Septal Perforation

What's Nasal Septal Perforation?

Nasal septal perforation is when a hole develops on the nasal septum. It can cause many symptoms that range from mild to severe, depending on the size of the hole. The hole size varies depending on the cause of the septal nose perforation.

Who Can Have Septal Perforation?

You're an ideal candidate for nasal septal perforation treatment if you have a hole in your nasal septum and it causes you severe symptoms (nose bleeding, headaches)

Septal Perforation Treatment Duration

Septal perforation surgery takes 1 - 3 hours, and you will stay overnight at the hospital to monitor your recovery.

Septal Perforation Side Effects & Risks

Like any other surgical procedure, nasal septal perforation surgery's side effects include:

• General anesthesia risks.
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Need for second revision surgery
• Scarring
• Changes in the nasal sensation

Septal Perforation Recovery Time

The surgeon will use general anesthesia for the surgery, and you will need to stay overnight in the hospital. You will experience nose swelling that will last 2 - 3 weeks depending on your recovery, and sometimes it could expand for months.

Your doctor will place a splinter or compressing garment on your nose to reduce the swelling. The compressing garment will remain on the nose for 1 week. It is best to take 3 days off work and focus on your recovery.

Depending on your recovery, expect to experience complete healing 2 - to 3 weeks after the surgery.

Septal Perforation Repair Success Rate:

Septal perforation repair surgery has a success rate of 70% - 95%

Septal Perforation Alternative Treatments

• Prosthetic button (to plug the nose hole)
• Home remedies to treat the symptoms:
  • Saline spray on the nose
  • Humidifier
  • Antibiotic ointment

How Does Septal Perforation Work?

Repairing the hole in the nasal septal is a complicated surgery that only specialized surgeons can perform. Depending on the size of the hole and its location, there are different repair methods:

Septal Button

Your surgeon will place a prosthetic button to plug the hole. This type of treatment could cause infections if you neglect proper hygiene. And you might need to visit the doctor for a replacement.

Local Flap

For small holes (less than 2.5 cm), your surgeon will use tissues near the nasal cavity to repair and seal the perforation. The smaller the hole, the higher the success rate of local flap treatment.

Regional Flap

For mid-sized holes (2.5 - 3.5 cm), using tissues near the hole will not be sufficient to seal it. Your surgeon will use tissues from the face or mouth to cover and seal the septal perforation.

Free Flap

For large septal perforation (>3.5 cm), a free flap may be performed that uses transplanted tissue from the scalp and is used to reconstruct the missing tissue.

Nasal Septal Perforation Causes

Common causes for septal perforation include:

• Nasal septal perforation caused by a previous surgery
• Trauma from a fractured nose
• Taking intranasal steroid
• Using cocaine
• Certain types of chemotherapy
• Certain infections

Also, if you work in specific environments related to chemicals like mercury and fulminate, you can develop septal perforation. But you can reduce the risks by changing the chemicals used or using the proper protective gear.

Septal Perforation Symptoms

The symptoms of septal perforation will vary depending on the size of the perforation. And your doctor will be able to determine the size of the hole. Common symptoms include:

• Wheezing through the nose
• Crusting of the nose
• Scabbing in the nose
• The feeling of obstruction in the nose
• Nosebleeds
• Runny nose
• Nose pain
• Headache

What Does Septal Perforation Involve?

We will plan and arrange the procedure to suit your preferences and needs and match you with the best septal perforation specialist available in Turkey. There are a few primary steps involved in this procedure. Here is what you can expect:

  1. Final consultation with your surgeon

When you arrive at the clinic, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. During this session, you are expected to inform the surgeon about your medical history, allergies, and if you're currently taking any medication.

You must go through medical tests. Then, you will discuss the procedure in detail and share your expectation with your doctor.

At this stage, your doctor will determine the best treatment plan depending on your perforation.

2. Taking the anesthesia

Depending on your procedure, your surgeon will administrate local and general anesthesia.

3. Operation

Once the general anesthesia is applied, your surgeon will use one of these treatment plans: septal button, local flap, region flap, or free flap, depending on your case.

4. Post-Op Instructions

Your surgeon will prescribe medication to manage the pain. You will need to do post-procedure medical tests to monitor whether your recovery is going as planned.

You will use compressing garment to reduce the swelling for the first few weeks. Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions to speed up your recovery and maintain the surgery results.

What Should I Expect After Septal Perforation Treatment?

• Depending on the type of surgery you had, you will wear a nasal cast on the inside of your nose. It will be removed 1 week later, at your first after-surgery visit to the doctor.
• You will also wear a nose splint on the outside; it will be removed 1 week after the surgery.
• It is best to take 3 days off work and focus on your recovery.
• It is best to avoid demanding activities and heavy lifting.
• Your doctor will provide medication to manage the pain. The medication includes ointment, nose spray, and pain relief medicine.
• You will experience nose swelling; it may last 2 - 3 weeks or 2 months, depending on your recovery.
• After four to three weeks, you can return to do your normal activities.

Things You Should Consider Before Nasal Septal Perforation Surgery

• A week before the procedure, you should stop taking Aspirin and any other medication that causes blood thinning.
• If you are allergic to any drugs, you should inform your surgeon as soon as possible.
• Avoid smoking before the surgery.
• Consuming any alcoholic beverages can affect anesthesia. So it would be best if you did not take in anything alcoholic before surgery.
• Follow your doctor-prescribed medication that adjusts your current medicines. 

FAQ

How serious is a perforated septum?

Septal perforation can cause life-long chronic symptoms varying from bleeding to forming nose crust. And depending on the perforation, the symptoms could be mild or severe. Check with your doctor if the symptoms you're experiencing are severe. 

Can septal perforation heal itself?

Sometimes the septal perforation can heal if the hole is small and the surrounding tissue isn't damaged. But in most cases, it's unlikely to heal completely by itself. 

Can you live with a perforated septum?

Yes, you can. Suppose the perforation is small and the symptoms are mild. In that case, you can refer to alternative home treatments like saline spray in the nose, humidifier, and antibiotic ointment to minimize its effects.

Is septal perforation repair cost abroad affordable?

Yes, the procedure will be more affordable abroad and cost less in popular medical tourism locations like Turkey. But some factors affect the septal perforation repair cost, like the clinics' location, the surgeon's experience, and the technique used.

Learn more about Septal Perforation in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.

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