Unobstructed Nasal Passages Make Breathing Easy and Natural
Septoplasty or Deviated Septum Surgery is a term for the surgery that must be performed to correct a deviated septum in the nose, and this surgery is performed to help relieve nasal obstruction. The septum and turbinate are both components of the nose, and either can become obstructions to good breathing, and either may necessitate septoplasty surgery.
The nasal septum is comprised of cartilage and bone, and it is the structure which divides nasal passages into their right and left sides; when the septum becomes deviated, either or both sides of the nose can become blocked. Turbinates are located inside the nose near the septum, and can also cause obstruction if they grow too large. When either of these two nasal structures are not sized or positioned correctly, it can force a person to breathe through the mouth, since normal nasal breathing is compromised.
Recovery and benefits of septoplasty
After a doctor determines the cause of a deviated septum, septoplasty may be the best option to correct the problem, and the surgery should help to straighten out the cartilage and bone which are out of place. The procedure typically is performed on an out-patient basis by a qualified plastic surgeon or ear nose and throat surgeon, although general anesthesia is usually recommended because of the nature of the surgery.
Following the surgery, packing or splints inside the nose may be necessary to promote the healing process, but in other cases only dissolving stitches are required. During the post-operative period, a patient may experience pain, stiffness, or drainage for a period of time.
With successful septoplasty or turbinate surgery, the obstruction of nasal passages is largely relieved, and patients are able to breathe normally again, without having to resort to breathing through the mouth. Many patients also sleep much better at night and are thus better rested for the next day, since obstructed breathing frequently interferes with night-time breathing and sleep.
There is also a cosmetic benefit to correcting a deviated septum, you may want to find a good rhinoplasty surgeon that can correct the deviated septum and provide nose shaping at the same time . In many cases, a deviated septum is externally visible and gives the patient a ‘crooked’ look around the nose. Following the surgical procedure, this is corrected and the nose appears straight again, since the underlying bone and cartilage have been re-positioned into their normal places.
About Dr. Roy David
Dr. Roy David is a facial plastic surgeon specializing in surgery for the face, nose, eyes, neck, and scalp, and has provided top-quality plastic surgery in the San Diego for more than 10 years. He is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and is double board-certified by both that organization and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He considers the intricacies of plastic surgery akin to art, and strives to achieve perfection with all patients seeking his services.
