Septoplasty - Septoplasty Surgery Overview

Septoplasty is a procedure that doesn't fall under the realm of cosmetic surgery. As such, it is neither rhinoplasty nor is it a nose job in any way shape or form.

It is corrective surgery that is performed on the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the divider in our noses that seperate both left and right airways. Patients that choose to undergo septoplasty are usually people that hav some form of nasal obstruction including those that suffer from sinus, nasoseptal deviation, turbinate enlargement, nasal valve collapse as well as chronic allergic rhinitis.

Deviated septums usually stem from some form of past trauma to the nose or unusual growth abnormalities. The septoplasty surgery usually involves removing or trimming excess tissue and cartilage from the septum as it is those growths that are blocking the nasal passageways.

It is a relatively quick surgery to complete with most septoplasty procedures taking as long as 30 minutes to an hour. Other reasons to septoplasty have to do with easing further inspection along the inner nose due to bleeding or tumors. Nose splints are sometimes added for support.

The healing period for postsurgery septoplasty is farily quick. Patients can head home on the first day while normal daily function can commence as soon as 3 days after surgery. There may be pain and swelling on the nose but can be alleviated by putting icepacks around the area.

Some complications can arise from septoplasty. The usual suspects for plastic surgery is usually infections. Continued bleeding after surgery can happen but is easy to control. In the worst case scenario there may be a hole in the septum or breathing function may not be fully restored. In very rare cases the nose itself can be disfigured.

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