What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten bones and cartilage that divides the space between two nostrils (septum). Septal deviation can make it difficult to breathe through the nose and increase the risk of sinus infection due to poor drainage.
Septoplasty “moves” the nasal septum to the middle of the nose. This may require your surgeon to cut and remove parts of the nasal septum before putting them back in the correct position.
Once you undergo septoplasty, it will probably be easier for you to breathe. Atlas General Hospital has a team of doctors who successfully perform this kind of nose, septum and nasal cavities surgery.
Reasons for having a septoplasty
Septal curvature is common. When the problem is serious, the deviation of the nasal septum can block one side of your nose and thus reduce the flow of air, causing difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose. Septoplasty corrects the nasal septum by trimming, repositioning, and replacing cartilage, bone, or in some cases, replacing both.
If you experience symptoms, such as difficulty breathing through your nose, that affect your quality of life, consider this surgery to improve your quality of life and correct your deviant septum.
Possible risks of surgery
As with most more demanding surgeries, septoplasty has its risks. These are risks such as bleeding, infection and side effects of general anesthesia.
Other possible risks specific to septoplasty include:
- Nasal obstruction or similar issues that won’t go away
- Excessive bleeding
- Change in the shape of the nose
- Perforated septum
- Weakened sense of smell
- Blood clot in the nasal area that must be dried
- Temporary stiffness in the upper gums, teeth or nose
You may need additional surgery to treat some of these complications. You may also need additional surgery if the outcome of the septoplasty does not meet your expectations. Talk to your doctor about specific risks before the operation.
Septoplasty preparation
Before you schedule septoplasty, you need to meet with a surgeon to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery.
This review usually includes:
- Your medical history – Your doctor will ask you about the conditions you have or have had, as well as any current medicines or supplements you are taking.
- Physical examination – You will have a physical examination, including all relevant tests. Your doctor will examine the inside of your nose.
- Photos – Someone from the doctor’s office can take a picture of your nose from different angles. Your doctor may use these photos for discussion before septoplasty or for reference during and after surgery.
- Discussion of your expectations – You and your doctor should discuss your expectations. He will explain to you what septoplasty can and cannot do for you and what your results might be.
Medications
Avoid medications that contain aspirin or ibuprofen before and after surgery. These drugs can increase bleeding. Only take medications that are approved or prescribed by the surgeon.
Other precautions
If you are a smoker, it would be best for you to quit. Smoking increases the risk of problems during and after surgery. Smoking can slow down the healing process.
Anesthesia during the operation
The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Sometimes sedation can be used in addition to local anesthesia. Which anesthesia will be used depends on the complexity of your surgery. Talk to your doctor beforehand about which type of anesthesia is best for you.
During the operation, the incision is closed with an absorbent suture. Soft silicone pads can be placed in both nostrils to support the septum. To prevent postoperative bleeding, your doctor may put gauze in your nose.
After the operation, you will go to the recovery room, where the staff monitors you and observes any complications. You can probably go home the same day or the next. However, you will need someone to help you or take you home.
Recovery after surgery
To further reduce the chances of bleeding and swelling, your doctor may ask you to follow some precautions for a few weeks after the operation. Depending on the complexity of your surgery, your doctor may ask you to:
- Raise your head while sleeping.
- Do not blow your nose for several weeks.
- Wear clothes that are fastened at the front
- Do not pull clothes, such as T-shirts or sweaters, over your head.
- Avoid strenuous activities such as aerobics and jogging for up to five weeks, so as not to potentially cause nosebleeds.
Results after septoplasty
As early as three to six months after the operation, your nasal tissue will be relatively stable. It is possible that cartilage and tissue may gradually move or reshape over time. Some changes can appear up to a year or more after the operation.
Most people find that septoplasty improves their symptoms, such as shortness of breath, which were caused by a deviant septum. The level of improvement you can expect in septoplasty varies from person to person.
Some patients find that their symptoms continue after the operation and decide to have another septoplasty operation, in order to further cleanse the nose and septum.
The price of the operation – septoplasty is 217.000 rsd and the price includes preoperative preparation, surgery and one hospital day.
All endoscopic operations of the nose and paranasal cavities (FESS – Functional endoscopic sinus surgery) are successfully performed by ENT surgery specialists at Atlas General Hospital. Our team consists of experienced experts in otorhinolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery who perform examinations and operations.
For all questions you can contact call center at 0117858888 or 0603292411
