Deviated Septum Fixing

?️ Deviated Septum Fixing (Septoplasty)

Deviated septum fixing is a common surgical procedure called septoplasty. Its primary purpose is to correct a crooked or displaced nasal septum and rhinoplsty surgery in riyadh(تجميل الأنف في الرياض)—the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nose into two separate air passages (nostrils). Unlike rhinoplasty, which focuses on cosmetic changes, septoplasty is performed to improve breathing and resolve chronic functional issues caused by the deviation.

Understanding the Deviated Septum

A nasal septum deviation occurs when the septum is significantly shifted away from the midline. This misalignment can be present from birth or result from an injury or trauma to the nose.

• Impact: A deviated septum can significantly narrow one or both nasal passages, leading to:

  • Nasal Obstruction: Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially on one side.

  • Chronic Sinus Issues: Poor drainage leading to recurrent infections.

  • Nosebleeds: Due to turbulent airflow drying the septal surface.

  • Snoring/Sleep Apnea: Worsening breathing difficulties during sleep.

The Septoplasty Procedure

Septoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia and usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

1. Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision, usually on one side of the septum, inside the nose.

2. Lifting the Mucosa: The delicate mucous membrane (the lining of the septum) is carefully lifted away, exposing the underlying deviated cartilage and bone.

3. Reshaping/Removal: The surgeon then excises (removes) the most severely crooked portions of the cartilage and bone. The remaining cartilage may be reshaped, repositioned, or scored to help it straighten out. The goal is to preserve as much septal tissue as possible while creating a straight, open passage.

4. Repositioning: Once the septum is straightened, the mucous membrane is laid back over the repaired framework.

5. Closing and Stabilization: The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. The surgeon may use soft plastic splints or internal sutures (not the older, uncomfortable "packing") for temporary support to hold the repaired septum in place during the initial healing phase.

Septoplasty vs. Septorhinoplasty

It's important to differentiate between the two related procedures:

• Septoplasty: Focuses strictly on function—straightening the internal septum to improve airflow. It does not typically change the external appearance of the nose.

• Septorhinoplasty: This is a combined procedure. It addresses the functional issues of the septum and the cosmetic issues of the external nose (like a hump, bulbous tip, or crooked bridge). This is often necessary when the external nose is also visibly crooked due to the underlying septal deviation.

Recovery and Results

Recovery is generally straightforward and shorter than a full rhinoplasty:

• Immediate Post-Op: You'll likely experience some swelling and bloody discharge. Any splints or dissolvable packing are usually left in for 3 to 7 days.

• The First Week: Rest is crucial. Avoid strenuous activity and blowing your nose forcefully. Congestion is normal and often worse than before surgery due to swelling.

• Long-Term: Significant improvement in breathing is often noticed within 3 to 4 weeks as internal swelling subsides. The final shape and stability of the septum are typically achieved within 3 to 6 months.

Note: While septoplasty is highly effective for fixing structural breathing issues, it does not treat other sources of congestion, such as allergies or turbinate swelling. These issues may be addressed separately (e.g., through turbinate reduction) at the time of septoplasty if needed.