Septoplasty Surgery

The structure that acts as a wall between the two nostrils and forms the nasal midline, consisting of both bone and cartilage, is called the nasal septum. When the nasal septum is not positioned correctly or is deviated, it can lead to breathing difficulties and various problems. Difficulty breathing through the nose negatively affects daily life and reduces quality of life.

Septal Deviation:

 Septal deviation occurs when the nasal septum, which is located in the midline of the nose, fails to position properly or becomes crooked. In this condition, the bone and cartilage structures of the nasal septum become misaligned, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. In some cases, it may even result in the complete closure of the nostrils, making nasal breathing impossible. Septal deviation is often caused by physical trauma but can also develop due to factors such as conditions in the womb, genetic predisposition, or structural factors.

In some cases, turbinate hypertrophy (swelling of the nasal soft tissues known as turbinates) can accompany septal deviation, further complicating breathing. Septal deviation can lead to chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, recurrent sinus infections (sinusitis), post-nasal drip, and snoring. It may also facilitate the progression of systemic disorders like heart disease and hypertension.

Septoplasty (Septal Deviation Surgery): 

Septoplasty is the surgical procedure performed when the nasal septum is deviated due to various reasons. During the surgery, the bone and cartilage structures in the nose are reshaped and repositioned to improve nasal airflow.

Septoplasty is performed when the nose is unable to function properly due to structural issues. This surgery ensures that the bones and cartilage of the nose are corrected, allowing the patient to breathe without difficulty. When the nose does not perform its function, various issues may arise, with breathing difficulties negatively affecting daily activities and lowering quality of life. Correcting the structural issues of the nose without surgery is often challenging. A condition where the nasal tissues are misaligned and obstructing breathing is called "septal deviation." Septal deviation can lead to difficulties in breathing, and in severe cases, it can completely obstruct nasal breathing. If septal deviation is detected during an examination, surgery is often inevitable.

How is Septoplasty Performed?

• Initially, repeated tests are required to confirm the diagnosis, as the issue preventing nasal breathing may have multiple causes. After a general examination, detailed inspection of the nasal cavity is carried out using nasal cameras and radiographic imaging devices.
• Although local anaesthesia may be used during the surgery, general anaesthesia is often preferred due to potential risk factors. The most crucial step before surgery is determining which type of anaesthesia is most suitable for the patient and proceeding accordingly.
• The patient remains unconscious under anaesthesia and feels no pain. The lower part of the nose is incised, and access is made to the inner tissues. The surgeon decides on the method during the surgery, as different techniques may be used depending on the inner structures. If the bone obstructing breathing can be corrected without removal, it is reshaped; otherwise, it is removed, corrected, and repositioned inside the nose. If excessive tissue in the nose is causing difficulty breathing, the excess tissue is removed. Various methods may be applied depending on the specific problem.
• After the surgery, the incision is closed with sutures, and nasal packing is placed to prevent bleeding. The patient must return for a check-up about one week after the operation to remove the packing and stitches.

Why is Septoplasty Performed? 

Septoplasty is necessary when a problem obstructs or severely restricts breathing through the nose. The deviation of the nasal bones can be congenital or caused by accidents and trauma. If the deviation does not impede breathing, septoplasty may not be required.

The surgery may be necessary in the following situations:

• Nasal deviation resulting from accidents or trauma that completely or partially obstructs breathing.
• Congenital nasal deviation causing breathing difficulties.
• Chronic nasal congestion that persists over time.
• Frequent nosebleeds that are severe and cause panic.
• Persistent and bothersome snoring.
• Recurring sinusitis or nasal issues related to sinus infections.
• Chronic and untreated post-nasal drip.
• Difficulty breathing accompanied by persistent headaches.

Where is Septoplasty Performed? 

Septoplasty can be performed in public hospitals, private clinics, or private hospitals. In some cases, the surgery may require the involvement of more than one doctor. Typically, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists perform the surgery to facilitate breathing, while plastic surgeons may intervene for cosmetic concerns. If desired, both procedures can be combined in a single operation, with the ENT specialist addressing the breathing difficulty and the plastic surgeon correcting any deformities.

Open Septoplasty Technique: 

The open technique is preferred for severe nasal deviations. In this method, the least invasive approach is used to correct the bone deviation, but if this is insufficient, the nose is opened at various points to directly access the internal structures. In the open technique, the bone deviation is corrected through incisions, allowing for direct intervention in the internal nasal structures. For cases where traditional methods cannot correct the deviation, the open technique is used.

Is Septoplasty Surgery Risky? 

The risks of septoplasty primarily arise from anaesthesia, as patients may have sensitivities or reactions to the anaesthetic. Therefore, preoperative tests are crucial, and particularly blood tests can significantly impact the outcome of the surgery. As long as the patient follows the doctor’s instructions and avoids risky factors, complications are rare. Septoplasty is a highly successful procedure, enabling patients to enjoy a better quality of life post-surgery.

What is the Cost of Septoplasty Surgery? 

The cost of septoplasty surgery cannot be determined with a single figure, as various factors influence the price. These include hospital fees, the choice between local or general anaesthesia, the number of doctors involved in the surgery, additional procedures, and the specific hospital or clinic. The primary factors that influence the cost are the choice of doctor and hospital. If a plastic surgeon performs the surgery to correct aesthetic issues, the cost may increase. The most accurate and final pricing information will be provided by the surgeon performing the procedure.

What to Consider Before Septoplasty Surgery: 

Before undergoing septoplasty, the following points should be considered:

• Share any regular medications with your doctor, as certain medications (e.g., aspirin, painkillers, or blood thinners) may need to be stopped 7-10 days before surgery.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 10 days before the surgery, as they may affect the anaesthesia.
• Pregnant women should not undergo this surgery. If a woman is pregnant, the surgery should be postponed.

What to Consider After Septoplasty Surgery:

• You should avoid eating or drinking immediately after the surgery, as it may lead to nausea. It is advisable to wait at least four hours before consuming food or water.
• Avoid staying in humid environments. Ensure proper ventilation during showers and keep shower time short.
• Do not use tobacco products until your stitches are removed.
• Avoid strenuous activities and sports, especially those that could cause injury to your nose.
• Avoid bending over or using low pillows for sleeping. Keep your head elevated during sleep and avoid excessive bending during the day.
• If you need to take aspirin or blood thinners after the surgery, your doctor will tell you how long to wait before resuming these medications.

Recovery After Septoplasty (Septal Deviation Surgery): 

After septoplasty, patients can typically return to normal activities within a short period. The initial recovery period generally lasts between 2-3 days to one week. During this time, nasal packing is removed, and non-dissolvable stitches, if used, are removed after about a week.

In most cases, there is minimal swelling or bruising after septoplasty when performed using closed techniques. However, if the surgery is more extensive and includes a cosmetic procedure such as rhinoplasty, swelling and bruising may occur around the eyes and nose. These symptoms usually resolve within a week.

When septoplasty and rhinoplasty are performed together, mild swelling may be observed in the nose area. This swelling gradually diminishes in the following days, with the final appearance of the nose becoming clear, although full resolution of swelling may take a few months. A temporary loss of sensation at the incision site is normal during the early stages of recovery, but this sensation typically returns over time.

Disclaimer: The content of this page is for informational purposes only. It does not include elements related to diagnostic or therapeutic health services. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult your doctor.

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