Having a deviated septum can cause many issues and is the most common reason for carrying out a septoplasty which is often combined with rhinoplasty surgery. Some of these issues may involve sleeping, general breathing and more. The septum is the piece of bone positioned in the centre of your nose which separates your nostrils.
What is a septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure involving reconstruction of the nasal airway for functional benefit. Septoplasty aims to provide improved nasal airflow in patients who suffer from nasal airway obstruction.
Is a deviated septum always the cause of nasal airflow obstruction?
There are a number of recognised medical conditions which can give rise to the feeling of a ‘blocked nasal passage’ including turbinate bone enlargement, septal deviation, external nasal valve collapse, previous surgery resulting in scar tissue and conditions which affect the internal lining of the nose also known as the mucosa. All of the above can result in the development of disordered airflow also known as turbulent airflow or resistance to adequate airflow which can give rise to symptoms and signs of nasal obstruction. Our rhinoplasty surgeons are trained in both aesthetic and functional correction of the nose and septum to correct all types of septal deviation.
What are the causes of a deviated septum?
Many different conditions can cause the nasal septum to become deformed. Some people naturally have a deviated septum although this is uncommon. A deviated septum can occur during birth. This is due to how the birth took place. Also, injury to the face or nose may cause a deviated septum or a broken nose.
Is septoplasty surgery covered by private medical insurance?
In a number of cases, septoplasty may qualify for insurance coverage. Your surgeon will be able to advise you at consultation on whether septoplasty can be covered by your insurance policy.
Can a rhinoplasty be combined with functional nasal surgery or septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty surgery is very commonly combined with septoplasty and this procedure is known as a septorhinoplasty. Combining a rhinoplasty and septoplasty together means you can have one combined procedure instead of two separate procedures with the need for separate anaesthetic and hospital visits. In many cases cartilage which is removed from the septum can be used during rhinoplasty surgery as a structural graft. By choosing to have a cosmetic rhinoplasty after your septoplasty procedure may then mean that this valuable cartilage from the septum is then not available for use as a structural graft during rhinoplasty and your surgeon may then need to remove cartilage from either your ear or ribs. Combining the two procedures also means a single recovery period rather than having to undergo to separate recovery periods.
How is a septoplasty performed?
Septoplasty can be performed under both local and general anaesthetic. For a septoplasty, it is often carried out as an open procedure to fully visualise the septum making it easier to see where the septum deviates although can also be carried out as a closed procedure sometimes under local anaesthetic. The surgeon will next then remove the part of the septum which is causing the issue and reattach it in the correct position. After the bone is secured the nose will be closed with stitches.
How does a septoplasty differ from a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure which alters the size and shape of someone’s nose most commonly for aesthetic purposes but also as part of a nasal reconstruction procedure. Rhinoplasty surgery is more for changing the appearance of the nose. However, a septoplasty is more for functionality. Having a deviated septum hinders your breathing and ability to sleep comfortably.
What is nasal reconstruction surgery?
Nasal reconstruction is a surgical procedure to restore structure and function to the nose. There are a number of potential reasons why a patient may require nasal reconstruction including a poor outcome following a previous rhinoplasty procedure, cancer, trauma or dog bites.
If you need to need to undergo a septoplasty we advise you to book a consultation with a rhinoplasty surgeon at Centre for Surgery to get the best advice.