05/05/2022

Nasal septum surgery or septoplasty — what does a septal deviation mean and when is it necessary to perform surgery?

Nasal septum surgery is a procedure that not only provides the opportunity to prevent discomfort, chronic diseases or breathing difficulty, but sometimes also cosmetic defects. It is the deviation or curvature of the nasal septum that is often the cause of different kinds of complaints and chronic diseases. However, as the curvature of the nasal septum is often difficult to assess visually, the referral of nasal septal surgery can be a big surprise for many patients. Septoplasty is one of the most effective solutions that can address a wide range of patient complaints by means of nasal septum straightening. In this article, you will learn about nasal septum deviation, its most common symptoms, and how septoplasty can help solve both medical problems and cosmetic defects.

What is nasal septum deviation?

The thin wall between the nostrils is made of cartilage and bone and is called the nasal septum. The septum does not always divide the nasal passages evenly, so for most people the nasal septum is crooked or markedly curved, making one nostril larger than the other one. Deviation or curvature of the nasal septum can be both congenital and acquired caused by injuries participating in different sports or accidents. A sloping nasal septum can not only interfere with nasal breathing, but can also contribute to regular headaches or chronic conditions such as sinusitis and ear infections.

The most common symptoms in patients with septum deviation are as follows:

trouble breathing through your nose or one of the nostrils;

olfactory disorders;

nosebleeds;

discomfort and dry nasal mucosa;

snoring;

chronic sinus infections;

facial pain;

cosmetic defects.

Nasal septum deviation is diagnosed by an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT specialist) who specialises in ear, throat and nose disorder treatment. The diagnosis of nasal septum deformity and the most appropriate treatment plan can only be offered after assessing the location of the septum and its impact on present chronic diseases.

What is nasal septum correction surgery?

One of the most effective ways to get rid of discomfort and chronic diseases caused by nasal septum deviation is corrective surgery. It should be noted that not all patients diagnosed with nasal septum deformity will be scheduled for surgery. However, diseases caused by severe and moderate deformities will most often be treated with the help of ENT surgery. Correction of the deformed nasal septum provides an opportunity to straighten the deviated part of the septum, thus reducing or completely relieving the patient from discomfort and chronic diseases. At the same time, the correction of cosmetic defects caused by a deformed septum can sometimes be achieved during the surgery.

Nasal septum resection for medical purposes

During nasal septum resection or straightening the septum curvature is corrected, causing uneven nasal separation and breathing problems. Nasal septum resection for medical purposes is performed to improve the well-being of patients and to prevent the symptoms and chronic diseases caused by the deformity. Traditionally, nasal septum resection is performed, except for in the cartilage deformation area. Deformed parts can be straightened and partially reinserted as needed. In some cases, an endoscope may be used to perform such surgeries. In case of necessity, straightening of the nasal septum can also be combined with nasal turbinate surgery and sinus surgery to improve the patient's health.

Nasal surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia, with a duration of up to two hours; most often the total time of surgery and general anaesthesia is much shorter. During the postoperative period, your doctor may prescribe medication that reduces the risk of infections, pain and discomfort, and some patients may experience minor complications such as nosebleeds or pain. Recovery after the surgery is 2-3 weeks, when the patient should complete several postoperative visits to the doctor, as well as limit his/her physical activity, but the septum healing process can take as long as 6 to 7 months. Nasal injuries should be avoided during this period of time.

Nasal septum surgery for the removal of cosmetic defects

A deformed nasal septum can not only lead to various chronic diseases, but also to cosmetic defects. In addition, patients' medical complaints can often go hand in hand with preferences for aesthetic reconstruction and vice versa. Therefore, patients are increasingly asking about nasal septum surgery and the possibility of performing aesthetic rhinoplasty within the framework of one surgery. Combining septoplasty and rhinoplasty is a common practice abroad that is becoming increasingly popular in Latvia, as otorhinolaryngologists and plastic surgeons work together to fulfil all the requirement of their patients. The main advantage of combined nasal surgeries is the completion of different procedures using one anaesthesia, as well as a shorter recovery period.

Combined surgery of septoplasty and rhinoplasty is also performed under general anaesthesia, but the timing of the surgery will be different for each patient based on the complexity and extent of the surgical manipulation. The first days of the postoperative period should be spent in an inpatient setting under medical supervision, as well as the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by doctors. The recuperation period for rhinoplasty can last from 6 months to 1 year.

How should one prepare for surgery?

The attending physician presents a detailed preoperative and postoperative plan to the patient. However, prior to the surgery, patients should:

have completed a general blood test and other tests prescribed by their doctor prior to the surgery;

have a consultation with an anaesthesiologist;

inform the attending physician and anaesthesiologist about chronic diseases and the medication used;

take the medication prescribed by the attending physician;

control their state of health and inform the attending physician about changes in the state of health.

Nasal surgery in Aesthetica Clinic

Plastic Surgery Clinic Aesthetica offers both nasal septum correction surgery and aesthetic rhinoplasty. A wide range of medical and aesthetic surgery services enables each patient to find the most suitable solution for the treatment of chronic diseases and cosmetic defects. By entrusting your health to experienced professionals, nose surgery can make your dream of living without pain, discomfort and with an ideal nose shape can come true. The otorhinolaryngologists and surgeons at Aesthetica Clinic are ready to help every patient. Sign up for a consultation in Aesthetica Clinic already today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nasal septum surgery?

Nasal septum surgery is a surgical procedure to correct the deformity of the septum in order to get rid of a chronic disease and discomfort. Straightening of the nasal septum is also called nasal septum resection.

What is nasal septum deviation?

Nasal septum deviation is a deformity of the nasal septum that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose or promotes the development of chronic diseases.

What are the most common symptoms of a deformed septum?

Symptoms of a deformed nasal septum may vary depending on the patient, but the most common symptoms are difficulty breathing, infections of the sinuses (maxillary sinus cavities), as well as pain and discomfort.

Can the symptoms of a deformed nasal septum worsen over time?

Yes, symptoms caused by a deformed nasal septum can worsen over time, as well as after injuries or diseases of the nose and sinuses.

Who should I contact if I experience symptoms typical for nasal septum deviation? In the case of complaints and discomfort, it is necessary to consult an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) who treats ear, throat and nose diseases.