How Fixing Your Deviated Septum Could Change Your Life

How Fixing Your Deviated Septum Could Change Your Life

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. It is also one of the most commonly performed procedures to relieve nasal obstruction. For those having trouble breathing due to a deviated septum, septoplasty can change your life.

Deviated Septum Overview

The nasal septum is the foundation of the nose. The septum has three main components. These are the membranous, cartilaginous, and bony. It provides support to the nasal tips and columella. It also divides the nasal cavity into two creating distinct nasal passages. These passages warm, humidify, and streamline airflow.

A Deviated Septum is a Common Cause of Breathing Issues

A deviated septum can reduce the cross-sectional area of the nasal valve. This leads to symptoms of airway obstruction and nasal blockage. As a result, it can worsen symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Septal deviation can also lead to bony spurs. These spurs can cause epistaxis, headaches, and facial pain. The worse the deviation, the worse the symptoms get.

Signs of a Deviated Septum

What are the signs and symptoms of a deviated nasal septum?

  • Difficulty in breathing that worsens on exertion
  • Recurrent nosebleeds
  • Nasal septal deformity
  • Recurrent sinusitis
  • Recurrent rhinitis
  • Facial pain
  • Headaches
  • Poor sleep
  • Snoring
  • Mouth breathing
  • Dry mouth
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

A person may or may not have all these signs and symptoms. In many cases, the deviation is not visible externally. It can be seen endoscopically. However, people present differently, and poor sleep may be due to poor breathing caused by septal deviation.

Causes of Septal Deviation

There are many causes of septal deviation. Some individuals are born with a deviated nasal septum. Others develop them due to:

  • Trauma
  • Rhinosinusitis
  • Chronic allergies and hay fever
  • Vasculitis
  • Nasal drug use
  • Chronic use of decongestants
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Malignancy

What Is a Septoplasty?

At Sage Plastic Surgery, Dr. Huay-Zong Law recommends septoplasty for individuals with a deviated or deformed nasal septum.

Most patients with obstructive symptoms are scored according to The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. This is done to grade the nasal obstructive symptoms. Individuals with higher scores benefit greatly from septoplasty.

This is usually diagnosed after Dr. Law takes a complete history and physically examines the nose and sinuses. Additional tests like a nasal endoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with a camera on the end, or a computed tomography (CT) scan are necessary to confirm the presence of a deviated nasal septum.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Law schedules a septoplasty procedure. Based on the examination he may decide if an individual is a good candidate for endoscopic septoplasty.

Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and certain herbal supplements are discontinued a week before surgery as they affect the bleeding and clotting mechanisms in the body. Intranasal cocaine and decongestant nasal sprays must also be discontinued for 6 months before surgery.

Trim any visible nasal hair.

Septoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia that numbs the nose area may be an option.

Dr. Law incises a wall on one side of the nose. He then lifts the mucosa that protects the septum. In some cases, he may have to reshape and reposition part of the nasal bone or nasal cartilage.  The procedure takes place entirely inside the nose. He places the mucosa back in its original position.

Afterward, the mucosa is placed back over the septum. The nose is not broken during the surgery. The operation takes between 30 and 90 minutes. This surgery takes anywhere between forty minutes to ninety minutes unless it is combined with rhinoplasty or sinus surgery as well. In some individuals, Dr. Law may insert a splint to hold the nasal tissue in place and prevent the formation of hematomas.

Dissolving stitches are used to close the incision. After the surgery, patients are allowed to go home the same day.

How Long is the Recovery Period?

The recovery period varies between 1-2 weeks. Immediately after the septoplasty, patients notice some swelling and draining from the incision. If splints are left in place, the drainage is quicker. Normally, antibiotics are not needed but Dr. Law may prescribe a nasal antibiotic cream and some medication for the pain.

Here are some additional things you can do to facilitate your recovery:

  • For the first 24 hours avoid taking a shower.
  • Avoid dust and people who have the flu.
  • Use an ice pack over the swollen area.
  • Avoid any heavy lifting or straining
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Use pillows to keep the head elevated.
  • Don’t blow your nose for two weeks
  • Wear clothes that can be fastened from the front and don’t have to be worn overhead.

After two weeks, return to Dr. Law’s office either in Dallas or Plano for a post-surgery appointment. At this visit, Dr. Law will remove the splints or any sutures that aren’t dissolved yet. He will also examine the nose, the nostrils, and the sinuses for any tenderness or hematomas.

At this visit Dr. Law will address concerns about changes in taste, smell, voice quality, and cosmetic changes if any.

However, if an individual experiences uncontrollable nose bleeding, neck stiffness, fever with chills, or pain after surgery, then contact Dr. Law’s office immediately.

Life-Changing Results of Fixing Your Deviated Septum

After septoplasty, the results are immediate. Most patients are symptom-free, sleep better and breathe better. They also have lesser incidences of sinus infections and rhinitis complaints. Studies have shown that people have remained symptom-free after septoplasty for more than 9 years.

See what Sage Plastic Surgery has to offer today. Contact Sage Plastic Surgery in Dallas, Texas, at (972) 331-1900 and schedule your initial consultation.