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Introduction
Septoplasty Before And After – Do you suffer from continuing nasal obstruction, shortness of breath, or snoring? These are some collateral damage from having a deviated or crooked nasal septum. But it can also disturb the quality of life of those who suffer from it. The result? A facial surgery with the primary objective of correcting this deviation to achieve a substantial improvement.
It is a procedure that has been performed for many years but, for some reason, is less known than rhinoplasty (surgery whose purpose is to improve the visual appearance of the nose). It is possible to combine both in an intervention known as rhino septoplasty, which is popular among people who, in addition to solving the problems mentioned above, feel dissatisfied with their appearance. We tell you more below.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical intervention that aims to straighten the bone and cartilage that split the space between the two nostrils (septum). A deviated septum, which occurs when crooked, can cause difficulty breathing through the nose and may increase the danger of sinus infections due to poor drainage.
During nose surgery, known as septoplasty, the nasal septum remains repositioned to the middle of the nose. Sometimes it may remain necessary for the surgeon to censor and remove parts of the nasal septum before reinserting them in the suitable position. Once the nose is healed after septoplasty, the patient will notice that breathing is more straightforward.
Who Needs Septoplasty?
People with a deviated nasal septum and nasal obstruction may need septoplasty. In addition, healthcare providers may recommend a septoplasty for:
- Removal of nasal polyps.
- Chronic sinusitis treatment.
- Stopping recurrent (chronic) nosebleeds (less common).
- Treat other conditions that block the nasal airways.
Although septoplasty is often performed as a standalone procedure, your provider may recommend septoplasty and turbinate reduction. During a turbine reduction, the surgeon decreases the size of the minor bony structures inside your nose.
It is often performed on teens and adults. Although it is not usually done on young children, there are certain instances when your child’s care provider may recommend it.
How Common is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is one of the most common methods of otolaryngologists (otolaryngologists or otolaryngologists). Surgeons in the United States perform approximately 260,000 septoplasty procedures each year.
What Happens Before Septoplasty?
You will meet with your healthcare instructor to discuss septoplasty. You will be given a list of pre-operative advice, which you must follow closely.
Your surgeon will need to know about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbs. Before surgery, you must stop taking medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and some herbal supplements, which make it more difficult for the blood to clot. It would help to tell your provider about allergies or bleeding problems.
What Happens During A Septoplasty?
It is usually executed outpatient, so most people go home on the day of surgery. In most cases, your healthcare provider will put you under general anesthesia. It means that you will be asleep during the process. Local anesthesia may be an option, which numbs the body part to be operated on.
The entire procedure is done inside the nose. The surgeon makes an incision (cut) on the side of your nose and lifts the mucous membrane (a thin membrane that covers and protects the nasal septum). It lets the surgeon reshape the nasal septum’s bone and cartilage. Sometimes, the surgeon will remove pieces of bone and cartilage, then reshape and reposition the underlying structures of your nose. The mucosa is then repositioned over the septum. Your nose was not broken through surgery. The process takes between 30 and 90 minutes.
The surgeon can then insert splints or soft packing to hold the nasal tissues in place, prevent nosebleeds, and decrease the risk of scar tissue. Splints usually stay on for a week. Sometimes, the surgeon may only leave dissolved stitches, which disappear over time.
What Happens After Septoplasty?
After septoplasty, your medical team will monitor you closely while the anesthesia wears off. Once you are awake and well, you can go home.
Your doctor will give you a list of postoperative advice to help manage pain, bleeding, and swelling after septoplasty. You must avoid exercising and lifting heavy objects during the recovery period. An increased heart rate and blood pressure can lead to more bleeding, pain, and swelling. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume your routine.
What are the Advantages of Septoplasty?
Septoplasty can improve airflow through the nostrils. It can lead to several benefits. For example, septoplasty:
- It treats breathing problems caused by a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or other similar conditions.
- It can reduce or eliminate snoring, giving you a better night’s rest.
- It allows the sinuses to drain better, resulting in fewer sinus infections.
What are the Results of Septoplasty?
Numerous investigations have confirmed that the quality of life of people who underwent septoplasty had improved at three months and experienced fewer daily limitations due to nasal problems.
Once the position of the septum was corrected, nasal airflow also increased, an effect maintained years later, in addition to the fact that the patients suffered fewer nasal symptoms, fewer colds, breathed more accessible, and slept better. Effects that are even greater six months after the operation.
Yes, septoplasty is a surgical intervention and carries some risks, so it is essential to consult a specialist who will answer any questions about the condition and possible solutions.
