Do you struggle to breathe through your nose, even when you’re not winded or congested? This is actually rather common, and it can occur due to issues with the structures inside your nose. These structural issues are often addressed with a procedure called septoplasty. Septoplasty is a type of sinus surgery, and it’s one of the most frequently performed operations for patients with structural issues in the nose.
What Is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed inside the nose that corrects or straightens the wall that divides the two nostrils, known as the septum. This wall is made of cartilage and bone. The surgeon will reshape, remove or move the cartilage and bone of the septum to straighten it. Once completed, the airways become straighter and breathing through the nose becomes much easier. It is minimally invasive, usually done under anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and the procedure itself usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Septoplasty?
The most common reason for septoplasty is a deviated septum. No one has a perfectly straight septum; however, a dramatically crooked septum can interfere with airflow, leading to breathing issues. Some other reasons why you may be recommended for septoplasty include:
- Addressing another condition that blocks your airways
- Treating sleep apnea
- Removing nasal polyps
- Treating chronic sinusitis
- Relieving constant facial pain, facial pressure or chronic sinus headaches
- Stopping recurring nosebleeds
How Long Is Recovery?
The most uncomfortable part of recovery will last a week or two, after which you will start to notice improvements in your breathing and begin to return to your normal activities. However, the deep healing of the septum’s bone and cartilage will continue for several months. Your surgeon will provide comprehensive post-surgery care instructions, including information on safe medication use and the proper use of a nasal spray.
Get lots of rest in the first week, and sleep on your back with your head elevated. You will feel sore and tender in the area around the surgery, and you will have to breathe through your mouth for the first few days.
Consult an ENT Specialist
If you’ve been considering septoplasty or if your doctor has recommended the procedure, but you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to discuss options with an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. Our expert team at Lakelands ENT can walk you through the reasons why it might be a good fit for you and the potential benefits to help you make an informed decision. Call Lakelands ENT today to learn more.
