Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be performed to straighten the bone and cartilage dividing the septum.
Some facts about Septoplasty:
- It is harder to breathe through your nose with a deviated septum. This can increase the risk of sinus infections due to poor drainage.
- Your nasal septum is repositioned to the middle of your nose during septoplasty.
- You will likely find it easier to breathe once a septoplasty is healed.
- The airflow is reduced, causing difficulty breathing through one or both sides of your nose when one side of your nose is blocked by a deviated septum.
- The nasal septum will be straighten by trimming, repositioning and replacing cartilage, bone or both.
- Difficulty breathing through your nose that affect your quality of life may be a symptoms of deviated septum that may require surgery.
- Bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic are some of the common risk associated with septoplasty.
- Nasal obstruction, excessive bleeding, a change in the shape of your nose, a hole in the septum, decreased sense of smell, clotted blood in the nasal space that has to be drained and temporary numbness in the upper gum, teeth or nose are some of the complications that needs additional surgery to treat.
- Additional surgery may also be required if the outcome of septoplasty doesn't match your expectations.
Preparation for Septoplasty:
- Your doctor will be informed about your medical history such as about conditions you have or have had, as well as any current medications or supplements that you are taking.
- A physical examination will be conducted by your doctor including any relevant tests to inspect your skin and the inside and outside of your nose.
- Photographs of your nose from different angles will be taken to use these for discussion before septoplasty or for reference during and after surgery.
- Medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) should be before and after surgery as these medications may increase bleeding.
- Stop smoking if you smoke as smoking can increase your risk of having problems during and after surgery and also can slow the healing process.
Procedure for Septoplasty:
- Local or general anesthesia will be used during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used depends on how complex your surgery is, and what you and your surgeon prefer.
- A pain-numbing medication (anesthetic) will be injected into your nasal tissues for providing local anesthesia.
- You will inhale an anesthetic agent or receive an anesthetic through an IV line for providing general anesthesia
- Some parts of your nasal septum will be cut and removed by the surgeon before reinserting them in the proper position.
- Soft silicone splints will be inserted inside each nostril to support the septum.
- Bandage-like material will be placed by the surgeon in your nose to prevent postoperative bleeding.
- You will be monitored and watched for any complications after the surgery.
- You will likely be able to go home the same day as this procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
- You should elevate your head when you are sleeping and avoid strenuous activities, such as aerobics and jogging, for up to five weeks to avoid the chances of bleeding and swelling after surgery.
- You should also wear clothes that fasten in the front. Don't pull clothing, such as shirts or sweaters, over your head.
- You should not blow your nose for several weeks.
