your procedure. Incisions heal rather rapidly, and you should see a considerable reduction in discomfort and swelling soon. It could take significantly longer for the excised or repaired septum to fully heal.
Two to three days
Your surgeon should schedule a follow-up consultation so they can give you advice on taking off any packing, splints, or bandages. This normally happens one or two days following your procedure.
Two to four weeks
Plan to limit your activities during the first week or two following a septoplasty, especially those that require lifting or straining.
A month or two
Wait for some discomfort and swelling in the postoperative phase following your septoplasty. Although this should go away in a few weeks, it might take months to feel the full effects of your operation.
After your operation, you could be instructed to refrain from physically demanding activities like playing sports for up to one month.
Between three months and a year
It may take three to six months for cartilage and nasal tissue to fully heal; alterations may not show up for up to a year. Following surgery, you should also see a reduction in breathing issues, such as dry mouth from mouth breathing at night and snoring.
These outcomes might differ from person to person and require time
Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty
A non-cosmetic procedure called a septoplasty is done to address nasal obstructions brought on by a deviated septum. Reduction of swollen bone formations, known as turbinates, which can obstruct portions of the nose, is sometimes paired with septoplasty. When paired with therapies for sinusitis or nasal polyps, a septoplasty is a useful option for people with chronic nasal congestion or blockage. A septoplasty is not a suitable option for people who want to improve the nose’s outward appearance since it alters the interior anatomy of the nose. A combined rhinoplasty and septoplasty might be a more efficient course of action if that is necessary.
A rhinoplasty can alter the nose’s dimensions, form, or size. This procedure is done to correct congenital defects, correct deformities brought on by trauma, or help with breathing issues. The majority of people associate nose surgery with rhinoplasty. A rhinoplasty is typically done to improve the nose’s look since it alters its appearance. The removal of tissues, cartilage, and bone can provide a more harmonious and attractive appearance when compared to the remainder of the patient’s facial characteristics.
Schedule a Consultation Today
We can assist you if you think you could benefit from a septoplasty and would want further information. Give us a call at +90 (536) 934 6524 right now. To put your nasal breathing issues behind you, make an appointment for your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is septoplasty a permanent fix?
Is septoplasty a permanent fix?
You can begin to consider correcting your deviated septum once you have received a diagnosis of deviation. The greatest choice for resolving this functional problem and bringing breathing back to normal—permanently—is septoplasty.
How painful is septoplasty recovery?
How painful is septoplasty recovery?
Usually mild to severe, the discomfort experienced after a septoplasty is distributed throughout the cheeks, upper teeth, around the eyes, or in the forehead, and it is similar to that experienced after a sinus infection. In the initial days, patients often take the narcotic painkillers that have been given to them.
Does septoplasty change face shape?
Does septoplasty change face shape?
A septoplasty does not modify the contour of the nose in most situations where the septum is deviated within the nose but not externally.
Does septoplasty leave scars?
Does septoplasty leave scars?
Since this procedure involves no exterior wounds, there won't be any noticeable scars. The cut is performed internally in the nose.
How is life after septoplasty?
How is life after septoplasty?
You should expect to be able to resume work or school within a few days, and gradually return to your normal activities over a period of about three weeks. Most individuals achieve full recovery within one to two months.
How long does septoplasty last?
How long does septoplasty last?
To address the issues with your nasal septum, you had septoplasty. About one to one and a half hours are needed for this procedure. Your general anesthetic may have rendered you unconscious and pain-free.
Can you sleep after septoplasty?
Can you sleep after septoplasty?
Three to five days following your septoplasty, your surgeon should have removed the internal nasal splints, at which point you should be able to sleep normally. But the first three to five days after surgery might be challenging. Poor sleep is extremely typical, especially during the first few nights, and is mostly brought on by pain and edema.
Can you breathe after septoplasty?
Can you breathe after septoplasty?
Your nose will feel significantly more congested than it was before the procedure and will feel painful. You could still require mouth breathing for a week or more after the bandages on your nose are taken off.
What happens if I sneeze after septoplasty?
What happens if I sneeze after septoplasty?
The delicate, but sensitive nose might be further injured by sneezing, which might put at risk the procedure's outcomes.
Will my nose look worse after septoplasty?
Will my nose look worse after septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a surgical intervention designed to reshape the interior part of your nose known as the septum. This alteration to the septum's structure typically remains inconspicuous and does not result in any noticeable changes to the external appearance of the nose.
