Surgical Solutions | Septoplasty
The nasal septum is made of bone and cartilage and it divides the right and left side of the nasal cavity. Normally, the nasal septum lies in the center of the nose and rests on the maxillary crest (bony part of the floor of the nose).
When the nasal septum does not align with the middle of the nose it is called a Deviated Nasal Septum. This may have occurred from trauma, perhaps as a child, or you may have been born with a deviated septum. Almost everyone naturally has some curvature or crookedness to his or her septum. If the septum is too deviated it may block one side of the nose or obstruct the openings of the sinuses causing recurrent sinus problems requiring a Septoplasty.
The total time for this operation is 20-30 minutes and is performed using general anesthesia (while you are asleep). You should anticipate going home the same day unless other medical conditions complicate recovery.
Septoplasties are performed through the nose without any scars on the outside of the nose or face. An incision is made on the inside of the nose. The septum is then straightened by removing or reshaping the cartilage and bone and a plastic splint is temporarily placed to support the septum. Dr. Pasha does not routinely use nasal packing, making recovery easier.
Since Dr. Pasha rarely uses packing, significant pain and discomfort usually resolves within the first 2-3 days. The plastic splints prevent you from breathing well until they are removed one week later. Although the plastic splints have a channel that allows you to breathe, this channel is often clogged. After one week, you should find a dramatic difference in your nasal breathing immediately after removal of the splints.
Dr. Pasha routinely combines septoplasties with partial turbinate reductions to widen the nasal cavity and endoscopic sinus surgery to allow access to the sinuses.
FAQ's
2. Septal Cartilage