The septum, which is made of bone and cartilage, is located – or at least should be – exactly in the middle of the nose; it’s what separates the right and left sides of the nose. While the septum should be exactly in the middle of the nose to provide the best nasal structure support and a well-defined tip, this isn’t always the case. This condition is known as a deviated septum. Most people have septums that are slightly off-center while some have nasal septums that are severely crooked. Get in touch with ENT & Sinus Center to learn how we can help! Contact us with any questions on septoplasty surgery and related topics. We’re here to provide you with the answers you need.
SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY SOLUTIONS IN RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA
IS SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY BENEFICIAL?
WHAT IS SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY?
Septoplasty surgery, also known as deviated septum surgery, is a simple procedure that will correct and revise septum deviations. Ultimately, it realigns the septum to its anatomically correct position in the center of the nose This procedure can alleviate certain health concerns associated with deviated septums including:
- Breathing problems
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip
- Nosebleeds
- Facial pain and tenderness
- Snoring
- Sinus pressure
- Sleep apnea
WHAT CAUSES A DEVIATED SEPTUM?
Some people are born with deviated septums, while others develop them later in life. A prenatal injury or stress during childbirth can cause a deviated septum. Additionally, this condition can result from damage to the septum due to a fall, sports injury, or other accidents.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SEPTOPLASTY PROCEDURE?
Before your ENT doctor will assess the severity of your condition to determine if intervention is necessary. If it’s decided that the procedure will be beneficial, your doctor will discuss the details with you. You will also need to review your medical history, including any allergies, bleeding issues, and current medications. Being open about these factors will enable your provider to personalize your treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Septoplasty typically takes one to two hours as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. You will receive either general anesthesia, which keeps you asleep, or local anesthesia, which numbs the nasal area. The surgeon will make an incision inside one nostril to access the septum, lift the mucous membrane covering it, and then reshape the cartilage and bone. After repositioning the mucous membrane, the surgeon will use splints or soft packing to protect the nasal tissue during the healing process.
RECOVERY AFTER SEPTOPLASTY: WHAT TO EXPECT
After the septoplasty procedure, your healthcare team will move you to a recovery room. There, you will wait for the anesthesia to wear off so you can be accompanied home by a trusted adult. An adult must also supervise you for 24 hours once you get home. This will ensure there are no complications or issues that arise after the procedure. To aid in healing, your doctor will give you postoperative instructions and may even prescribe pain medication to manage pain and sensitivity.
Additional pain management instructions may include avoiding exercise and other strenuous activities to allow your septum to heal properly. The timeline for resuming regular activities will depend on your doctor’s recommendations and assessment of your recovery.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SEPTOPLASTY?
All surgeries, whether invasive or noninvasive, come with associated risks. Similar to symptoms, the risks of septoplasty can vary from patient to patient. Common risks include:
- Scarring
- Change in nose shape
- Decreased ability to smell
- Excessive bleeding
- Fluid build-up
While it’s impossible to eliminate all surgery risks entirely, selecting the right surgical team for your needs and diligently following post-operative care instructions can significantly reduce these risks.
SEPTOPLASTY AT ENT & SINUS CENTER
If you’re seeking effective pain relief for your deviated septum and its associated issues, contact ENT & Sinus Center. We’re here to answer all your questions about the procedure, recovery, and more.
