Septoplasty surgery is not recommended for patients suffering from serious health problems. The operation usually requires general anesthesia, and it may endanger the lives of patients suffering from morbid obesity, heart problems, or lung disease.
You may spend one night in the hospital after the procedure to monitor your status.
The surgery duration will take 1 hour.
The patient must stop the intake of aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements at least 2 weeks before undergoing septoplasty surgery as they can increase bleeding. Green teas, herbal teas, and Omega 3 capsules are also forbidden at least 2 weeks before the septoplasty surgery. Patients also should stop smoking before and after the surgery.
The patient will be administered either general or local anesthesia. Once the anesthesia applies, the surgeon will create small incisions inside the nose and proceed to trim, replace and reposition the cartilage or bone. The deviated septum is moved into the right position.
At this point, the surgeon can perform a turbinate reduction procedure as well, which can improve breathing. Small silicone splints may be inserted inside the nostrils in order to support the new septum. Patients may need stitches to hold the septum and membrane in place.
The surgeon may also use packing inside the nose in order to prevent or reduce bleeding during the recovery period. The surgery takes from 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of the condition.
The septoplasty recovery period lasts anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks. The patient should avoid physical activities such as jogging, aerobics, or any sport for the first two weeks. This is done in order to avoid potential bleeding. Patients should not blow their noses during the recovery period. During this time, raising the head while sleeping is more comfortable sleep and reduces the risks.
Septoplasty surgery is a simple, straightforward procedure but complications can occur. Septoplasty complications can include one or more of the following:
Septoplasty complications are rather rare – around 0,5% of patients can experience excessive bleeding after the procedure.
The patient may have the sensation of a stuffy nose for a few weeks during the septoplasty recovery period. While the bones and cartilage of the septum are still recovering, it is strictly forbidden to blow the nose at this stage. Bruising and swelling can appear in some cases as well.
Deviated septum surgery success rate is around 90%.
Patients usually report a 45% increase in nose functionality after the septoplasty procedure.
Rhinoplasty Vs. Septoplasty Surgery – What Is the Difference?
Septoplasty surgery is used in order to straighten a deviated septum that impedes breathing. On the other hand, rhinoplasty is a more aesthetic type of procedure in which the nose structure is changed in order to eliminate some problems such as the nasal hump. Both of these procedures can be done at the same time.
Can Septoplasty Surgery Cure Sleep Apnea or Snoring?
Septoplasty surgery cannot cure sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea. Septoplasty can only improve nasal breathing by correcting the septum.
Do the Septoplasty Splints Need to Be Removed?
Septoplasty splints can be left in place for as long as 1 to 2 weeks after the septoplasty operation.
In some cases, splints are not necessary, and only stitches are used to strengthen the repositioned septum structure. In this case, they do not need removal because they dissolve by themselves in a few weeks after the septum has healed.
How many days should I travel/stay abroad to do the treatment?
You can expect to travel for 5 - 8 nights.
When can I get back to sports after the treatment?
You can expect to get back to exercise after 2 weeks.