Septoplasty: procedure, benefits and side effects

Definition of septoplasty

Septoplasty (septoplasty) is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the shape of the nasal septum. The septum is the cartilage in the nose that divides the nostrils into two parts.

The nasal septum is usually straight in shape. However, some people have a septum that is bent or inclines towards one part of the nose. This condition is known as a septal deviation.

Some people are born with septal deviation, but many people experience it because of injury or trauma to the nose. Most people with septal deviation have one nostril that is narrower than the other.

This can cause nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, pain in the nose, and difficulty breathing smoothly.

When do I need to undergo this procedure?

If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing through one nostril, you may have a crooked nasal septum.

Therefore, you can consider a septoplasty surgery to correct the crooked cartilage of your nose. The reason is, the deviation of the septum can only be corrected by this procedure. If not treated immediately, septal deviation can cause various health problems.

After surgery, your septum will straighten back up and the congestion symptoms will go away.

In addition to septal deviation, septoplasty can also be performed on patients with other nasal disorders, such as sinusitis or nasal polyps.

Precautions and warnings before septoplasty

In general, the results of the septoplasty surgery tend to be stable and will not cause changes in the nose shape. However, it is possible that the cartilage and tissue in your nose will shift or bend back over time after surgery.

Nasal tissue is relatively stable for 3-6 months. However, changes can occur up to more than 1 year after surgery.

Some people usually feel an improvement in symptoms after undergoing surgery, for example breathing more smoothly because the septum is no longer bent. However, there are also those who still feel some disturbance and have to do another septoplasty.

Therefore, it is important for you to remember that the results of this surgery can vary from person to person. Consider the decision to undergo this operation carefully, and consult the health condition of your nose with your doctor.

Septoplasty process

Before doing this surgery, you must first consult with your doctor for an examination. Usually, the doctor will ask you what symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and any medications you are currently taking.

After that, the doctor needs to first see the condition of your nose. First of all, the doctor will perform a nasal endoscope, which aims to see the inside of your nose.

After seeing how your nose is doing, the doctor will explain whether you need a septoplasty or not. If so, you will be provided with information on what the purpose of the surgery is, what needs to be done before, during and after the operation.

Here are some things you need to know before undergoing septoplasty surgery:

• Generally, you need to fast 6 hours before the surgical procedure begins. You may still be allowed to drink a few hours before surgery.
• Avoid taking medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen before and after surgery. These drugs can increase the risk of bleeding.
• If you smoke, quit smoking for a while. Smoking can increase the risk of interference during and after surgery. The content in cigarettes can also slow down the postoperative recovery process.

How is the septoplasty process?

The surgery is done through your nostrils and will not leave a scar on your face. The process of surgery is done by cutting, repositioning, and reattaching your nasal septum.

The surgeon will perform this procedure by making small incisions from inside your nose and between your nostrils. The cartilage and bone that is bent will then be returned to a straight position.

During the septoplasty procedure, you will be given local or general anesthesia, depending on the difficulty of the operation.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this surgery usually only takes about 30-90 minutes. Septoplasty patients usually don't require hospitalization, so you can go home the same day.

What should I do after undergoing septoplasty?

To prevent bleeding, the doctor will put in gauze or a special tampon to hold the nasal tissue in place. You can remove this tampon after 24-36 hours or 1 week.

Consult your doctor about what can and should not be done after surgery. In general, the patient will recover completely and be able to return to activities. However, deviation can occur again due to the cartilage slowly returning to its original position.

Here are some tips that you should pay attention to after undergoing septoplasty:

• Sleep with your head elevated.
• Avoid blowing or blowing your nose for several weeks.
• Wear clothes with front buttons. Avoid clothes that you need to wear over your head.
• Avoid activities that are too strenuous, such as extreme sports, to prevent bleeding.

Side effects

Most patients who undergo septoplasty rarely experience severe side effects or complications. However, it is possible that some side effects can occur, such as:

• Symptoms of septal deviation are still present, such as nasal congestion
• Excessive bleeding
• Change in nose shape
• A hole appears in the septum
• Decreased sense of smell
• Blood clots in the nasal cavity
• Temporary numbness in the upper gums, teeth, or nose

In very rare cases, septoplasty can cause complications that can potentially affect other organs of the body. Some of them are:

• Infection
• Toxic shock syndrome
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain)
• Hematoma

You may need additional medical treatment or surgery to manage the side effects and complications above. Therefore, always discuss with your doctor about the condition of the nose after undergoing this procedure.