Why choose septoplasty for the treatment of deviated nasal septum?
Septoplasty is an advanced procedure that involves minor incisions on the inner side of the nose to correct the shape. Some people have deviated septum since birth which means septoplasty can be very important. Some benefits of septoplasty include the following –
- Improved breathing due to improved nasal function.
- Better sleep quality due to improved airflow
- Fewer sinus infections
- Frequency of snoring is reduced
- Improved senses for patients who had a history of the impaired nasal septum.
What to expect during the septoplasty?
The hospital or the ENT specialist usually provides a set of instructions so that the patient does not get anxious during the surgery. Septoplasty takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the medical condition of the patient and the surgical expertise of the surgeon. Septoplasty provides several benefits, and people who undergo septoplasty experience a better quality of life. Here is what you can expect during the surgical procedure of septoplasty –
- You will be given a loose garment to wear before the surgery for comfort and avoid pressure on the surgical site.
- The ENT surgeon will administer local or general anesthesia to reduce the discomfort and numb the pain around the surgical site.
- The ENT surgeon makes a minor incision inside the nose around the cartilage and bone. The ENT specialist aims to correct the nasal septum according to the desired shape.
- Along with septoplasty, the surgeon may also perform rhinoplasty to change the shape of the nose.
- Finally, the ENT surgeon closes the incision using adsorbable sutures or stitches along with some nasal packing to absorb bleeding and nasal fluids.
Recovery after your septoplasty
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure which means the patient can go home on the same day of surgery after consulting the ENT specialist. There may be mild swelling that can last for two to three days. However, full recovery may take around 3 months. Here are some recovery tips after your septoplasty procedure –
- Take adequate rest and avoid touching your nose and mouth.
- Your nose may be bleeding after the surgery and so, avoid sneezing, coughing, etc.
- You can apply an ice pack and cover it with a clean cloth or towel to reduce pain and swelling.
- Prefer sleeping with your head up for around two weeks and avoiding external pressure on the nose.
- Do not shower or bathe for the first 24 hours after the surgery and avoid people to help prevent contracting any disease.