Septoplasty

A septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is a thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nasal passages. When the septum is crooked or misaligned, it can cause breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, snoring, and recurrent nosebleeds, among other symptoms.

Benefits of Septoplasty

This surgery improves the airflows through your nasal passages, resulting in many benefits, including:

·        Reduce nasal congestion.

·        Alleviate breathing difficulties.

·        Improve sleep quality as snoring is reduced.

·        Reduce sinus infections.

Who is Candidate for a Septoplasty?

This procedure is recommended for patients with a deviated septum and nasal obstruction. Additionally, your doctor may suggest a septoplasty to remove nasal polyps, treat chronic sinusitis, and stop chronic nosebleeds.

It is important that having good overall health is crucial before undergoing surgery. Your doctor will check your medical history and perform an examination before proceeding with the septoplasty.

Septoplasty Step-by-Step

In most cases, septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients can go home on the day of their surgery.

Typically, the procedure is done in the following steps:

1.      In most cases, you will be placed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

2.      After the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make an incision on one side of your nose and will lift the mucosa, which is a thin membrane that protects the septum.

3.      Then, your surgeon will reshape your septum’s bone and cartilage. There might be cases where the surgeon will have to remove some parts of the bone and cartilage and then proceed to reshape the septum.

4.      Finally, your surgeon will place the mucosa back into place over the septum.

5.      The surgeon may apply soft packing inside the nose. This will help to hold nasal tissue in place, prevent nosebleeds and reduce the risk of scar tissue.

This procedure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

Recovery After Surgery

The initial recovery takes approximately one week. Your doctor will provide you with instructions that you should follow closely.

Generally, you will be instructed to rest for several days and avoid heavy activity for one month. You will also have to avoid blowing your nose and sneezing with your mouth open.

By following these indications, you can have a successful recovery after your septoplasty surgery.