Will Deviated Septum Surgery Change the Appearance?
Will Deviated Septum Surgery Change the Appearance of My Nose? A deviated septum is a common condition where the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nostrils is displaced to one side. In some people, this displacement can be severe enough to cause breathing problems and may require surgery. The surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, known as septoplasty, primarily focuses on improving the airflow within your nose.
Many patients contemplating this surgery often express concerns regarding potential alterations to the appearance of their nose. To address these apprehensions, it is crucial to recognize that although the primary objective of septoplasty is the correction of a deviated septum and the improvement of breathing issues, there may be cases where minor changes in the external nasal appearance occur following the surgery. It’s worth emphasizing that any substantial cosmetic adjustments are not typically included in a standard septoplasty procedure unless explicitly discussed with your surgeon.
Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides your nose into two separate nostrils. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is displaced or leans to one side, making one nostril larger than the other. This condition can be present at birth (congenital) or can result from an injury to the nose. Some people with a deviated septum have no symptoms, while others may experience significant breathing difficulties, recurrent sinus infections, nosebleeds, or sleep problems.
Breathing issues related to a deviated septum occur because the displacement can obstruct one or both nostrils. This obstruction hampers the normal flow of air into your lungs, leading to difficulties in breathing, especially when you have a cold or allergies which can further narrow your nasal passages. The degree of difficulty in breathing often depends on the severity of the deviation. In severe cases, it could lead to snoring and even conditions like sleep apnea where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Another implication of having a deviated septum is the impact it may have on your ability to drain mucus from your nose. This impairment can lead to mucus buildup in your nasal passages, resulting in sinus infections. These infections are usually accompanied by symptoms such as facial pain or headaches, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip. In addition, a deviated septum could cause nosebleeds due to dryness in one part of the nose. It’s important to note that not everyone with a deviated septum will experience these symptoms, as they can vary widely based on individual circumstances and how much the septum deviates.
Surgery for Deviated Septum
Septoplasty is the surgical procedure that is typically employed to correct a deviated septum. The primary goal of septoplasty is to improve the airflow through your nose by straightening the septum, thus enhancing your breathing and alleviating symptoms associated with the deviation. This surgery is an outpatient procedure which means you can return home on the same day after recovery from anesthesia.
The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision inside one of your nostrils to access the septum. Using specialized instruments, they then carefully reposition the deviated septum in the midline position. Depending on the extent of deviation, parts of the septum may be removed or reshaped. Once the septum is realigned, it might be necessary to use small plastic splints, sutures, or packing material inside your nostrils to support the septum as it heals. The whole procedure typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
After surgery, you might experience some swelling or bruising around your nose, but these are normal postoperative effects and usually subside within a week or two. You might also feel stuffiness in your nose for a while due to swelling inside your nostrils. It’s crucial to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure optimal healing. This could include avoiding strenuous activities, using saline nasal sprays to keep your nasal tissues moist, and keeping your head elevated when lying down to decrease swelling. It’s important to note that you should start experiencing improved breathing once the initial swelling goes down and will continue to notice improvements over a period of weeks to months as complete healing takes place.
Effects on Nose Appearance
One of the most common concerns among patients considering septoplasty is whether the surgery will alter the appearance of their nose. Generally, septoplasty is a surgery performed within the nose, primarily to improve functionality rather than aesthetics. The incisions are made inside the nostrils and hence, do not leave any visible scars on the outside. Therefore, in most cases, septoplasty does not result in significant changes to the external appearance of your nose.
However, there can be instances where slight changes may occur post-surgery. For instance, if your deviated septum was causing noticeable asymmetry or a crooked appearance to your nose, correcting the deviation may result in some minor visible changes. Moreover, removal or reshaping parts of the septum could potentially alter the structure supporting your nose, leading to subtle changes in its shape or size. However, these changes are typically minimal and often not noticeable except to the patient.
It’s worth noting that if you desire specific aesthetic changes to your nose along with the correction of a deviated septum, you might want to consider a procedure known as rhinoplasty or ‘nose job’. Rhinoplasty is a surgery designed to change the outside appearance of your nose and can be performed in combination with septoplasty. This combined procedure is often referred to as septorhinoplasty. It’s essential to have an open conversation with your surgeon about your expectations regarding both functional improvement and aesthetic outcomes, so they can provide guidance on the best surgical options for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deviated septum surgery make my nose look different?
In most cases, deviated septum surgery focuses on correcting the internal structure of the nose to improve breathing. However, in some instances, slight changes in the external appearance may occur as a result of the surgery. These changes are often minimal and may not be noticeable except to the patient.
Can I request specific changes to my nose during deviated septum surgery?
Deviated septum surgery primarily aims to address functional issues related to breathing. If you have concerns about the appearance of your nose, it's best to discuss them with a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide guidance on potential options. They may recommend combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) if you desire specific aesthetic changes along with functional improvement.
Will insurance cover deviated septum surgery if it's for cosmetic reasons?
Insurance coverage for deviated septum surgery depends on various factors, including medical necessity. While some insurance plans may cover the cost of septoplasty when it is deemed medically necessary to improve breathing, coverage criteria can vary. It's advisable to consult your insurance company to understand their specific coverage criteria and requirements.
Is deviated septum surgery painful?
The surgical procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the operation. However, some discomfort and pain can be expected during the recovery period, which can typically last for a few days. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort you may experience.
What is the recovery time after deviated septum surgery?
The recovery time after deviated septum surgery varies from person to person but generally takes around one to two weeks. During this time, it's normal to experience some swelling, stuffiness, and mild discomfort. It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions, including avoiding strenuous activities, to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
