Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two separate passages. When this wall is significantly off-center, it can obstruct airflow. The primary purpose of septoplasty is to improve nasal breathing and alleviate various symptoms arising from this deviation. This procedure aims to straighten the septum, restoring proper airflow through the nasal passages.
Understanding a Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is the partition that separates the two nostrils. It is composed of both cartilage in the front and bone toward the back, providing structural support to the nose. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is displaced or crooked, shifting significantly to one side. This misalignment can narrow one or both nasal passages, impeding airflow.
A deviated septum can be present from birth, or it can result from an injury or trauma to the nose. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including persistent difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent nosebleeds, and recurrent sinus infections due to impaired drainage. Some individuals may also experience facial pain, headaches, or noisy breathing and snoring during sleep, which can significantly impact daily life and sleep quality. These symptoms often prompt consideration for surgical correction.
The Septoplasty Procedure
Septoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most individuals to return home on the same day. The surgery is usually conducted under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia may sometimes be an option. The surgeon primarily works through the nostrils, making an incision usually located inside one side of the nose, which avoids external scarring.
After the incision, the surgeon carefully lifts the mucosal lining, which is the delicate membrane covering the septum. This allows access to the underlying cartilage and bone of the septum. The surgeon then reshapes, trims, or removes portions of the deviated cartilage and bone to straighten the septum and reposition it to the center of the nasal cavity. Enough cartilage and bone are preserved to maintain the nose’s structural support. Once the septum is properly aligned, the mucosal lining is carefully repositioned, and sutures may be used to hold it in place. In some cases, soft splints or packing might be placed inside the nose temporarily to stabilize the septum during initial healing, providing support and preventing fluid accumulation. It is important to note that septoplasty focuses on the internal structure of the nose and generally does not alter its external appearance.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Following septoplasty, it is common to experience some discomfort, swelling, and mild drainage from the nose. Bruising around the eyes is possible but less common. Pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes a low-grade fever may occur. It is important to rest for several days after the procedure, with most people able to resume light activities within about a week.
During the initial recovery phase, certain activities should be avoided to promote healing and prevent complications. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that could increase blood pressure in the head, such as bending over, should be avoided for several weeks. It is also important not to blow the nose forcefully, as this can disrupt the healing tissues or cause bleeding. Keeping the head elevated, especially while sleeping, can help reduce swelling and congestion. Nasal congestion is expected as the internal swelling subsides, and saline rinses may be recommended to keep the nasal passages clean. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor healing and remove any splints or packing, typically within a week or two.
Expected Improvements and Important Information
After a successful septoplasty, the primary and most significant improvement individuals can expect is enhanced nasal breathing. By straightening the septum and creating more open nasal passages, airflow is restored, allowing for easier and more comfortable respiration. This improvement can lead to the alleviation of several related symptoms. Individuals may experience a reduction in the frequency of nosebleeds, a decrease in chronic nasal congestion, and fewer sinus infections due to improved drainage. Many also report reduced snoring and better sleep quality as a result of clearer airways.
While septoplasty is generally considered a low-risk procedure, it is important to be aware of potential, though rare, complications. These can include bleeding, infection, numbness in the nose or upper lip, or a septal perforation, which is a hole in the septum. Individuals should contact their doctor immediately if they experience a heavy, uncontrollable nosebleed, a high fever, severe headaches, or pain that worsens and does not improve with medication. While many people experience significant relief, individual results can vary, and full stability of the nasal tissues typically occurs between three to six months after surgery.