Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs defects in the septum of the nose, the narrow lamellar wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils into two. A septoplasty is generally advised when the septum is deformed, or when it is deviated or twisted to correct abnormal air passage because the septum does not create the correct barrier between the two nostrils.
If this problem is not treated in time, in addition to making it difficult to breathe through the nose, the risk of having an infection in a paranasal sinus is high. The causes of a malformed septum can be due to an injury, a previous plastic surgery condition, a poorly performed cosmetic treatment or simply a birth malformation.
The nasal septum is a wall that separates the two nasal passages. The septum is made up of cartilage and bone. A deviated septum is one that is crooked or deformed so that it does not evenly divide the two chambers of the nose. This can cause problems with proper breathing or nasal discharge.
Often septoplasty is performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty if the patient so desires, but unlike rhinoplasty, septoplasty does not alter the shape of the nose.
In which cases is a septoplasty necessary?
Normally, the physician indicates a septoplasty in the following cases:
- Deviated or tilted septum that is blocking one nostril or both causing breathing problems.
- If you have sleep apnea.
- Frequent sinus infections from breathing through the mouth.
- Nosebleeds.
- Severe injury due to perforations or drug use.
All patients who undergo surgery have the area repaired so that their breathing returns to normal and without complications. It should be noted that many people can have a deviated septum without complications, but if you or someone you know identifies with any of the above cases, go to the doctor of your choice for a referral to a specialist.
Surgery procedure
In most cases, a septoplasty proceeds with the traditional medical technique which is from the inside of the nose. As it is an internal surgery the scars are not visible. In rare cases an external septoplasty is necessary, there will possibly be small scars, but they are not usually noticeable.
It is usually performed when the patient is under general anesthesia, asleep and pain-free; on rare occasions it is performed under local anesthesia and awake, but still pain-free because the area is desensitized.
The intervention is based on making a small lateral incision in the septum of the nose, to lift the mucous membrane that covers the septum. Once this is done, the cartilage or the bone that is obstructing the area can be removed or rearranged. Finally, the repaired septum is repositioned over the repaired septum by suturing or splinting.
The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours if there are no complications and the patient can go home the same day.
Risks of septoplasty
Complications that can occur with septoplasty can usually be effectively managed and are rarely serious, and include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Infections.
- Nosebleeds.
- Any reaction to anesthesia or medications used before or after surgery.
- Rarely, an asymmetry in the appearance and shape of the nose occurs.
- Marked scarring.
- Pallor of the skin of the nose.
- Fluid accumulation in the tissue.
- A new damage produced or blockage due to complications during surgery.
Before surgery
Once the intervention is scheduled, you will surely be asked not to consume any liquid or food after dinner the night before the septoplasty. Also tell the doctor if you have a history of bleeding, as well as the medications you have been taking and if you have allergies to any to prevent unwanted reactions at the time of surgery.
You may be asked to take a clotting medication weeks in advance if warranted, as well as to avoid drugs that obstruct blood clotting.
Postoperative care
After septoplasty it is normal for the nose to be swollen, it may hurt, also headache, difficulty repairing, swallowing and have small bleedings the first 48 hours. This is totally normal. Now, the care to ensure effective healing are as follows:
- Use pain relievers and prescription medications, usually an antibiotic to prevent infection. Also ointments and sprays.
- Place pillows in the house to keep the head elevated when sleeping.
- Plugs or dressings are usually placed in both nostrils to prevent bleeding and absorb normal fluid drainage after surgery.
- It is important not to blow your nose until 1 week has passed and to breathe gently. To sneeze always do it with the mouth open.
- Do not do physical activity until at least 7 days have passed.
- Drink plenty of fluids, hydration is important. For the first 2 days it is advisable to drink cold or lukewarm, never hot.
Caution, if there is excessive bleeding from the nose, high fever and severe pain that persists even with pain medication, see a doctor immediately.
Precautions
After surgery, medications that complicate blood clotting, such as ibuprofen, etc., should be avoided. It must be taken into account that the patient will suffer small hemorrhages during the first 2 days after the surgery. Only the drugs recommended by the doctor should be consumed.
Smoking is prohibited after septoplasty because it causes complications and slows healing.
Prognosis you can expect from the surgery
A well-executed and successful septoplasty will have an 80% recovery in 1 week and a complete recovery in 2 weeks. In most cases the improvement in breathing begins to be noticed in the first 36 to 48 hours after the operation when the plugs are removed.
The results
The nose returns to its more or less normal appearance about ten days after the procedure, but the nasal comfort and benefits are obtained after a month. Breathing will be all the easier the greater the deviation.
For more information about Septoplasty schedule aconsultation with Dr. Guevara.