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The Need for and Processes Involved in Septoplasty Surgery

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septoplasty-surgery The human body is an expert machine with millions of separate parts and systems that work independently but provide cohesive function and operation for the whole body. However, there are some instances where a growth defect or development condition can cause a disruption in normal, healthy function.

A deviated nasal septum is a quite common health condition that can be repaired with a routine surgical procedure known as septoplasty surgery. Understanding the reason for the surgery, the procedure, and the symptoms associated with a deviated septum will help patients prepare for the surgery and alleviate most worries and concerns.

What is the Nasal Septum?

Septoplasty surgery, also known as submucous resection or nasal septal reconstruction, is a surgical process that is designed specifically to repair a deviated septum. The nasal septum in the human body is a thin membrane of tissue that acts as a barrier between the two nasal passages. Every human has two nostrils, and these nostrils typically alternate dominance throughout the day. The nasal septum helps with nose structure and healthy respiration. A human nasal septum is made of both bone and cartilage. When this material is not straight, because of birth defect, growth defect, or injury, the condition is revered to as a deviated nasal septum, and this can make breathing difficult or cause breathing disorders such as snoring or sleep apnoea.

Who Needs Septoplasty Surgery?

Very few people have a perfectly straight nasal septum. However, most people have only a slight offset in the nasal septum, and this very rarely causes breathing disorders. If a serious deviation is detected or a patient has difficulty breathing, especially at night, septoplasty surgery may be required. Sometimes, septoplasty surgery is required as a prerequisite for other surgical procedures such as the removal of nasal polyps or as part of a rhinoplasty procedure.

How is the Surgery Performed?

Before the surgery begins, a surgeon will use a very thin, lighted device known as an endoscope to evaluate the shape and direction of a patient’s nasal passages. This helps the doctor to plot the shape of the nasal septum and evaluate the level of deviation. Some specialists perform the surgery with the aid of the endoscope while others prefer an open approach to repair serious deviation. Typically, this surgical procedure is a day surgery or overnight stay operation, and it takes less than two hours from start to finish.

If you have questions or concerns about septoplasty or the processes involved in septoplasty surgery see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a nose surgeon.

 

Rhinoplasty and Other Treatments for Sleep Apnea

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rhinoplasty-for-sleep-apnea

If you suffer from poor sleep due to heavy snoring or sleep apnea, you may feel fatigued on a regular basis. You may also feel alienated from your spouse or partner, as they cannot sleep through the noise every night. Snoring and sleep apnea might seem like minor issues to people who are not familiar with them or who have never gone for long periods of time without getting a full nights sleep.

What can you do to solve your sleep apnea or snoring problem? Ear, nose and throat doctors recommend several forms of treatment, ranging from simple changes in lifestyle to more invasive procedures, such as rhinoplasty surgery.

About sleep apnea

First of all, let’s define what we are talking about when we discuss sleep apnea and snoring. Apnea episodes are gaps in breathing. Most people experience these during the night at some point or other, but their duration is so short, and there are so few of them that they are not noticeable at all.

However, when a person has sleep apnea, these gaps in breath are much more pronounced and more frequent. The person experiencing sleep apnea will stop breathing altogether for a few seconds. They will seem to struggle and heave until they inhale again abruptly, usually in between loud snores.

These episodes may or may not wake the sleeper in that moment. Whether they do or not, they will affect the quality of sleep that the person is getting. Chronic fatigue and exhaustion are highly associated with sleep apnea.

Lifestyle changes

Quite often, breathing problems during sleep can be exacerbated by excess body weight, and they can even be made worse by sleeping in the wrong position. If your snoring and/or sleep apnea are new developments since you have gained some weight, they can often be alleviated by increased exercise and a better diet to lose weight.

Sometimes, eating or drinking dairy products close to bedtime can exacerbate snoring and apnea issues by thickening the mucous in the throat. Drinking lots of water and eating a healthy diet can help. If you have gained weight recently and are not sleeping well, talk to your doctor about how you can decrease the occurrence of sleep apnea and snoring.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

If the apnea is moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe the use of a continuous positive airway pressure machine. These have a breathing mask that you strap on, and resemble the trunk of an elephant. While they can greatly improve your breathing while you sleep, getting comfortable wearing one while you sleep can be a big adjustment. That is why more and more people are choosing rhinoplasty for a permanent solution to snoring and sleep apnea.

Rhinoplasty

Popular opinions may be that people get rhinoplasty surgery because they want smaller, straighter noses, but that is not always the case. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best or getting a surgery that will help you feel better about your appearance, rhinoplasty is often performed to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.

Often, sleep apnea and snoring are both caused by blocked airways. You may notice that you snore more often or louder when you have a cold or sinus infection. Chronic snoring or sleep apnea can also be caused by a broken nose healing at a different angle, or it can be a case of airways that have never been fully clear. These are cases in which a simple rhinoplasty surgery can correct a potentially serious medical problem.

If you have questions about nose problems or are interested in nose rhinoplasty make an appointment to see our rhinoplasty specialist.

References

  1. Sleep apnea treatments and drugs- Mayo Clinic
  2. Sleep apnea treatments – WebMD

Treating Nasal Obstructions with Rhinoplasty

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nasal-obstructionsAbout Functional Rhinoplasty

Nasal obstructions can make breathing difficult but a skilled surgeon can use a rhinoplasty procedure to make breathing much easier.

Besides cosmetic rhinoplasty, which is for appearances only, there is another type of procedure known as functional rhinoplasty. In this surgery, the surgeon seeks to improve the function of your airway without changing the contours of the nose.

Some patients would fall into both categories. Many people have noses that are misshapen, which can cause abnormalities in nasal function.

Airway Obstruction

Some common symptoms of airway obstructions include:

  • Mouth breathing (particularly at night)
  • Nasal congestion
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Dry mouth

Side effects of airway obstructions include sleep disturbance, dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, sinus headaches, recurring sinus infections and nosebleeds. If the obstruction is not treated, you may develop obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension or insomnia.

Surgical Correction of Blocked Nasal Passages

In cases that are not complicated, a surgeon can restore proper nasal function by treating the internal passages, while not altering the exterior of the nose.

Nasal Septoplasty Surgery

This procedure was developed to correct occasions where the dividing wall between your nostrils is twisted, bowed or bent. This results in blocking of one or both passages. Septoplasty utilizes surgical techniques that straighten the partition and open up blocked airways. This procedure does not take long – usually a half hour or less – and recovery is not difficult.

Treating the External Nasal Framework

Eliminating blockages in the interior of airways works for many patients. If you have a more severe form of airway obstruction, your surgeon may operate on the external framework of your nose. If your nose is pinched, collapsed or deviated, the problem will not be cured with internal surgery alone.

In cases like these, your surgeon will use techniques of rhinoplasty to enlarge, reinforce and straighten the external nasal passages that are obstructed. This will give you an air passage that is unobstructed.

Collapse of Nasal Valves

Many cases of obstruction of external nasal airways are caused by the collapse of nasal valves. This area is the narrowest part of the airway, and it filters incoming air. The nasal valve normally will collapse during deep breathing, such as breathing during exercise. Otherwise, it remains open.

In noses that have been altered by aging, surgery, disease or injury, the skeletal support for the nasal valve is not adequate and you may develop valve collapse. There are a number of sophisticated techniques used in these cases, but no one procedure works for everyone. Techniques should be chosen based on your variations in nasal contour, tissue strength and anatomy.

Even if you would prefer a slender nose, you may have to be willing to accept the best your surgeon can do, while still allowing enough space for the passage of air. Cosmetic surgeons are also trained in the prevention of nasal valve collapse.

Improving the Function and Appearance of the Nose

Every year, thousands of people have nasal surgery. Some have it for cosmetic reasons, but other surgeries are used to correct breathing issues by removing obstructions. If you have these issues, consult a physician who is schooled in the function of nasal airways, as well as in plastic surgery. It is vitally important that the highest priority is efficient breathing.

Is Surgery an Option for People with Chronically Stuffy Noses?

If you suffer from recurring stuffy nose issues, you may have breathing problems that will not respond properly to standard treatments. When the blockage is related to nasal structure abnormalities, surgery may be a viable option.

There are many nasal obstruction causes, states ENTnet.org. The septum may be bent or crooked, due to injury or abnormal growth. This may cause blockage in one or both passages. Surgery to correct these problems is considered functional, rather than cosmetic. Some people have both types of surgery at the same time.

If you have questions about treating nasal obstructions with rhinoplasty make an appointment to see our rhinoplasty specialist.

Reference

ENTnet.org

Nose Rhinoplasty

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nose-rhinoplastyThere are many reasons why someone may require nose rhinoplasty. An individual might have a hooked or misshapen nose that is out of keeping with their other facial features. This may cause them to feel discomfort. Another person may have had a series of injuries that has left their nose crooked. Yet another person might have a normal shaped nose but suffer from breathing difficulties, due to the internal structure of their nasal bone and cartilage.

Yet these different types of issues are unnecessary with modern medical technology. Rhinoplasty can safely and effectively fix these problems and turn an otherwise uncomfortable problem into a beautiful and functional nose.

The Benefits of Rhinoplasty

About Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Many people are simply uncomfortable with the shape or size of their noses. However, there is no need to suffer with a crooked or big nose, since this is a surgical fix available.

Best of all, cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically minimally invasive surgery, so the recovery time is generally fairly quick. This means that you will get to enjoy the benefits of your nose after the routine procedure.

Repairing an Injury

Sustaining repeated injuries to your nose could be very damaging and leave you with a blocked nose that can be more prone to sinus infections. While most people think these injuries only affect boxers, there are many other professions in which broken noses are very common. Police officers consistently struggle with violent offenders, and the average officer on the street can expect a couple of broken noses in their career.

Additionally, besides the aesthetic concerns, these injuries can create the potential for breathing problems and increased sinus infections. The good news is that receiving a rhinoplasty operation will repair the nasal structure and improve breathing.

Fixing Breathing Problems

Some people have normal shaped noses but the internal structure of their nasal bone and cartilage can still cause them breathing difficulties. These individuals can experience difficulty with sleeping and sports, since they are not able to inhale as much oxygen as someone without obstructed nasal passages. Receiving rhinoplasty for this condition can provide benefits in terms of breathing.

If you have questions about nose problems or are interested in nose rhinoplasty make an appointment to see our rhinoplasty specialist.

 

About Rhinoplasty Recovery

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rhinoplasty-recovery

Rhinoplasty is frequently referred to as a “nose job”. It is a surgical method used to alter the nose shape or allow it to perform its functions properly. Cosmetic rhinoplasty improves the appearance of your nose by changing its size or shape, says Medicine Net.

People who are unhappy with the shape or size of their noses may be good candidates for cosmetic rhinoplasty. It is also imperative that you are in good health and have only realistic expectations for the procedure.

You will have time to discuss your expectations with the surgeon who will be performing your rhinoplasty. You’ll let him know what you would like to see changed, and he will tell you if that can reasonably be accomplished.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty – It’s Not Just for Celebrities

If you’ve been self-conscious for years about the shape of your nose, you will find that rhinoplasty can correct issues with the appearance of your nose and help you feel good about yourself.

How Is Rhinoplasty Done?

This procedure is usually done on a day surgery or overnight stay basis. You will be under local and general anaesthesia. Incisions will be made in the nostrils or the base of the nose. Then, the inner cartilage and bone are reshaped, giving them a more aesthetically pleasing look.

In some procedures, minor amounts of cartilage will be removed. The shape change will be accomplished by remolding the cartilage you have or by adding grafts. In this procedure, the nose maintains its structural integrity.

Can Rhinoplasty Create a Natural-Looking Nose?

Under the hands of the right facial plastic surgeon, you can have a nose that will appear natural, even after you have had rhinoplasty done. A qualified surgeon can correct cosmetic flaws and create a better-looking nose.

To ensure that your nose will still look natural, a surgeon will need to take into account your facial anatomy, as well as your facial bone structure and the shape of your skull. He will also make note of the location of ears, lips and eyes and put the picture together so that your “new” nose will be as natural looking as possible.

Is There an Ideal Shape for a Nose?

According to Cosmetic Nose Surgery, there is not one single shape of nose that will compliment the beauty of each face.

Surgical changes made during a rhinoplasty procedure enhance the features of the face and emphasize its natural beauty. Surgeons can help you to see the facial features that allow you to be unique, and then describe any changes that will enhance your overall appearance.

What’s Involved with Rhinoplasty Recovery

Nasal splints are usually used for about a 10 days after a procedure. There is generally bruising and swelling around the eye area, and this will improve after several weeks. It won’t be totally faded for about two weeks.

After the two week period, you may still notice some swelling, although it won’t be obvious to others. This swelling may take a total of six months or more to completely go away. After your nose is healed, you will see its final shape.

After your rhinoplasty, you shouldn’t engage in any strenuous activities for three weeks to a month. Social gatherings may still be attended after several weeks, and you can go back to work within a week, as long as it is not strenuous work. In about two or three weeks, others will not notice any indicators that you have had plastic surgery.

Will Your Insurance Policy Cover Rhinoplasty?

Your own coverage will be dependent on your policy and your insurance company. If the procedure is medically necessary, it will often be covered.

If you have questions about rhinoplasty make an appointment see our ear nose and throat specialist.

References

Realistic Expectations of Rhinoplasty

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realistic-expectations-rhinoplastyRhinoplasty is an operation to change the shape of the nose. Many people, from teens to middle age and the elderly have nose reshaping done each year. As a rule, it will be done under a general anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. You may be able to go home the same day. Rhinoplasty surgery employs reduction, augmentation or refinement of the patient’s nose to give a balanced and proportioned nose.

What is a “Nose Job”?

Surgeons call “nose jobs” by the accurate term of rhinoplasty. They can be simple or complex, depending on what is going to be achieved. Everybody’s nose and face is different, so it may not be possible to make your nose look exactly like your perfect nose. Your surgeon will aim to produce a nose that looks natural.

What Are Common Goals of Rhinoplasty?

  • Straightening the bridge of the nose
  • Removing humps from the nose
  • Decreasing or increasing nostril size
  • Reshaping the tip of the nose
  • Opening passages for better breathing
  • Correcting nasal structure following injury
  • Making a nose smaller or larger

Rhinoplasty may be done for medical reasons, or to make your aesthetic purposes, for example, you may have cartilage damage that needs to be repaired or believe that a re-shaped nose would be more proportional for your face.

Risks of Rhinoplasty

Like all surgeries, rhinoplasty also has inherent risks. They include an allergic reaction to anesthesia, infection or bleeding. The associated risk of rhinoplasty for example are:

  • Nosebleeds
  • Numbness
  • Blood vessel bursting on facial skin
  • Scarring at the nose base
  • Permanent nerve damage
  • Swelling
  • Need for future surgeries

Most people do not experience serious problems with rhinoplasty and a qualified surgeon can help in lowering the risks of side effects.

Choosing a Surgeon

Select a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty, so that you can maximize the chance for a good outcome. The procedure should be done in a facility that is accredited. If there are complications, your experienced surgeon and his well-trained team can assess the problem and correct it.

Physical Examination Prior to Surgery

Your physician will do a complete physical exam before your rhinoplasty looking at your overall health, not just your nasal structure. A pre-operative consultation with your surgeon is imperative, so that they know exactly what you want, and you will know whether your goals are realistic. Your surgeon will evaluate your nose and your face, including balance of features, symmetry, surgical scars and skin type.

For your benefit and that of your surgeon, you will probably have photographs taken before and after your surgery. This will show the improvements that are desired, as well as the goals of the surgery.

What is Basic Open Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty modifies the appearance and function of your nose. The work done includes manipulating the bone, lining, cartilage or skin. Most surgeries do not include manipulation of all these parts of the nose. In an open rhinoplasty, your surgeon will make a tiny incision between the nostrils in the columella. Incisions are also made inside your nose. In comparison, a closed rhinoplasty will only involve interior incisions.

After Rhinoplasty

After you have a nose job, your recovery will take patience on your part and support from friends and family. Keep your head elevated for 24 hours, or more, immediately following the surgery and the swelling can be managed using cold compresses and medications. Some patients are discouraged when they see the facial swelling immediately after their surgery. This is where you will need to exercise patience. When the redness and swelling go down, you will be much more pleased with the results.

It is important that you discuss your expectations with your surgeon. Realistic expectations of rhinoplasty are essential. If you have questions about rhinoplasty surgery make an appointment to see our rhinoplasty specialist.

A combined septoplasty and turbinate reduction procedure can improve nasal function

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combined-septoplasty-turbinectomyPeople who rarely experience nasal breathing issues may take the ability to breathe through the nose for granted. However, those who have nasal breathing problems can experience severe health disorders such as snoring or sleep apnoea, which can disrupt normal sleeping patterns.

For patients who have unsuccessful medical management, a combined septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgical procedure may be effective at restoring normal breathing and eliminating health issues.

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a common surgery that can help to improve the structure of the nasal septum and straighten any structural deformities. The nasal septum is a barrier that divides one half of the nose from the other, creating two separate breathing passages. A deviated septum may cause excessive snoring, sleep apnoea, or other breathing problems.

What is a Turbinectomy?

The inside walls of the nose have 3 pairs of long thin bones covered with thin tissue. These bones are called nasal turbinates. Allergies or other nasal problems can cause the turbinates to swell and block airflow. Surgery can be done to fix blocked airways and improve your breathing. A turbinectomy or turbinate reduction procedure is a routine surgical procedure performed for allergic rhinitis and nasal blockage. During this surgery, the turbinates on either side of the nose are partially reduced.

What is the recovery like after septoplasty and turbinate reductions?

There are two common symptoms associated with the recovery process post-surgery. The first is nasal swelling. The large amount of vessels and capillaries within the nasal passages makes swelling an issue for post-surgical patients. Lowering the head or face below the level of the heart, blowing one’s nose or sneezing excessively, and even wearing glasses can worsen the symptoms of swelling during the first few days after surgery.

Bleeding is another common symptom associated with septoplasty and turbinectomy recovery. Individuals who are susceptible to nosebleeds will likely experience some bleeding.

While the post-surgical recovery period for these surgeries can last several weeks, the dramatically improved results achieved through these procedures is usually worth the discomfort. The ability to breathe while awake, and especially during sleep, can dramatically improve one’s quality of life.

If you have questions or concerns about your nose, are  interested in having septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery, make an appointment to see our ear nose and throat specialist.

Treatment for a Broken Nose

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treatment-for-a-broken-nose

A nose break can result from a variety of things, whether physical fights, playful wrestling, even rough sports or accidents like car crashes and falling. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should know about when dealing with a broken nose.

Initial Care

treatment-for-a-broken-nose-xray

In many cases, if the break is minor and your nose has not come out of place, you can take care of your broken nose yourself. In cases like this, you can often avoid a trip to the emergency room and instead go for a check up with your local doctor to learn how to care for the injury yourself.

First of all, take the same steps you would take with a severe bloody nose. You do not want blood draining down the back of your throat, so lean forward and breathe through your mouth.

Secondly, swelling will be the largest immediate sign of a broken nose, so control it with ice. You should put ice on your nose as soon as you can after injury. You should then use ice at least four times a day for the next day or two. Although it may feel good, only use ice for 15 minutes at a time and wrap it in cloth. Your nose is especially vulnerable to getting frostbite if you overuse ice, so make sure not to press the ice down hard.

You can also keep the swelling down by keeping your head elevated. This is especially important when you sleep. Painkillers are also a good plan, as they will help with the swelling as well as pain.

Closed Reduction

If the break is serious enough that either the bones or cartilage in your nose has come out of place, you will need either a closed reduction or a surgery. A closed reduction is a better option if the break is still fairly mild and you can see your doctor within two weeks of the injury. In these circumstances, your doctor can use special instruments to realign your nose without cutting it open. Obviously, recovery is much quicker from this procedure and it is much less invasive, therefore having fewer potential risks.

Rhinoplasty for Injuries

Sometimes a rhinoplasty is needed to realign the bones in your nose. This is essentially the same procedure that you would get to alter the appearance of your nose even if it had not been broken, but is often needed when a break is very severe or the nose was broken some time ago and the appearance has changed.

Rhinoplasty is a significant procedure and although most of the discomfort is greatly reduced after one week, you will need to be conscious of your nose for some time after the surgery is complete.

Make sure to go to a rhinoplasty expert for your procedure and to follow all preparation instructions your doctor or the surgeon may give you. This can include what medications you may need to take or stop taking before or after the surgery, as well as any effects the surgery or anesthetic may have.

If you have questions about treatment for a broken nose contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a rhinoplasty specialist.

Reference

www.mayoclinic.org

What To Do About a Deviated Septum

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what-to-do-about-a-deviated-septum

About symptoms related to a deviated nasal septum

The septum is the wall of tissue that lies between your nostrils. It is common for it to be somewhat displaced to one side or the other, and this is called a deviated septum. A slightly deviated septum is nothing to worry about, but when deviation is severe, it can block your airway and cause problems breathing. If you have a severely deviated septum, you may want to pursue treatment or even surgery to correct this and alleviate symptoms.

Common symptoms

First, you need to determine whether you have a significantly deviated septum. The most obvious symptom is an obstructed nostril. It is normal for the nostril to be blocked a small degree alternating between right and left. This is known as the nasal cycle, and most of the time you will not be aware this is occurring. If you begin to become aware of this cycle, it may indicate nasal obstruction, potentially caused by a deviated septum.

A frequently obstructed nostril may also be correlated with regular nosebleeds. Additionally, you may find or be told that you breathe loudly during your sleep. If these symptoms cause discomfort, or you have them along with repeated sinus infections, you should contact your local doctor who can advise you on nasal issues and deviated septum.

Potential treatments

Generally, there are two treatment options: either medication or surgery. The medications provide temporary relief of symptoms and include those designed to reduce congestion. They could be regular decongestants, antihistamines such as those used for allergies, or nasal steroids designed to reduce swelling.

Surgery for repairing a deviated nasal septum is called a septoplasty and is the only permanent solution to correcting a deviated septum. The invasiveness and effectiveness of this procedure depends on the severity of the deviated septum. However, it is normal for the obstructive symptoms to disappear entirely after a septoplasty.

What is right for you

Ultimately, a discussion with your ENT specialist will help you to decide which treatment option will be better for you. A septoplasty will provide a long term and perhaps a complete solution to your discomfort, but it is not without risk. It is a significant surgery and may cause both short-term and long-term difficulties. In the short term, it will be several weeks before you can casually perform activities that might jostle or bump your nose. In the long term, you might experience a change in your nose shape or a decreased sense of smell.

Although going to an experienced surgeon can help minimise risks, they will still be present. If your symptoms are occasional enough that you do not think you require surgery, medications can suffice. For some individuals, the deviated septum may only be noticed in the presence of other congestive problems. In these instances, the use of nasal sprays or antihistamines can aid in managing both circumstances.

As with any procedure, you need to consult your doctor thoroughly before moving ahead. However, treating your deviated septum and improving your breathing can definitely make you happier and more comfortable as you move through life. Nasal septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure. As long as you are healthy going into the surgery and take the proper precautions afterward, there should not be any serious problems.

If you have questions about what to do about a deviated septum contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see an ear nose and throat specialist.

Reference

www.mayoclinic.org

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