Septoplasty – What Must I Know Before Getting Septoplasty Surgery

Septoplasty surgery is a great help to those who have problems with their nasal septum. Some people who have a bent septum have a problem with their noses’ appearance or functionality, or even both. It is an undesirable condition of the nose, which more people than you imagine often suffer from. Getting Septoplasty to fix a bent septum of the nose can be a must, mainly if it is for functionality reasons. If you are someone who has been suffering from a crooked septum, then this surgical procedure could be for you. Read on to know more about Septoplasty and if you are a candidate for one.

Septoplasty surgery is a procedure for the correction of the deformities of the nasal septum, such as a deviated nasal septum and cleft defects. The nasal septum, made of bone and cartilage, is the structure that separates the two nostrils.

When the septum becomes deviated, bent, or crooked, it can block one of your nostrils, and hinder proper airflow. Not only will the condition bring about breathing problems, but it can also make your nose appear crooked on the outside, making it asymmetrical with other parts of your face. Through a Septoplasty surgery, the septum is straightened by removing the bent parts and restructuring both bone and cartilage. 

A Septoplasty procedure takes 1.5-2.5 hours to finish under local anesthesia paired with sedation. General anesthesia is also an option if the patient requires it. Before the surgery, it is a must that you avoid smoking for several days and make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any blood-thinning medications. Also, make sure to inform your doctor about your medical history, most especially if you have allergic reactions to some medicines.  

After you have informed your doctor about your medical background, and he has given the approval to proceed with the surgery, they will follow these steps for a successful Septoplasty:  

1. The surgeon starts by cutting the septal wall inside of your nose. 
2. They then remove or lift the mucosa (a thin membrane that is responsible for protecting and covering the septum).
3. Once the septum is exposed, the surgeon reshapes the bone and cartilage.
4. In more complex cases, it requires the bones and cartilage to be removed so that they can reshape it and then reposition it again in the nose.
5. When everything is in place, the mucosa is returned and placed again to cover and protect the septum. 
6. Afterward, they suture the incisions made earlier. 
7. They then put on a splint and some packing that will hold the bone, cartilage, and tissue to remain in place while your nose heals. 

The splint on your nose after the surgery will remain for about one to two weeks, while the packing is removed after a day or two. During the recovery period, you may experience minor pain as well as difficulty in breathing for about 2-4 weeks before your nose goes back to looking and feeling healthy. Your doctor will prescribe you oral medications that you can take when the pain becomes uncomfortable. You will also be given strict instructions on how to take care of your nose and precautions that you should follow for a couple of weeks while your nasal septum is healing, such as: 

• You should elevate your head when lying down.
• You should avoid blowing your nose.
• You should avoid wearing clothes that need to go over your head to prevent them from hitting your nose.
• You should avoid doing strenuous activities for five weeks to prevent trauma to the nose area as well as nosebleeds.

The outcome of your Septoplasty will reach its full setting within three to six months, as this will be the time that your nasal tissues require to become stable. However, the septum can still experience changes up to one year after the surgery. 

As seen in the before and after pictures, the noses of the patients have been straightened and look symmetrical with their faces. This overall improves the aesthetics of their face. Regarding the second image, the patient’s nostrils have also become symmetrical. Improvement in breathing can also be experienced right after surgery, making the nose’s functionality better. 

In summary, a Septoplasty surgery can correct deformities of the nasal septum, which is a structure made of bones and cartilage that separates the two nostrils. Having a deviated nasal septum can bring about breathing problems to a person as well as asymmetry in facial appearance. Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty are different procedures for nasal problems, but can both be done simultaneously. Septoplasty is only focused on fixing the septum to stop the hindrance of airflow into the nostrils. On the other hand, a rhinoplasty is meant to improve the overall outward appearance and shape of the nose. 

The duration of a Septoplasty to reshape and reposition the septum only takes 2.5 hours at most, while its recovery takes 2-4 weeks. During the recovery period, it is a must that you strictly follow your doctor’s instructions as well as precautions to avoid complications and nosebleeds. After three to six months, your nose would have reached its full setting, and the tissues, bones, and cartilage should have become stable. 

The results of a Septoplasty surgery may not be evident right away because of swelling and bruising. Still, it can instantly improve any breathing problems that you may have because of the deviated septum. Not only does the functionality improve, but your nose can also become much more aesthetically pleasing. If you want these improvements on your nose after having a deviated nasal septum for a long time, all you have to do is book a consultation through Seoul Guide Medical’s website. From there, we will take care of all your needs from the initial consultation through post-surgery care.