Model, not actual patient.
Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery can be used to correct the common problem of a deviated septum. The surgeon will determine the exact nature and extent of the deviated septum before creating a customized surgical plan to correct it.
What is Septum Deviation?
The septum bifurcates the nasal cavity into two narrow airways starting at the upper nasal area where it connects to the nostrils. The septum consists of various bone and cartilage sections. The lower part of the septum lies on the anterior nasal spine. This is a supportive bone that can be felt in the region where the nose connects to the upper lip.
Septum deviation is the development or shifting of the septum to one side of the nasal cavity rather than dividing it into two identical airways. The septum may bend to one side developing into an S-shape or bend in the shape of a bow creating a C-shape. These types of deviated septum obstruct airflow slowly damaging the fragile nasal tissues.
The surgeon will reshape either the cartilaginous lower portion of the nose or the bony upper portion of the septum located atop the nose. At times, the septum may move off the anterior spine in a condition known as a caudal septal deviation. For such patients, the surgeon will correct the movement of the septum and relocate its base to the anterior nasal spine.
Some individuals may have a deviated septum since birth while others develop it due to a nasal injury. This can make breathing challenging and also cause recurring facial pain and nosebleeds. Rhinoplasty plastic surgery is a proven way to correct a deviated septum.
Septoplasty Procedure
A septoplasty procedure typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete. The time taken for the surgery depends on the complexity of the deviated septum. The surgeon and patient can discuss beforehand if the septoplasty will be performed under local or general anesthesia.
In general, the surgeon will place an incision in one location on the nose to access the septum. After that, they will ease the deviated septum to the right position. They will remove barriers such as cartilage and unwanted bone fragments. Eventually, the surgeon will reposition the mucous membrane.
The patient may require sutures to ensure that the septum and membrane stay in place. At times, using cotton to pack the nose is enough to help the septum and membrane remain in their place.
Recovery
The surgeon will perform septoplasty on an outpatient basis unless a major complication occurs. Therefore, the patient can go home on the day of the procedure itself. The nose will be swollen, painful, and stuffed with cotton to prevent bleeding. The packing will be removed within one or two days after the surgery.
To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.
