Septoplasty: what is it and how does it improve your quality of life?

Septoplasty is a commonly performed surgery to correct a deviated septum, a condition in which the wall that divides the two nostrils is not properly aligned. This procedure can relieve a range of breathing problems and improve quality of life for people who suffer from chronic nasal obstruction.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about septoplasty, including what it is, when it is recommended, the procedure and recovery.

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty, also known as septal surgery, is a surgical procedure intended to correct a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the structure that divides the two nasal cavities, and when it is deviated it can cause a range of breathing problems.

Why is septoplasty performed?

When the nasal septum is deviated, it can obstruct the airways, which may lead to:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Chronic nasal congestion.
• Snoring.
• Frequent sinus infections.

In addition to breathing problems, a deviated septum can negatively affect quality of life, leaving people feeling constantly uncomfortable or fatigued.

When is septoplasty recommended?

The surgeon will recommend septoplasty when the breathing problems caused by a deviated septum cannot be resolved with other, less invasive treatments, such as medication or decongestants.

Conditions that require surgery:

• Severe deviation of the septum.
• Deviation that causes discomfort or pain.
• Breathing problems that are not relieved by medication.

The septoplasty procedure: how is it performed?

Septoplasty is performed in a surgical setting under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions inside the nose, so that no visible scars are left, and repositions or reshapes the nasal septum.

Steps of the procedure:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general or local anesthesia to ensure they feel no pain during the procedure.

2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision inside the nose, through which the nasal septum is accessed.

3. Correction of the septum: The surgeon removes or realigns the cartilage or bone that is causing the deviation.

4. Closure: The incision is closed and the septum is set in its correct position.

Surgery time and hospital stay

Septoplasty generally takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Most patients do not need a prolonged hospital stay and can go home the same day.

Septoplasty recovery: what to expect

Recovery from septoplasty varies from person to person, but in general the process usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks. During this time, the patient should follow certain recommendations to ensure proper healing.

Common post-operative care:

• Nasal splints: These are placed to help stabilize the septum and allow it to heal correctly.
• Nasal rinses: It is important to rinse with saline solution to keep the nose clean and prevent infections.
• Avoiding exertion: During recovery, activities that involve significant physical effort, such as lifting weights or playing contact sports, should be avoided.
• Pain management: Pain is generally mild and can be managed with medication prescribed by the surgeon.

Possible side effects:

• Swelling and bruising around the eyes.
• Temporary congestion due to internal healing.
• Mild nosebleeds in the first few days.

Benefits of septoplasty

By correcting a deviated septum, septoplasty can bring patients multiple benefits:

• Improved nasal breathing: The main benefit of septoplasty is better breathing, which relieves chronic congestion.
• Reduced snoring: By improving airflow, patients may experience a significant reduction in snoring, which supports a better night's rest.
• Fewer sinus infections: By opening up the airways, recurrent sinus infections may be reduced.
• Improved quality of life: Relief from respiratory symptoms improves overall quality of life, providing more energy and well-being.

Risks of septoplasty

Although septoplasty is generally a safe procedure, like any surgery it carries certain risks, including:

• Excessive bleeding.

• Infection.

• A change in the shape of the nose (although this is uncommon, especially if no cosmetic procedure is performed at the same time).

It is essential to discuss these risks with the surgeon before making a decision.

Conclusion

Septoplasty is an effective procedure for people who suffer from breathing problems due to a deviated nasal septum. In addition to improving breathing, it can relieve other problems such as snoring and recurrent sinus infections, which significantly improves quality of life. If you suffer from chronic congestion or breathing problems, seeing an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can be the first step toward finding out whether septoplasty is the right option for you.