Deviated septum is a common problem, which can be corrected with rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery. Once the surgeon has diagnosed the precise nature and extent of the deviated septum, they can create a customized surgical plan to correct it.
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.
What is Septum Deviation?
The septum divides the nasal cavity into two tapering passageways starting from the upper area of the nose where it links to the nostrils. The septum comprises of various sections of bone and cartilage. The lower part of the septum sits on the anterior nasal spine. This is a supportive bone you can feel in the area where your nose meets the upper lip.
The deviation of the septum refers to development or shift to a single side of the nasal cavity instead of demarcating two identical passageways. The septum can bend to one side, creating an S-shape or bend in the shape of a bow forming a C-shape. These kinds of deviated septum can restrict airflow gradually damaging the delicate tissues in the nose.
The surgeon will reshape either the bony upper parts of the septum located at the top of the nose or the cartilage based lower portion. The septum can also shift off the anterior spine. This condition is called caudal septal deviation. In such cases, the surgeon will rectify the movement of the septum and relocate its base to the anterior nasal spine.
While some people have a deviated septum since birth, others can develop it due to an injury to the nose. This can pose a problem in breathing. A deviated septum can also lead to recurring facial pain and nosebleeds. The only way to address a deviated septum is through rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery.
Septoplasty Procedure
The time taken for a septoplasty surgery usually ranges between 30 and 90 minutes. The actual duration of the surgery depends on the complexity of the deviated septum. The patient and surgeon can discuss whether the procedure will be performed under general or local anesthesia depending on what will produce the best results.
In a typical procedure, the surgeon places an incision on one area on the nose to gain access to the septum. The surgeon will then ease the deviated septum to the correct position. Barriers such as cartilage or useless pieces of bone are removed. The final step entails the repositioning of the mucous membrane.
The patient may need sutures to ensure that the membrane and septum are kept in place. Sometimes using cotton to pack the nose is sufficient to ensure that the membrane and septum stay in their place.
Recovery
Septoplasty is carried out as an outpatient surgery unless a significant complication occurs, so the patient can return home on the day of the surgery itself. The nose will be painful, inflamed, and stuffed with cotton to prevent bleeding. This packing can be taken out within a day or two after the procedure.
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.
