Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgery to straighten a deviated septum. Your septum is about 7 cm long and consists of cartilage and bone. It separates the inside of your nose into two chambers, or nostrils.
A deviated septum is a septum that is crooked or bent. It can block one or both nostrils and can interfere with airflow. It can become deviated from an injury, but you can also be born with it.
While septoplasty can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, you may also be recommended to have an inferior turbinate reduction. Turbinates are small structures on either side of the nose that help humidity and warm airflow. They can become enlarged and obstruct airflow.
The goal of a septoplasty is to improve nasal airflow. It is not meant to change the appearance of your nose.
While septoplasty can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, you may also be recommended to have an inferior turbinate reduction. Turbinates are small structures on either side of the nose that help humidity and warm airflow. They can become enlarged and obstruct airflow.
The goal of a septoplasty is to improve nasal airflow. It is not meant to change the appearance of your nose.
What happens during a septoplasty?Septoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so most people go home the day of surgery. If you have sleep apnea, you may be scheduled to stay overnight or may simply spend a longer period in the post care area for observation.
It is typically performed under general anesthesia which means you’ll be asleep during the operation. The surgery takes place entirely inside your nose. An incision (cut) will be made on one side of your nose and mucosa will be lifted (a thin membrane that covers the septum). Bent bone and cartilage will then be removed. Sometimes, it may be repositioned. The mucosa is then stitchedback together with dissolving sutures. If an inferior turbinoplasty is done, a needle like instrument is inserted into the turbinate and heat is used to shrink the tissue.
The operation takes between 30-60 minutes.
Afterwards, a plastic splint may be placed in the nose to prevent nosebleeds and scar tissue. It is stitched in place and will be removed approximately one week later in the office.
How painful is a septoplasty?You can expect mild to moderate discomfort. Often acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) is sufficient for pain control. You may experience pain and pressure around the eyes, forehead, cheeks and upper teeth. It’s not uncommon for your nose to remain tender for a few months.
What happens after a septoplasy?You should avoid exercise and heavy lifting for the first two weeks as this can lead to bleeding, pain, and swelling. It’s also common for your nose to feel quite blocked the first few weeks due to post surgical swelling (on the inside), and to have increased mucus and some dried blood. Do not pick out any crusts. Instead, you should use saline sprays to help clean out the nose.
Most people can return to work within a week of surgery. If your job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may require modified duties or 2 weeks off of work if modified duties are not possible. What are the benefits of a septoplasty?A septoplasty can help treat breathing problems. It may reduce or eliminate snoring to give you a better night’s rest. It can also allow your sinuses to drain better, resulting in fewer sinus infections. What are the risks of a septoplasty?As with any surgery, there is a risk associated with general anesthesia. Nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and drowsiness may occur. Rarely, there can be more serious complications. Specific to a septoplasty, risks include:- Excessive bleeding- Infection- Incomplete improvement or variable amounts of improvement- Scarring (on the inside of the nose leading to decreased airflow)- A perforation (hole) in your septum which can cause a whistling noise, crusting andbleeding and may require another surgery to fix- Numbness to your nose and teeth (usually temporary)- Spinal fluid leak (rare)- A noticeable deformity on the outside of the nose (rare) Final NotesA septoplasty is a minor surgery that offers major benefits for many people. While it is a common procedure, it might not be right for everyone. It is also an elective procedure, meaning it is an optional surgery. The decision to go forward with surgery is dependent on several factors including the severity of your symptoms and how they are impacting your life, your surgical risk, as well as the assessment by your surgeon.
Most people can return to work within a week of surgery. If your job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may require modified duties or 2 weeks off of work if modified duties are not possible. What are the benefits of a septoplasty?A septoplasty can help treat breathing problems. It may reduce or eliminate snoring to give you a better night’s rest. It can also allow your sinuses to drain better, resulting in fewer sinus infections. What are the risks of a septoplasty?As with any surgery, there is a risk associated with general anesthesia. Nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and drowsiness may occur. Rarely, there can be more serious complications. Specific to a septoplasty, risks include:- Excessive bleeding- Infection- Incomplete improvement or variable amounts of improvement- Scarring (on the inside of the nose leading to decreased airflow)- A perforation (hole) in your septum which can cause a whistling noise, crusting andbleeding and may require another surgery to fix- Numbness to your nose and teeth (usually temporary)- Spinal fluid leak (rare)- A noticeable deformity on the outside of the nose (rare) Final NotesA septoplasty is a minor surgery that offers major benefits for many people. While it is a common procedure, it might not be right for everyone. It is also an elective procedure, meaning it is an optional surgery. The decision to go forward with surgery is dependent on several factors including the severity of your symptoms and how they are impacting your life, your surgical risk, as well as the assessment by your surgeon.