Your septum is an extremely important structure within your nose, separating the two nasal passages and supporting airflow. And many individuals experience breathing issues when the bone and cartilage are crooked. This can lead to snoring and sleep issues. Our surgeons are highly experienced and will get your nose back to proper working order.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty, also known as Nasal Septum Repair, is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct any problems in the nasal septum, which is the structure inside the nose that separates the nose into two chambers. After repeated sinus infections, Septoplasty is the preferred surgical treatment. The Septoplasty procedure may also be combined with sinus surgery or rhinoplasty.
What’s the Procedure?
For the Septoplasty procedure, most people receive general anesthesia and will be asleep and pain-free. Some people have the surgery under local anesthesia, which will only numb the nasal area to block pain and will stay awake during the procedure. The procedure takes 1 to 1½ hours and most people go home the same day, called out-patient surgery.
To do the procedure, the ENT surgeon makes a cut inside the wall on one side of the nose. The mucous membrane that covers the wall is elevated. The cartilage or bone that is causing the blockage in the area is moved, repositioned or taken out. Then, the mucous membrane is put back in place. The membrane will be held in place by stitches and splints.
Benefits
The main reasons for this surgery are to repair a crooked, bent or deformed nasal septum that blocks the airway in the nose. If a deviated nasal septum is the sole cause for your chronic sinusitis, relief from this severe disorder will be achieved with this procedure. People with this condition very often breathe through their mouth and may be more likely to get nasal or sinus infections.
Risks
Risks for this surgery include a return of the nasal blockage. This could require another surgery, scarring, a perforation, or hole, in the septum, changes in skin sensation, unevenness in the appearance of the nose and/or skin discoloration.
Pre-Procedure
Prior to having this surgery, you will need to meet with the physician at Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates who will perform a thorough examination and discuss your medical history. It is very important to discuss with your physician about any medicines you take, including prescribed drugs, supplements and herbs you take without a prescription. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or if you have a history of bleeding problems. You may need to stop taking some of your medications which make it hard for your blood to clot two weeks before your surgery, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) as well as some herbal supplements.
Post-Procedure
After the procedure, you will most likely go home on the same day as surgery, both sides of your nose may become swollen and may have some drainage for a few days after the surgery.
Most septoplasty procedures are able to straighten the septum and breathing often improves and the number of sinus infections is reduced.