Septoplasty- Nasal Septum Deviation

Septoplasty- Nasal Septum Deviation

What is Septoplasty (Nasal Septum Deviation)?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten the bone and cartilage that separates the space between your two nostrils (septum). It is defined as septum deviation when the septum is crooked or curved. Septum deviation makes it difficult to breathe through your nose and can increase the risk of sinus infection due to poor drainage.

During septoplasty, your nasal septum is repositioned in the middle of your nose. This may require your surgeon to cut out parts of your nasal septum before reattaching them in the correct position. People with nasal septum deviation may experience many problems such as breathing problems, severe sinusitis, snoring and the need to constantly breathe through the mouth.

Why is Nasal Bone Surgery Performed?

Nasal bone curvature is normally very common among people. However, when it becomes a problem, it can block one side of your nose. This interferes with normal airflow. You have difficulty breathing.

Septoplasty repositions, replaces, and straightens the septum by making an incision on cartilage, bone, or both. If you experience breathing difficulties through your nose, surgical intervention may become necessary because you may experience a decrease in your quality of life and your life goes out of the ordinary.

Is There an Age Limit for Nasal Semptum Deviation Surgery?

The age limit for surgery is 16 for women and 17 for men.

Who is Suitable for Septoplasty Surgery?

If you are in good general health, there is no harm in having surgery even if you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Be sure to share your health status and health history with your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your situation and decide whether you are a suitable candidate. With over years of experience performing hundreds of septoplasty surgeries, Op. Dr. Erdi Özdemir will give you more detailed information during your appointment.

What are the things to be done before the operation?

Medications such as blood thinner aspirin should be discontinued 2 weeks before surgery. This reduces the risk of excessive bleeding. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to drugs. If you will be operated under general anesthesia, you should not eat or drink anything 12 hours before. You must have a companion with you when you come to the surgery.

How is Septoplasty Surgery Performed?

The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Factors such as your general health and the size of the surgery are evaluated before the anesthesia is decided. Generally, general anesthesia is preferred since the patient is not desired to experience discomfort during the operation.

This surgery can be done closed. If the surgery is complex and the access to the necessary tissues is not easy, the open technique can generally be used. Your doctor will decide which approach to apply after examining your nose area.

The operation is performed by making small incisions through the nose. Micro cameras are used to get a better view in this area. Curved cartilage tissues are reached and desired corrections are made. The excesses in the bones are corrected by rasping.

At the end of the surgery, the incisions are closed with sutures. If it dissolves, it throws out on its own. If not, the stitches are removed 1 week after the operation. After the surgery, tampons are placed in your nose to prevent bleeding. The inserted tampons are removed by your doctor after 3 or 4 days.

What are the Points to Be Considered After the Surgery?

You must follow your doctor's post-operative recovery protocols to further reduce the possibility of bleeding and swelling. In addition, what you need to do;

• The head must be lifted while sleeping.

• Do not blow your nose for several weeks.

• Do not touch your nose while wearing the clothes.

• Avoid heavy exercise, aerobics and jogging for 5 weeks to avoid nosebleeds.

Recovery Process After Septoplasty?

You can go home the same day after the surgery. However, as a result of your doctor's evaluation of the situation, he or she may keep you under observation for one more night. A full recovery can be obtained within a few weeks. You may experience pain during this time. This can be overcome with the medication to be prescribed. The bruising and swelling in your nose will pass during this time. Your breathing problems will improve during this time. However, it will take months to see results and for the nose to settle into its new shape. If the desired shape is not formed, surgery can be performed once again.

Is Septoplasty Surgery Risky?

As with any surgical operation, it carries the potential for bleeding, infection and anesthetic reaction. Other possible risks specific to septoplasty include:

• Ongoing symptoms such as excessive nasal congestion

• Excessive bleeding

• Your nose does not take the desired shape

• Tear in the septum

• Loss of smell

• Excessive bruising, swelling

• Blood clot in the nose

• Numbness in the area

When these situations occur, you should immediately contact your doctor who performed your surgery.