Can Septoplasty Improve Nasal Breathing?
One of the most common traumatic injuries that doctors come across involve the nose. A blow to the nose can cause a crooked septum which can sometimes be so severe it creates a deviation. This feature makes it hard for a person to breathe by reducing airflow. Doctors perform septoplasty in Newport Beach, which helps divide the septum equally on both sides, eliminating blockage by straightening the bone and cartilage between your nostrils.
What is a septoplasty procedure?
Patients with a deviated septum are at risk of poor drainage in their sinuses, leading to infections. A septoplasty procedure realigns the middle of the nose. This surgical procedure involves cutting the parts that make up the septum and reconnecting them in a position that allows proper airflow.
Why should you get a septoplasty?
A blocked airway is a severe problem that can lead to more significant complications like death. Surgery is an excellent way for anyone with breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum to improve their quality of life by fixing their breathing.
What are the potential risks of a septoplasty procedure?
The most common risks have to do with the fact that this procedure is surgical. Therefore, you may get an infection, especially if your doctor is not keen on maintaining sterility. Excessive bleeding and adverse reactions to anesthetic are other common risks of any surgical treatment. Your doctor will inform you of additional risks that are specific to septoplasty, including:
- Altered nose shape
- Blood clot in the nasal space, which your doctor should drain as soon as possible.
- A hole in your septum
- Persistent symptoms like nasal obstruction
- Temporary numbness in the upper jaw or nose
Some of the complications you get after the procedure will require additional surgery to fix. Moreover, if you are not satisfied with the results of your treatment, your doctor may recommend that you repeat the procedure to achieve the results you want.
The best way to prepare for a septoplasty procedure
The most important thing to do is to consult with your doctor before scheduling an appointment. Here are some of the things that happen during your initial meeting with your doctor:
- Medical history review: Mention any health condition you may have and let your doctor know if you take any medications or supplements.
- Physical examination: Your doctor will assess the state of your nose and perform relevant tests to better plan for the surgical approach that will achieve the results you want.
- Taking before photos: This step will give you and your doctor a reference point during and after the treatment.
- Discussing your expectations: Your doctor will listen to what you want to achieve from the surgery and talk to you about whether your expectations are realistic or not.
What to expect during a septoplasty procedure
Your surgeon will use local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Surgery depends on the status of your septum and the results a patient wants to achieve. Packing is done after the process to prevent postoperative bleeding, and a technician will move you into a recovery room to watch for any postoperative complications. However, your surgeon will most likely discharge you on the same day because of the outpatient procedure.
Contact the office of Alexis D. Furze MD, FACS, to learn more about the septoplasty procedure and find out how the technique can restructure the shape of your nose.