Deviation of nasal septum – an abnormal displacement of any wall that separates two chambers in the nasal cavity with regards to the central nose axis, causing difficulties in air circulation while breathing. Accordingly deviation of nasal septum very often results in deformities of the whole nose axis. It is recommended to cure the deviation of nasal septum by surgery procedures, performing septoplasty – straightening of nasal septum.
Surgery
Nasal septum surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Duration of procedure is 30-60 min. Surgeon works inside nose cavity making an incision in the lining of the septum. The mucous membrane is separated in order to reach the cartilage and bone. The cartilage and bone deviations of septum which caused breath obstruction are eliminated.
Deviated parts of septum are eliminated sparingly in order to preserve structural support. In some cases cartilage membrane after excision of deviated parts is reinforced by thin cartilage plates from both sides. Suture is put on the incision of nose septum lining. Specific tampons are applied to the nostrils, they are removed after 18-24 hours.
Recovery after Surgery
During first or second week after surgery there may appear some watery secretion colored by old blood, there may cumulate some stiffened secretion in the nose, obstructed breathing lasts up to 3-4 weeks.
Suture remains in the nose cavity, it resolves in 2 months. Any dusty premises or excess heat should be avoided after surgery, no severe nose blowing is recommended for about 3 weeks.
Physical exercise should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
Post-operation Complications
General complications such as bleeding or long term surgery wound closing are very rear.
Results
If corrections of nose form and nasal septum are carried out simultaneously, esthetic changes may be perceived immediately upon removal of plaster bandage. Relieved breathing is felt at once as soon as gauze tampons are extracted from nostrils. Long term effect of the surgery is achieved.