Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and a high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systemic nasal breathing disorders is septal deviation. This problem cannot be solved with drops and tablets. Only plastic surgery can help.
Why is a nasal septum needed?
The nasal septum is a plate that includes parts of the bones and cartilage, covered with a mucous membrane. She divides her nose into two parts. This characteristic of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is necessary for filtering and heating the air. If it were a single cavity, it would be quickly depleted and would not be able to fully perform its functions. Thanks to the baffle, each half of the nose works alternately, which ensures continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum supports the shape of the nose, since it is its skeleton.
Symptoms of curvature
A patient with this pathology is concerned about:
- nasal congestion;
- headaches;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- reduction of working ability, quality of life;
- rapid fatigue.
The plastic surgeon states the following statistics:
According to recent studies, less than 25% of people in the world have a uniform septum. Many of them do not mind, because the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This group of patients does not need any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, then it is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is nasal septum correction surgery performed?
Before septoplasty, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist and a complete examination. A CT scan is done first. It allows you to fully study the structure of the septum, determine the scope of the operation. You will also need to pass several tests:
- clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- blood chemistry;
- coagulation;
- blood for numerous infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- cardiogram;
- fluorography.
All this is necessary in order to exclude possible contraindications for surgical intervention.
Correction of the nasal septum is performed under anesthesia with the addition of a local anesthetic. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the intervention according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of an aesthetic defect after surgery.
- Further actions depend on the type of fault. If there is an insulated spike or ridge, then it is removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, then the barrier is partially destroyed and "created" anew.
- Mucosal suturing. Self-absorbing threads are used.
- Silicone splints are inserted into the nasal passage and sutured. These are plates that maintain the proper shape of the nasal septum, prevent the formation of septal hematoma and accelerate the healing process.
The duration of nasal septum plastic surgery depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can vary from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After the surgery, the patient must spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after septal correction surgery
After the operation, the patient needs a stationary regime. Antibacterial, hemostatic therapy and pain medications are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the splints, constantly rinsing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, hematomas and swellings on the face may appear, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling in the nasal cavity and splints.
Splints are removed 7-10. Nasal breathing improves, but not completely due to constant swelling.
After that, the patient should rest at home for another 4-5 days. In the first 2 weeks you need:
- give up hot baths, saunas, baths;
- limit physical activity;
- do not blow your nose hard;
- limit sleeping on your back and wearing glasses.
Your doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays aimed at speeding up the healing of the mucosa and restoring the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The final result can be assessed after 2-3 months, when the edema completely disappears and the healing processes are completed.