Septoplasty


Septoplasty corrects a deviated septum that causes nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing through the nose. It straightens the septum (bone and cartilage that divide the nose into separate nostrils) to allow for better airflow. An incision is made on one side of the nose to access the septum. The doctor lifts the mucous membrane before moving the deviated septum into the correct position. Any extra cartilage or bone is removed. The mucous membrane is repositioned and the incision is closed. Changes made to the outside of the nose are known as rhinoplasty.  If the surgery is only performed on the inside of the nose to address breathing issues, this is known as septoplasty.

Patients that are good candidates for septoplasty include anyone with a deviated septum that causes breathing difficulties. In addition, patients who have a stuffy nose all of the time, or constant nose bleeds, might benefit from the surgery. Anyone who has trouble sleeping through the night because of breathing problems or a person who snores excessively will be able to sleep better thanks to septoplasty.

The cost of septoplasty varies due to any fees charged by the doctor or the facility, the area of the country where it is performed and the amount of the fee charged for anesthesia. In general, the cost is anywhere in the range of $7000-$11,000.

Following the surgery, patients will experience nasal drainage, swelling and pain in the treated area.  After a week, there will be improvements in the swelling and pain. Any drainage and nosebleeds should be done by this point. Patients should limit their physical activities for a few weeks following surgery. It can take up to a year to see the final results but, once they are visible, the results of septoplasty are permanent for the patient.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty

submitted on   Wed Aug, 05, 2015 by Arash Moradzadeh, MD     
Septoplasty is a surgery that corrects a deviated septum and is performed on the inside of the nose to help a patient breathe easier. A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage that separates the nostrils is out of position and causes breathing problems, nosebleeds, and pain. While some might...