(972) 596-4005
Make an appointmentOur experienced team at Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat offers a range of treatment options to support our patients with top-notch medical care.
This process starts with a thorough exam to dial in a proper diagnosis, then we can discuss medications and treatments that can be used to restore your health.
If you are suffering from chronic sinus and nasal problems, then it might be recommended that you have a septoplasty to correct a deviated septum.
What is a Septoplasty Surgery?
The nose is divided into two sections with a “septum” divider made of cartilage and bone. Some people have a deviated septum, which means that the septum is off-center. As a result, one of the nasal passageways is narrower than the other. The narrowing caused by a deviated septum makes it hard to breathe and can lead to other symptoms such as facial pain and nosebleeds.
Some people are born with this condition. Or, a deviated septum can occur from an injury to the nose. If the symptoms of a deviated septum are moderate or severe, then surgery might be recommended. The only solution to treat this condition is to change the shape or positioning of the septum through a surgical procedure.
Septoplasty is the surgical procedure used to correct a deviated septum. The surgeon uses special surgical instruments to straighten the septum, which allows better airflow through the nose.
Septoplasty: What Happens During the Surgery
If you are planning to have septoplasty for a deviated septum, then you will be provided with specific instructions that need to be followed before the surgery. For example, certain medications should be discontinued for two weeks before the surgery, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
As with other surgical procedures, you should have an empty stomach for the surgery. Sometimes, septoplasty can be done using local anesthesia. But this surgery is usually completed using general anesthesia. It is an out-patient treatment, and you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Depending on the positioning of your septum, the surgery can be done in 30 to 90 minutes. An incision will be made on the side of the nose so the septum can be accessed. The doctor will move the septum into the correct position and also remove anything that might be blocking the nasal passage, such as cartilage or bone. Finally, the mucous membrane is repositioned and the nose will be packed with cotton to hold the tissue in position. Sometimes stitches are needed.
Recovery and Potential Risks
There are always potential risks with any surgical procedure. During recovery, you might experience any of the following conditions:
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- A hole forms in the septum (perforation)
- A change in the shape of your nose
- Bruising and discoloration
- Decreased sense of smell
It is important to follow your provided care instructions to avoid infection and other complications. For example, you can keep the swelling down by elevating your head while sleeping. Don’t blow your nose for the first three days after the surgery.
Talk to an ENT About Septoplasty
If you suspect that your chronic symptoms are the result of a deviated septum, then a septoplasty might be the right treatment to improve your health and comfort. The best solution is to schedule a consultation with an experienced ENT to learn about septoplasty and other treatment options.
Do you live near Dallas or Collin County? Our team is here to assist with a variety of health concerns that affect the ears, nose, and throat. Call Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat to schedule an appointment. We have two local offices in Frisco and Plano, TX: (972) 596-4005.