Are you also having difficulty breathing? Let's learn about septoplasty!

Do you often feel like your nose is blocked? Especially on one side of your nose? You might think that this is a normal occurrence. But if you have this discomfort all the time, it could be due to a deviated septum. Today we are going to talk about a simple, non-invasive procedure called septoplasty that can help you fix this problem.

What is Septoplasty?

Okay, let's first understand what this is. There's a wall that separates our nostrils from the inside, right? That's what we call the 'septum' in medical science. It's made up of a soft type of bone called cartilage , and normal bones.

Some people may be born with this wall slightly deviated. Or, it may become deviated later, due to an accident to the nose, such as a fall. This is called a 'deviated septum' , or a deviated nasal septum.

When this happens, one side or sometimes both sides of the nose become narrow, obstructing airflow. So, septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten this deviated nasal wall, making breathing easier.

Why do you need this surgery?

The main reason is difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion. In addition, your doctor may recommend this surgery for several other reasons.

• Remove nasal polyps : When removing these polyps that form inside the nose, there are times when this surgery is performed to gain access to them.
• Chronic sinusitis : If the sinus cavities are not getting enough air due to nasal congestion, sinusitis occurs frequently.
• Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: One cause of these conditions can be nasal congestion.
• Frequent nosebleeds:In some cases, this can also be caused by nasal congestion.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Before the surgery, your doctor will review your complete medical history. You should definitely tell him about any medications and vitamins you are currently taking.

In particular, if you are taking painkillers that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen , your doctor will advise you to stop taking them a few weeks before surgery. He or she will also tell you how long you should avoid eating or drinking before surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

This is really not as big a deal as you might think.

Usually, an anesthesiologist will put you under general anesthesia . This means that you will be completely asleep until the surgery is over. You will not feel anything.

The surgeon makes a small incision inside the nose, invisible from the outside, and lifts the thin membrane (mucosa) that covers the nasal wall. Then, the stretched cartilage and bone are carefully straightened, and small pieces of bone are sometimes removed, reshaping the wall.

Then, the membrane is put back on, and small splints or soft packings are placed inside the nose. These are placed to hold the tissue in place, control bleeding, and reduce scarring. Sometimes, dissolvable stitches are used.

The entire procedure only takes between 30 and 90 minutes , and you can often go home the same evening.

Benefits and possible risks of surgery

Like any surgery, this one has benefits as well as very rare risks.

How should you take care of yourself during recovery?

It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions to ensure a speedy recovery after surgery. Although you may start to feel better within the first two weeks, it will take several months for the bones and cartilage inside to fully heal.

Things you should do

• Nose care: Avoid picking your nose for the first week or two after surgery. Open your mouth if you sneeze. Sleep with your head slightly elevated and your arms extended.
• Nasal dressing: A gauze pad placed to absorb nasal discharge, such as blood, should be left in place until the discharge stops (usually two days). If the bleeding is severe enough to require changing the gauze every hour, call your doctor immediately.
• Cleaning the nose: Rinse the inside of your nose with saline water as directed by your doctor. If crusting develops around your nostrils, clean the outside only with a cotton swab soaked in a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Never put this cotton swab inside your nose.
• Food and Drink: Avoid spicy and hot foods for the first two weeks. They can increase nasal discharge.
• Activities: Stay home and rest well for a few days. You can start doing light things like walking and doing small household chores after about a week. But you should wait about a month before starting strenuous activities like exercising.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you develop any of the following symptoms during your recovery, inform your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• Uncontrollable heavy bleeding.
• Confusion or lightheadedness.
• A fever of more than 38.8 Celsius (102 Fahrenheit).
• Stiff neck.
• A pain that doesn't subside even after taking medication, but rather gets worse.
• Severe headache.
• Difficulty breathing.

Are septoplasty and rhinoplasty the same thing?

No. These two are two.

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that changes the external appearance and shape of the nose.

Septoplasty is a surgery to improve the function of the inside of the nose, which makes breathing easier. However, if you wish, there are times when you can have both surgeries done at the same time, after talking to your doctor.