Septoplasty
Septoplasty is surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum. The septum is the bone and cartilage that separates the nasal passages. A deviated septum is a crooked septum that blocks one or both sides of the nasal airway. This reduces airflow which makes breathing difficult.
During a septoplasty, your nasal septum is repaired and straightened into a proper position.
What are the symptoms of deviated septum?
The primary symptom of a deviated septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. Because airflow in the nose is affected, there are often additional symptoms. These may include:
- Snoring
- Loud breathing
- Facial pain
- Mouth breathing and dry mouth
In some cases, medications can provide relief for these symptoms. When medication isn’t sufficient, and breathing difficulties affect your quality of life, it’s time to consider septoplasty surgery.
What is involved in the septoplasty procedure?
Septoplasty involves straightening the nasal septum by treating the cartilage and bone. In a septoplasty procedure, the ENT surgeon will first make small incisions inside the nose.
In some cases, a rhinoplasty or “nose job” may be performed along with the septoplasty to change the nasal appearance. In some cases, the ENT will perform sinus surgery along with a septoplasty. The surgery is done under a general anesthetic. Internal splints may be inserted in the nose to stabilize the septum during healing. This surgery is usually performed on a same day basis.
If a septoplasty is the only procedure, there will be very little or no visible swelling or bruising afterwards. If a rhinoplasty is also performed, there may be swelling and bruising for a week or two.
What are the risks?
With any major surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection and a reaction to the anesthetic. With septoplasty surgery, there is also risk of:
- Nasal bleeding
- Perforation in the septum
- Blood collected in nose
- Temporary numbness in gums and teeth
Before the surgery
Talk to your doctor about the risks and precautions before surgery. To reduce complications:
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor
- Get a physical examination
- Discuss expectations
- Avoid medications that may increase bleeding
- Take only those medications prescribed by your surgeon
After the surgery
To further reduce complications, doctors advise:
- Avoid aerobics, jogging and other strenuous activities that can increase blood flow.
- Avoid blowing your nose
Is it time to consider septoplasty to finally get relief from nasal breathing problems?
Contact our office:
To find out more about septoplasty, visit Dr. Schneiderman’s office located at 215 Union Avenue Suite C, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 or call 908-725-5050.
You can Book an appointment here or by calling us at (908) 725-5050.
