Septoplasty-Nasal Cartilage Curvature Surgery

What is Septoplasty (Septum Deviation Surgery)?

Septoplasty is a nasal cartilage and / or bone curvature and / or bone curvature, i.e. deviation surgery, which aims to correct the curvature of the septum (septum deviation), which usually occurs as a result of nasal trauma, consists of cartilage and bone removal or rearrangement of the cartilage structure, and does not change the shape of the nose. Septorhinoplasty is a surgical intervention that aims to correct both the curvature of the septum, fracture in the bone or cartilage, and the deformity of the outer part of the nose and appearance disorders such as arched structure, low nasal tip, deformation of the wings of the nose.

In addition to the septum, there is a nasal meatus (concha) inside the nose that moisturizes the nose and facilitates the passage of the air taken in. Swelling and growth (hypertrophy) occur in the turbinates due to different reasons, especially the pressure of deviation. Even if the septum is corrected, the turbinates make breathing difficult due to its deteriorated structure. For this reason; in most septoplasty surgeries, the turbinates are also intervened.

Why is Septoplasty (Septum Deviation Surgery) performed?

A deviated septum causes nasal congestion, and nasal congestion leads to other conditions or diseases that cause the inability to breathe comfortably. However, since deviation is present at a certain level in many people, not all septum curvatures are treated. When deciding on surgery, the degree of deviation, the severity of breathing difficulties and whether these problems cause other diseases or trigger existing diseases are considered.

Symptoms such as recurrent sinusitis or pharyngitis, nosebleeds, nasal discharges, nasal congestion, loss of smell, chronic headache, excessive snoring caused by breathing difficulties, sleep disturbance, dry mouth, throat infections are considered sufficient for septoplasty surgery.

How is Septoplasty (Septum Deviation Surgery) performed?

First, a diagnostic examination is performed for septoplasty surgery. During the examination; The areas that make up the internal structure of the nose such as the septum, the back of the septum, nasal flesh and tissues, sinus canals are examined with the help of radiographic imaging or cameras. Defects in the nose are detected. Simultaneously, examinations deemed necessary for the operation are performed.

One of the general, local or sedation anesthesia types is decided by the surgeon with the patient's opinion. Cartilage or bone curvature, nasal flesh (concha) interventions, if needed, are performed inside the nose with bone cutting (osteotomy) and rasp shaving methods. Septoplasty surgeries are completed without cutting the tip of the nose, by entering through the nostrils and the incision procedures are completely inside the nose, leaving no trace outside the nose. The average operation time is 1 hour. Silicone splints with air passage channels are commonly used instead of tampons.

Who Can Have Septoplasty (Septum Deviation Surgery)?

In young adults and teenagers who have not yet completed their physiological development, growth continues and the appearance and function of the nose may change with the growth of the face. In addition, since surgeries are mostly performed under general anesthesia, being exposed to this procedure at a young age is a great source of stress for both the child and the family.

It is generally accepted that rhinoplasty surgeries are performed after the age of 15-16 for girls and after the age of 17-18 for boys, except in emergency cases and when deemed necessary by the doctor. Pediatric Septoplasty surgeries can also be performed in some special and necessary cases. However, this operation, which is mandatory, is completed with the least possible intervention.

What Should Be Considered After Septoplasty (Septum Deviation Surgery)?

The silicone splints are removed two to three days after discharge on the day of the operation or the next day, or after five to seven days if nasal flesh (turbinate) intervention has been performed. At the end of this period, a shower can be taken to wash only the body without wetting the head area. Within a week, the splints placed on the nose, if any, are removed and the tapes are glued. Normal shower can be taken during this period. On the tenth day, the tapes are removed. In septoplasty surgery; the stitches placed in the nose fall off spontaneously within 15-20 days. You can swim in the pool or sea 15 days after the operation. Then the control process to be carried out by the doctor begins.

In every period of the healing process, the nose should be protected from impacts and trauma should be prevented.

What is the recovery period after septoplasty (septum deviation surgery)?

During the application, blood leaking from the intervened soft tissues can collect in the detention pits. For this reason, bruising and swelling may be seen around the eyes after surgery. Especially in white-skinned people, postoperative bruising is seen a little more. There may be mild bleeding for 1-2 days. Afterwards, slimy discharge and crusting occurs.

There is no restriction in eating and drinking after the second day. After the bandages are removed on the tenth day, normal daily life can be resumed and airplanes can be boarded. Do not go out in the sun as long as the bruising around the eyes does not disappear, and if you have to go out, you must wear a hat.

In the days following the operation, if excessive bleeding, inflammation, adhesions in the nose and excessive pain are felt in the nasal area, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.

If you have difficulty breathing and frequently experience problems such as sinusitis, headaches, snoring, nasal and nasal discharge, you can contact us using our contact information.