Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical operation performed to eliminate the respiratory problem that occurs as a result of the curvature of the septum separating the nostrils.

This structural problem seen in the septum is also called “septum deviation”. In order to avoid this curvature, which directly affects the quality of life, septoplasty can be performed with various methods. This condition, which usually occurs due to damages and traumas, can be seen from birth in some cases.

Septum deviation makes it difficult to breathe through the nose, may cause occasional nosebleeds, may cause problems such as loss of sense of smell, sinus infections and nasal discharge. This surgery can be applied to anyone who has any of these problems, is over the age of 18, has completed facial development and preferably does not smoke.

Septoplasty Surgery Procedure

As in other surgical procedures, consultation between the patient and the doctor before the septoplasty operation aims to establish the correct diagnosis and to understand the patient's expectations. The patient's nose is photographed from different angles, so that evaluation can be made during and after the treatment.

The general health status of the candidate is checked, the existing disorders in the nasal septum structure are determined. Nowadays, general anesthesia is used instead of local anesthesia in septoplasty. In this way, operation will be more comfortable for the patient.

Surgery begins after anesthesia. Usually, a small incision is made under the nose, the tissues inside are seen and the excess bone tissue is removed. If the deformities are not able to be intervened inside the nose, the cartilage tissue is shaped outside and placed back in its place. The septum deviation procedure can be combined with a rhinoplasty in some cases.

When the surgery is finished, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures. If self-dissolving stitches have not been used, the stitches are usually removed after 1 week. Nasal packing are placed in the nostrils to prevent bleeding. The patient can breathe easily with these silicone tampons.

After Septoplasty Operation

When the septoplasty surgery is finished, the patient is taken to a special room to be observed. If there is no complication within 5-6 hours and the current situation is ok, the patient is discharged. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers against possible pain following the procedure.

Especially during the first few days, the person should rest, protect the operation area from impacts, and avoid physical movements that will force him/her. If the surgeon's instructions are followed, it is possible to return to daily routines within 1 week.

Since septoplasty is mostly performed with the closed method, the patient does not experience excessive swelling or bruising symptoms. Existing symptoms usually disappear within 10 days. During the healing period, there may be some numbness in the area where the stitches are located. This situation is natural, the sensation of the operation site becomes pre-operative in a short time.