Septoplasty: Deviated Septum Surgery Explained

Deviated septum surgery treats a fairly common condition. A misaligned septum usually causes no breathing discomfort or related issues. In some cases, however, the airflow through the nose is disrupted and nasal breathing is impaired. This can lead to a number of complications.

Understanding a Deviated Septum

Causes of a Deviated Septum

There are three main causes of a deviated septum:

Physiological – the cartilage and bone of the septum grow unevenly, leading to deformation.
Traumatic – injuries to the nose of any type or origin can deform the septum.
Compensatory – the deviation develops after the growth of a polyp, a tumour, or following vasomotor rhinitis, among other causes.

Symptoms of a Deviated Septum

People with a deviated septum often notice the following symptoms:

nasal congestion and breathing difficulties;
snoring;
frequent inflammatory and allergic conditions;
dryness inside the nose;
a change in the external shape of the nose.

When Deviated Septum Surgery Becomes Necessary

Complications of a Deviated Septum

Alongside impaired nasal breathing, a septal deviation can lead to chronic rhinitis and persistent nasal congestion. In more severe cases it also causes frequent sneezing and coughing, and later leads to headaches. It can also cause oxygen deprivation, bronchial asthma, otitis, and related conditions.

What to Expect from Deviated Septum Surgery

The Septoplasty Procedure

Septoplasty is the operation performed to correct the shape of the nasal septum. A normal septum divides the nose into two equal, symmetrical halves. When the septum bends, it tilts away from the centre of the nose. If the deviation blocks the nasal passages, septoplasty is performed.

Tests Required Before Septoplasty

ECG;
ENT consultation;
general clinical analysis of urine and blood;
biochemical blood analysis;
CT scan of the paranasal sinuses;
blood group and Rh factor;
coagulogram;
blood tests for hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis;
chest X-ray.

How Deviated Septum Surgery Is Performed

The procedure is carried out under local or general anaesthesia and lasts between half an hour and two hours. The incision is made inside the nose, which avoids any visible scarring. After surgery, special nasal tampons are placed in the passages. A fixing bandage is also applied to the outside of the nose.

Contraindications and Recovery

Contraindications to Septoplasty

blood clotting disorders;
severe internal organ disease;
oncological conditions;
infectious diseases;
age under sixteen.

Rehabilitation (Recovery) Period

After septoplasty, the nasal passages are held open with tampons during the healing period. The tampons reduce the risk of bleeding after surgery and stabilise the position of the septum. Once they are removed, you must follow the guidelines below:

limit physical activity as much as possible;
avoid hot drinks;
stop smoking;
for several weeks, avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, and similar activities.

Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

Combining Septoplasty with Rhinoplasty

If you are also unhappy with the external appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty can be performed alongside septoplasty. Because rhinoplasty is considered a purely aesthetic procedure, its price differs from that of septoplasty. In Baku, Azerbaijan, this operation is performed to a professional standard by me, plastic surgeon Dr. Mubariz Mammadli.

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