What is a Septoplasty?
Are you someone who has trouble breathing through your nose or feel like there is a constant obstruction? Well then you might be a candidate for septoplasty surgery. Septoplasty is one of the most common nose surgeries, estimating around 80% of people have some degree of nasal obstruction. Septoplasty is surgery performed to straighten or repair the septum of the nose. The displaced septum is called a “deviated septum”. Obstruction of the nasal passage is when one side of the septum is pushed over and blocking the airway, making it more difficult to breathe correctly. A deviated septum can cause other issues like nosebleeds, crusting, and snoring.
When the deviated septum is minimal, sometimes medicine or nasal sprays can help to improve symptoms. When those options don’t adequately relieve symptoms, septoplasty surgery may be necessary to improve breathing obstruction and quality of life.
Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
Some septal deviations have no symptoms, and you may not even know you have one. Some septal deviations may cause some of the signs and symptoms and good indications to seek out
- Obstruction on one or both nostrils
- Facial Pain
- Noisy breathing or snoring during sleep
- Nosebleeds or crusting
- Preference of sleeping on a particular side
Skilled Utah Facial Plastic’s and ENT Surgeons
Utah Facial Plastic's experienced surgeons are double board certified in ENT (otolaryngology) and facial plastic surgery making them specialized in the internal and external anatomies of the nose. Septoplasty can be done alone, but when there are cosmetic concerns it is best to see a specialist who has expertise in septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery. Most surgeons will recommend doing the procedures at the same time for safety and optimal outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
After being examined by specialized ENT/Facial Plastics surgeon, if there is a diagnosed deviated septum and other measures for improvement such as nasal sprays, breathe strips or other medications have not worked to improve breathing and obstruction, septoplasty is usually the next step for improvement.
The doctor will examine the inner nose to determine if a deviated septum is present, possibly performing an endoscopy or a CT scan if necessary. Following the exam, the doctor will then discuss options for improvement and if a septoplasty is needed.
Yes. Other causes of obstruction or breathing issues can be caused by allergies or polyps. Turbinates are also present in the nasal passages, which are ridges of bone and tissue that protrude into the nostrils, which can cause obstruction if they are too large. Short term use of steroid nasal sprays can help to reduce the turbinates as well as nasal strips. When septoplasty is performed, the turbinates are often reduced during the procedure as well if needed.
Septoplasty is at most times covered through your insurance provider. Your personal insurance plan will determine how much is covered and how much you will be paying out of pocket. If you do not have insurance, our patient care coordinators will quote you at the time of your office visit and assist you in scheduling surgery as needed.
When there are cosmetic concerns, these are also best addressed at the same time and then becomes a septorhinoplasty surgery. It is best to have these issues addressed in the same surgery for best results and safe practices. This is why it is best to visit a double-board certified ENT & Facial Plastic surgeon so as they are able to address the internal and external features of the nose.
Septoplasty surgery generally takes about 1 hour to perform depending on how much work is necessary. This procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Generally, patients need approximately 1 week of downtime following septoplasty surgery. At this point splints are removed. Swelling and bruising gradually go down in the following weeks. Exercise should be avoided for 3 weeks.
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Contact Us Today!
Interested in septoplasty or rhinoplasty surgery? Contact our offices near Salt Lake City, Draper, and Layton Utah and the surrounding areas by calling 801.960.3137 or filling out our Inquiry Form.